The full text on this page is automatically extracted from the file linked above and may contain errors and inconsistencies.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
JAMES J. DAVIS, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ETHELBERT STEWART, Commissioner
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON
1927
C E R T I F IC A T E
T h is p u b lic a tio n is issued p u rs u a n t to th e
provisions o f th e s u n d ry civil a c t (41 S ta ts.
1430) ap p ro v e d M a rc h 4, 1921.
A D D IT IO N A L C O P IE S
O F THIS PUBLICATION M AY BK PRO CURED FROM:
T H E S U P E R IN T E N D E N T OF DOCUM ENTS
U .S .G O V E R N M E N T P R IN T IN G OFFICE
W A SH IN G TO N , D . C.
AT
15 C E N T S P E R C O PY
U
n it e d
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
S u b s c r ipt io n P r ic e P e r Y e a r
a n a d a , M e x i c o , $1.50; O t h e r C o u n t r i e s , $2,25
Sta tes, C
C o n te n ts
Special article s:
Page
Increase in union wage rates in 1927____________________________ _
1-8
9-16
The International Federation of Trade-U nions____________________
The unionization of labor in C hina_______________________________ 16-29
Productivity of labor:
Labor productivity in copper m ining._____ _______________________
30
Productivity of labor of seam en__________________________________ 30, 31
M achines for th e harvesting of cotton____________________________ 31-33
Industrial relations and labor conditions:
The problem of th e unskilled laborer w ith a large fam ily___________ 34-38
Effect of low income upon health ________________________________ 38-41
Industrial relations in the p o ttery in d u stry _______________________ _ 41-45
An em ployer's view of high wages and industrial relations__________ 45-49
Labor conditions in th e Philippine Islands________________________ 49-56
R eport of British mission on European coal situation______________ 56, 57
English lim itation on mining recruitm ent_________________________ 57, 58
Protection of Indian workers in A rgentina____ ___________________ 58, 59
Industrial accidents:
Accident rates for the iron and steel industry, 1922 to 1926________ 60-62
Accident experience of selected industries in 1925 and 1926_________ 62-80
Desirability of more detailed reports on electrical accidents________ 81, 82
In d u strial hygiene:
Lead poisoning in an enameling p la n t____________________________ 83, 84
Chronic benzol poisoning among women__________________________ 85-87
Plan for a departm ent of industrial medicine in Stanford U niversity. 87-89
Chile— Occupational diseases defined_____________________________ 89, 90
G reat B ritain— Industrial poisoning and diseases in factories, 1926. _ 90-93
Poland— Prohibition of the use of white lead____ _________________
93
H ousing:
Average construction cost of dwellings in various cities_______ _____94-96
97
Modern houses for workers in Cali, Colombia_____________________
Labor laws and decisions of courts:
Decisions of courts and opinions affecting labor, 1926______________
98
T ext of the English trade disputes and trade-unions a c t___________99-103
W orkmen’s com pensation and social insurance:
M eeting of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards
and Commissions in 1927____________________________________ 104-106
Unem ploym ent insurance in th e Chicago clothing in d u stry_______ 106-108
England— Widows’, orphans', and old-age contributory p en sio n s._ 108, 109
Child labor:
S tatem ent of th e N ational Association of M anufacturers on child
labor_________________________________________________________
HO
Child endow m ent:
Child endow m ent in New Zealand_____________________________ 111-114
Fam ily endow m ent ac t of New South Wales____________________ 114, 115
Labor organizations and congresses:
R eport of executive council of th e American Federation of Labor,
1927----------------------------------------------------------------------116-120
Philosophy of th e carpenters’ union____________________________ 120-122
L abor’s unem ploym ent conference______________________________ 122-125
Canada— M eeting of Trades and Labor Congress, 1927__________ 125, 126
Ecuador— Confederation of Labor to hold labor congress___________
126
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
in
IV
CONTENTS
Labor organizations and congresses—Continued.
Page
England— M eeting of th e Trades-U nion Congress, 1927__________ 126-128
India— Bombay Textile Labor U nion___________________________ 128, 129
Labor turnover:
Labor turnover in American factories in first nine m onths of 1927_„
130
The problem of labor turnover in hospitals______________________ 131, 132
Negro in industry:
Work of th e Negro In dustrial Commission of Missouri___________ 133-134
Industrial d isp u te s:
Strikes and lockouts in th e U nited States in September, 1927____ 135-140
Conciliation work of th e D epartm ent of Labor in September, 1927_ 140-142
D enmark— Strikes and lockouts, 1920 to 1926------ ------------------------143
England— Conciliation m achinery for railway shopm en__________ 143, 144
Mexico— Labor agreem ent averts shutdow n_______________________
144
Wages and hours of la b o r:
H ourly earnings of employees in railroad freight service, from 1924
to 1927_____________________________________
145
H ourly earnings in Connecticut, 1926__________________________ 145, 146
Wages in Tennessee, 1926_____________________________________ 147, 148
Brazil— Wage increases for railway employees in Bahia____________
148
England— Wages of coal miners________________________________ 148, 149
Mexico— Wages of railway workers in 1925 and 1926------------------- 149, 150
Trend of em ploym ent:
Em ploym ent in selected m anufacturing industries, September, 1927. 151-162
Em ploym ent and to ta l earnings of railroad employees, August, 1926,
and July and August, 1927__________________________________ 162, 163
S tate reports on em ploym ent—■
California------------------------------------------------------------------------- 164, 165
Illinois___________________________________________________ 165, 166
Iow a_____________________________
167
M aryland__________________________________________________
168
M assachusetts____________________________________________ 168, 169
New Jersey______________________________________________ 170, 171
Pennsylvania_____________________________________________ 172, 173
Wisconsin________________________________________________ 173, 174
Wholesale and retail p rice s:
R etail prices of food in th e U nited S tates_______________________ 175-196
R etail prices of coal in th e U nited S tates_______________________ 196-199
Index num bers of wholesale prices in September, 1927 (revised series) 199-201
Average wholesale prices of commodities, July to September, 1927 _ 201-214
Labor aw ards and decisions:
Clothing workers— Chicago___ ___________________________________
215
Fancy leather goods industry— New York C ity--------------------------- 215, 216
Railroads— Decisions of T rain Service Boards of A djustm ent-------- 216, 217
217
Railroad telegraphers— W ashington Term inal Co--------------------------Railway clerks— Illinois C entral Railroad Co--------------------------------217
Im m igration and em igration:
Statistics of im m igration for August, 1927---------------------------------- 218-222
Activities of State labor agencies:
California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, M assachusetts, Missouri,
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin-----------------223
New D epartm ent of Industrial Relations in California-------------------223
Publications relating to labor:
Official— U nited S tates________________________________________ 224-226
Official— Foreign countries_____________________________________ 226-230
Unofficial_____________________________________________________ 231—234
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
This issue in Brief
Union wage rates averaged $1.19 'per hour in 1927 compared with
an average oj slightly less than $1.15 in 1926, according to the annual
survey recently completed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics covering
most of the time-work trades in 66 important industrial cities (p. 1).
The actual case oj a steel worker struggling to support a wife and eight
children on $3.44 Ver duy was discussed at length at a recent session
of the Catholic Conference on Industrial Problems. The company
employing the man reported that he was earning more than the
average laborer in the plant. The discussion at the conference
covered a wide range but there was no agreement as to proper
remedial measures (p. 34).
The serious ejjects oj low earnings upon the health oj workers and
their jamities is shown in a summary of various studies dealing with
this subject. These studies, which cover the different economic
groups and which have been made by various agencies, indicate
clearly that while sickness is, of course, not limited to the poor, both
sickness and death are much more frequent among those with low
incomes than among those with incomes adequate to comfortable
living (p. 38).
That high wages may mean low prices but high profits, and that a
worker’s income should be sufficient to provide for his cultural life
as well as for his physical needs, were two of the interesting points
in a recent address by Mr. Owen D. Young, chairman of the board of
directors of the General Electric Co. The portion of the address
dealing particularly with labor and industrial relations is given in
full on page 45.
The estimated average cost oj building one-jamily and two-jamily
dwellings in 257 identical cities of the United States increased steadily
from 1921 to 1926, the increase in both cases being 19 per cent,
according to information obtained in the studies of building permits
made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the case of multi-family
dwellings the figures for 1921 and 1926 were practically the same,
the peak having been reached in 1924. A comparison of costs in the
first half of 1927 in 14 cities having a population of 500,000 or over
showed that St. Louis had the lowest cost for one-family dwellings,
Buffalo for two-family dwellings, and Los Angeles for multi-family
dwellings, while the Borough of Manhattan had the highest cost for
each class. More detailed information is given on page 94.
Industrial accidents increased in severity in 1926 as compared with
1925 in 18 of the 24 industries for which comparable data are avail
able. This unfortunate result is probably attributable in part to the
speeding up of production without corresponding increase in safety
activities (p. 60).
The hazardous nature of many industrial processes is often not
realized by either employers or workers. This is illustrated by the
conditions discovered in a stove-enameling plant in which practically
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
v
VI
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
all the men were exposed to a serious lead hazard, The most
ordinary precautions against poisoning were not observed, and as a
result a large percentage of the workers showed the effects of the
exposure. Although it might seem that the shocking conditions found
in this plant were exceptional, it is said that the situation might be
duplicated in almost any industrial center. Especially in plants
where lead is used incidentally in one process only, it may be handled
as though it were a perfectly harmless substance and workers may be
continually exposed to lead poisoning without being aware of the
fact (p. 83).
That the 'problem, of unemployment is not insolvable was the conclusion
reached by the conference on unemployment held at Bryn Mawr
College in July under the auspices of the trade-union movement of
Philadelphia. However, "any far-reaching solution involves not
only advance planning but also the cooperation of labor and manage
ment and the consumer in a common task.” Suggested remedies
are given in the account of the conference on page 122.
The child-labor program recently formulated by the National Associa
tion of Manufacturers for the further protection of employed children
14 and 15 years of age provides for (1) an employment certificate
under State authority, (2) physical examinations by physicians desig
nated by the State, (3) the completion of the sixth school grade, (4)
a minimum of four hours a week of continued education, (5) a max
imum of 48 working hours per week for all children under 16 and a
prohibition of night work before 7 a. m. or after 9 p. m., and (6)
strengthening the laws forbidding employment of children in hazard
ous occupations (p. 110).
A large copper refining company increased its output 10 per cent
concurrently with a reduction in the number of employees from 578 to
233, during the period 1918 to 1927. The company further states
that with contemplated improvements not more than 100 men should
be needed to maintain present production (p. 30).
! The New Zealand child endowment act of 1926 is analyzed, by a
New Zealander on page 111. He holds that if such a measure is to be
justified it must be simply in the interest of child welfare and not for
the purpose of changing the birth rate. He also points out that
in considering the dangers of family allowances due weight should be
given to actual present evils.
The 1927 congress of the International Federation of Trade Unions
showed the majority of the membership opposed to cooperation with the
Russian labor organizations. The International Federation of Trade
Unions has a membership of some 13,000,000 in 25 countries. A
brief review of its history, with an account of the 1927 congress, is
given on page 9.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
MONTHLY
LABOR REVI EW
O F U. S. BUREAU O F LABOR STATISTICS
W ASHINGTON
25, n o . 5
vol,
N o v e m b e r , 1927
In crease in U n io n W age R ates in 1927
Summary
NION wage rates have continued into 1927 the steady increase
which has been almost uninterrupted during the past 20 years,
according to the annual survey just completed by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics. This survey covered most of the time-work trades
in 66 important industrial cities, and included over three-quarters
of a million organized workers.
The average hourly rate in 1927 for all the trades covered was
$1.19, as compared with $1.15 in 1926, or an average increase of 4
cents per hour. This upward movement was very general among
the various organizations, but the amount of increase was by no means
uniform and some trades suffered slight losses. Thus, of the 73
time-work trades covered by the survey, 64 obtained increased wages
in 1927 as compared with 1926, while the remaining 9 showed slightly
lower average rates in 1927 than in 1926. The showing by principal
trade groups is as follows:
U
T able
1 .— A V E R A G E
H O U R L Y W A G E R A T E S IN S P E C IF IE D T R A D E S IN 1926 A N D 1927
A N D IN C R E A S E , 1927 O V E R 1920
Average hourly wage
rate
T rade groups
1926
1927
Increase,
1927 over
1926
$0.925
1.278
.663
1.330
.441
.993
.835
$0.957
1.323
.704
1.321
.432
.991
.817
$0.032
.045
.041
1.009
1.009
1.002
1.018
_____________________
.997
1.155
.662
1.021
1.190
.682
.024
.035
.020
Average for all trades 2______________ ______________________
1.148
1.190
.042
B uilding trad e w orkers__________________
Chauffeurs, team sters, an d drivers
__________________________
G ranite an d stone c u tte rs ._________ ______________ . ________ __
L a u n d ry w orkers______________ ____________
Linem en
_____________ ____ _______________ _ . _______ ____
Longshorem en______ ______ ___________________________________
P rin tin g an d publishing:
N ew spaper_____________________
...
1 Decrease.
4 N o t including pieceworkers or street-railw ay m otorm en a n d conductors.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[951]
1
2
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Coincident with the rise in wage rates there was a further reduction
in hours of labor, the average in 1927 being 45.2 hours per week.
Excluding street railway employees, for whom hours of labor were
not obtained, the chauffeurs, teamsters, and drivers had the longest
regular working week—namely 54.7 hours—while of the 73 time-work
trades covered 58 averaged less than 45 hours per week. The plas
terers, as a group, had the shortest regular full-time working period
per week, 42.1 hours, many of their local unions being on a flat 5-day,
40-hour week.
Comparing conditions in 1927 with those in the pre-war year 1913,
union wage rates per hour show an increase of 159.5 per cent and
full-time hours a week a decrease of 7.6 per cent.
The detailed report follows.
Union Scales of Wages and Hours of Labor in May, 1927, by Occupations
IN THE September, 1927, issue of the Labor Review preliminary
* data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics relating to the
union scales of wages and hours of labor were given for 20 trades as
found in 40 cities. This article gives the results of the final compila
tions, by occupations, for 835,924 members of organized trades located
in 66 of the principal cities of the United States as of May 15, 1927.
The study covers the bakery trades, the building trades, chauffeurs
and teamsters, and drivers, the stone trades, laundry workers, line
men, longshoremen, the printing trades, and motormen and con
ductors on street railways. All of these trades are employed at time
rates except some of the lathers and composing-machine operators.
The study does not purport to cover all time-work trades, but it does
cover most of the time-work trades that are found in industrial cities.
Aside from time-work trades there are many trades employed
wholly or mostly at piece rates. These trades frequently have a
multitude of piece rates practically impossible to incorporate in a
general tabulation and difficult to understand by anyone not familiar
with the particular industries. The limitations of the present study
therefore should be kept in mind in using the figures.
The grand average rate for all trades included in this study, not
including pieceworkers and street railway employees, increased from
$1,148 per hour in 1926 to $1,190 in 1927. In all trades taken col
lectively the hourly union wage rate on May 15, 1927, was higher in
the United States than in any preceding year, being 3.7 per cent higher
than on the same date in 1926, 127.3 per cent higher than in 1917,
159.5 per cent higher than in 1913, 174.8 per cent higher than in
1910, and 189.2 per cent higher than in 1907. In other words, union
wage rates per hour were nearly three times as much in 1927 as in
1910, and more than 2y% times as much as in 1913.
All hourly rates have been converted to equivalent weekly rates
and all weekly rates have been reduced to equivalent hourly rates.
Taken collectively, weekly rates in 1927 were 3.2 per cent higher than
in 1926, 114.3 per cent higher than in 1917, 140.8 per cent higher than
in 1913, 153 per cent higher than in 1910, and 163.1 per cent higher
than in 1907. Because of reductions in hours of labor, weekly rates
have not increased to the same extent as hourly rates. In 1927 the
regular hours of labor were five-tenths of 1 per cent lower than in 1926,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[952 ]
3
INCREASE IN UNION WAGE RATES IN 1927
6.1 per cent lower than in 1917, 7.7 per cent lower than in 1913, 8.7
per cent lower than in 1910 and 10 per cent lower than in 1907.
Table 2 shows by index numbers the change in union wage rates
and hours of labor from 1907 to 1927, the base (100) being 1913.
These index numbers include all trades and all cities covered in
preceding years except street-railway motormen and conductors.
Rates of wages per hour were obtained for 57,289 street-railway
motormen and conductors, but their hours of labor are so variable
that no attempt was made to report them. These occupations are
omitted from all three columns of the index numbers below, as of
necessity they could not be included in the second and third columns.
Piece rates are omitted from these index numbers because hourly
rates can not be computed. Pieceworkers, however, and streetrailway motormen and conductors are included in the grand total of
organized membership shown bn p. 2.
The number of trades and cities included in the data has varied
from year to year.
T a b l e 2 .—I N D E X N U M B E R S O F U N IO N W A G E R A T E S A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN T H E
U N IT E D S T A T E S AS O F M A Y E A C H Y E A R , 1907 TO 1927
[1913 = 100]
Index num bers of—
Index num bers of—
Year
1907
_______
1908
1909 _____________
1910
1911 _ .
1912
1913______________
1914
1915 .........................
1916
1917______________
ate of
R ate of Full-tim e Rwages
wages
hours
per
per hour per week fullweek,
tim e
89. 7
91. 0
91.9
94.4
96. 0
97. 6
100.0
101. 9
102. 8
107. 2
114.2
102. 6
102.1
101.9
101.1
100. 7
100. 3
100.0
99. 6
99. 4
98. 8
98.4
91. 5
92. 5
93. 3
95.2
96. 5
97. 7
100.0
101. 6
102. 3
106. 2
112.4
Year
1918......................... .
1919______________
1920______________
1921 _____________
1922...... ...................
1923...... ......................
1924________ _____
1925______________
1926______________
1927 ...........................
ate of
R ate of Full-tim e Rwages
wages
hours
per
week,
per hour per week full tim e
132. 7
154. 5
199. 0
205. 3
193.1
210. 6
228.1
237.9
250.3
259. 5
97. 0
94. 7
93.8
93.9
94.4
94. 3
93.9
93. 0
92. 8
92.4
129.6
147. 8
188.5
193.3
183.0
198.6
214.3
222.3
233.4
240.8
Table 3 shows the average union-wage rates per hour, average
full-time working hours per week, the number of quotations on which
1927 averages are based, and index numbers of hourly rates for the
years 1922 to 1927. The index numbers for the years back to 1907
may be found in Bulletin No. 431 of this bureau, but are omitted
here for want of space. For some trades data were not collected as
early as 1913, hence there can be no index numbers for them on a 1913
base.
In computing an average rate each rate quoted is multiplied by the
number of union members having such rate. The products are added
and the sum divided by the grand total membership; in other words,
the rates are weighted by the number of union members. This
membership is furnished the bureau for this sole purpose and is held
strictly confidential.
The rates for a city may enter into an average one year because the
trade has an effective wage scale, but may drop out the next year
because the trade can not enforce its scale or because the union has
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[953]
4
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
disbanded. Hence the grand average may, possibly, vary to a greater
extent than the rate in any city reporting for both years. The index
numbers are computed from these averages. Index numbers have
not been computed for the several industry groups, except for the
building trades shown on page 8. In Table 3 hourly rates only are
considered. Equivalent weekly rates do not exactly parallel hourly
rates because of changes in working hours.
T a b l e 3 .—A V E R A G E W A G E R A T E S P E R H O U R , 1926 A N D 1927, A V E R A G E F U L L -T IM E
H O U R S P E R W E E K , 1927, A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S O F H O U R L Y R A T E S F O R S E L E C T E D
Y E A R S, B A S E D ON 1913
Trades
Average rate
N u m of wages per
ber of
hour
q u o ta
tions
M ay, M ay, M ay,
1926
1927
1927
M ay,
1922
M ay,
1923
M ay,
1924
M ay,
1925
M ay,
1926
M ay,
1927
Aver
age
hours
per
week
M ay,
1927
273 $0. 925 $0. 957
267.0
276.0
283.5
293.4
277.2
286.8
47.7
Index num bers of rates of wages per hour
[1913=100]
B a k e r y tra d es
B akers________ ________ ____
B u ild in g tr a d e s
A sbestos w orkers____________
B ricklayers_________________
Sewer, tu n n e l, an d caisson.
C arpenters________ _________
M illw rights...... ... ................
P a rq u e try floor layers____
W harf an d b rid g e ..............
C em ent finishers__________
H elpers............ ......................
Com position roofers_________
H elpers ________________
E levato r constructors________
H e lp e r s ...______________
Engineers, portable and hoistin g „ .............................................
G laziers........................................
H od carriers........... ......................
Inside w ire m e n ..........................
Fixture h a n g ers........... .......
Lathers:
Piece w o rk ......................... .
M arble setters.............. ..............
H e lp e rs...................... ...........
M osaic an d terrazzo w o rk e rs..
P ain ters________ _________ _
Fresco.....................................
Sign......... ................... ...........
Plasterers _________ ________
Laborers..................... ...........
P lum b ers a n d gas fitters_____
Laborers_________ _____ _
Sheet-m etal w orkers___ ____ _
Ship carpenters_____________
Slate a n d tile roofers_________
Steam and sprinkler fitters___
H e lp e rs.. ........................... .
Stone m asons....................... .......
Structural-iron w orkers___ _
T ile lay ers.....................................
H elpers...................................
A verage
for
building
37
67
13
46
65
12
13
14
56
3
37
5
45
44
1.247
1. 565
1.914
.851
1.267
1.207
1.439
1. 255
1.321
1.038
1. 267
.932
1. 382
1.002
1.309
1.603
2.101
.854
1.311
1. 389
1.422
1. 317
1. 379
1.060
1. 302
.750
1. 433
1.033
C1)
168.4
149.0
213.9
183.1
C1)
220.6
(B
174.7
216.7
0
0
0
0)
(>)
0
191. 1 202.2
159.6 167.3
218. 1 242.4
204.0 218.3
«
0
222.0 222.0
0)
0)
191.2 211.4
223.4 248.3
0
f1)
«
0)
0
0
0
0
0
213.4
187.1
231.6
222.8
0
215.7
0
212.6
260.8
0
0
0
0
0
226.4
199.2
254.9
238.4
0
253.1
0
226.9
288.0
0
0
0
0
0
231.9
218.6
255.8
246.7
0
250.2
0
236.8
294.1
0
0
0
0
43.9
43.8
43.5
44.8
44.0
43.9
43.7
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
110
29
42
59
14
1.336
1. 239
1.002
1.339
1.216
1.379
1.323
1. 026
1.396
1.206
168.0
l1)
197.1
190.4
192.2
185.5
0)
215.4
197.1
205. 6
197.2
0
224.9
220. 5
221.8
205.7
0
251.5
232.4
220.8
217.2
0
273.8
244.6
234. 7
224.2
0
280.4
255.0
232.7
45.1
44.1
44.1
44.0
43.9
21 27.230
63 1. 434
51 1.417
15
.996
14 1. 240
65 1. 305
10 1. 199
43 1. 530
64 1.595
36 1.058
64 1.381
10
.957
53 1. 291
8
.969
23 1.466
74 1.376
39
.906
54 1.545
72 1. 358
41 1.372
57 1.389
20
.968
9.336
1. 492
1.448
.990
1. 291
1.345
1.335
1.566
1.628
1.068
1.409
.975
1. 330
.860
1. 535
1.415
.947
1. 563
1. 464
1. 420
1.454
.979
0
180.5
157.3
200. 1
0
199. 1
197.2
194.3
173.5
192.6
168.2
0
187.5
0
0)
167.6
226. 1
179.7
166. 6
168. 2
159.2
217.4
0
199.3
178.0
216.2
0
218.7
206. 5
210.0
193.2
212.0
185.6
0
201.9
Í1)
0
175.6
240. 1
212.5
178.4
174.7
174.0
222.4
0)
215.1
186.1
234.3
0
230.5
194. 1
239.2
216.1
227.8
202.4
0
221.7
0)
0)
201.5
266.0
225.2
202.5
193. 7
197.5
242.2
0
234.5
190.0
222.5
0
243. 1
220.0
241.5
219.8
243. 1
206.6
0
229.3
0
0
212.2
273.7
229.5
204. 5
197.9
202.3
248. 9
0
240.6
212.3
246.7
0
257.5
220.1
240.4
236.1
257.2
222.7
0
244.8
0
0
229.7
289. 7
253. 1
218.5
220. 7
212. 0
269.8
0
250.3
217.0
245.2
(B
265.4
245.1
247.2
241.0
259.7
227.2
0
252.2
0
0
236.2
302.8
256.0
235.5
228.5
221.9
272.9
43.7
43.4
44.0
44.0
43.9
42.6
41.7
42 6
42.1
42.3
43.9
44.0
44.0
44 1
44.0
43.9
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
44.0
1,608
1.278
1.323
358
178
.657
.673
.703
.706
536
. 663
.704
43.7
C h a u ffe u r s a n d te a m s te r s a n d
d r iv e rs
C hauffeurs__________ _______
T eam sters a n d d riv ers..............
191.2
212.7
197.7
224.9
205.6
244.7
223. 5
254.3
A verage for chauffeurs
a n d team sters and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 954 ]
242. 1
269. 1
54.2
55.8
54.7
2 P er 1,000 laths.
1 N o d ata for 1913.
226.3
256. 6
INCREASE IN UNION WAGE RATES IN 1927
5
T a b l e 3 __ A V E R A G E W A G E R A T E S P E R H O U R , 1926 A N D 1927, A V E R A G E F U L L -T IM E
H O U R S P E R W E E K , 1927, A N D IN D E X N U M B E R S O F H O U R L Y R A T E S F O R S E L E C T E D
Y E A R S, B A SE D O N 1913—C o n tin u ed
Trades
Average rate
N u m of wages per
ber of
hour
q u o ta
tions
M ay, M ay, M ay,
1927
1926
1927
M ay,
1922
M ay,
1923
M ay,
1924
M ay,
1925
M ay,
1926
M ay,
1927
Aver
age
hours
per
week
M ay,
1927
208.6
181.8
212.7
198.3
214.2
212.9
216.8
221. 9
244.1
241.9
242.6
241.2
44.0
44.0
Index num bers of rates of wages per hour
[1913=100]
G r a n ite a n d s to n e tra d e s
G ranite c u tters........................ .
Stone cutters......................... .
62
54
1.250
1.404
1. 242
1. 400
Average for granite and
stone tr a d e s ________
116
1. 330
1.321
53
42
44
.441
.993
.835
.432
.991
.817
G)
0
195. 9
0
0)
209.2
0
0
238.5
0
0
239.9
0
0
242.0
0
0
236.7
47.8
46. 1
44.7
51
82
69
59
.489
.975
1.085
1.209
.522
.996
1. 105
1. 223
233. 6
211.2
223.4
227.4
244.2
224.0
228.5
241.6
247.6
233.9
238.5
250.6
250.5
236.6
237.4
249.7
235.6
240.8
242.1
252.2
251. 5
246. 0
246.6
255.2
44.8
44.6
44.0
45.5
1
64
22
34
47
150
3. 160
1.121
1.195
1.085
1.218
.827
8. 150
1. 162
1. 234
1.148
1.276
.837
98.7
200.0
198.4
167.0
0
238.0
101. 4
203.8
200.2
169.8
0
266.2
101.4
212. 9
214.4
171.6
0)
263.8
101.4
211.7
210.4
183.7
0
278.8
108.1
215.2
219.9
179.2
0
281.9
101. 5
223.0
227.1
189.6
0
285.3
44,0
44.0
44.0
43.9
44.0
44.3
151
112
1. 119
.932
1. 121
.941
200.8
226. 5
216.7
235.8
223.1
242.9
225.9
244.3
230.5
255.8
230. 8
258.3
44.4
44.4
825
.997
1.021
84
72
1. 120
1.249
1. 149
1. 290
17fi 3
176.2
177 9
178.2
189 0
187.5
193 9
187.4
19fi 7
19T 4
201 R
199.7
45 9
45; 1
9
81
8.154
1.135
3. 150
1.176
120.5
180.6
125.0
183.1
117.8
193.4
135.8
198. 0
138.5
201.6
134.9
208.9
42.9
45.2
8
72
3. 169
1. 260
3. 160
1.268
106.0
174.1
112.3
175.5
110.9
186.4
113.7
189.5
118.6
195.7
112.3
196.9
43.3
44.9
66
56
1.089
1.203
1.144
1. 275
180.2
172.4
180.9
173.0
191.5
183.0
185.3
178.4
185.2
176.5
194.4
187.1
45.9
44.9
11
8
1.038
1.109
1.070
1.204
165. 5
160.4
166.8
151.1
180.7
164.5
178.7
156.8
171.9
161.1
177.2
174.9
46.5
45.6
40
34
1. 213
1.557
1.266
1.541
(>)
0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
44.0
41.7
121
103
1.013
1.155
1. 066
1.220
180.3
167.7
182.4
169.6
199.4
193.2
208.2
200.6
212.2
198.5
223.3
209.7
46.8
42.6
61
55
.992
1.138
1.007
1.141
171.8
172.7
174.9
178.6
180.4
182.8
184.5
188.4
188.1
187.9
191.0
188.4
47.0
43.0
Average for printing and
p u b lis h in g : N ew sp ap er...............................
880
1. 155
1. 190
M otorm en and conductors___
199
.662
.682
Average for all trades 5. . 4, 563
1. 148
1.190
44.0
M is c e lla n e o u s
L a u n d ry w orkers___________
L in em en .__________________
Longshoremen .........................
P r in t in g a n d p u b lis h in g : B o o k
a n d job
B indery w o m e n ........................
B ookbinders______ ______ ___
Com positors......................... .......
E lectroty p ers...............................
M achine operators:
Piece w ork ____________
T im e w ork______________
M achine tenders (m achinists).
M achinist o p erato rs.................
Photo-engravers_____________
Press assistants a n d feeders___
Pressm en:
C y lin d e r...............................
P la te n ........................ .........
Average for p rinting and
publishing: Book and
jo b ................................ .
P r in t in g a n d p u b lis h in g : N e w s -
44.3
paper
Compositors:
N igh t work ________ . .
M achine operators, day work:
Piece w ork______________
T im e w o rk ............
_ __
M a c h i n e o p e r a t o r s , night
Piece w o r k _____________
T im e w o r k _____________
M achine tenders (machinists)
D ay w o r k ...........................
N igh t w o r k . .. .....................
M achinist operators:
D ay w ork..............................
N igh t w o rk _____________
Photo-engravers:
D ay w o r k ........................ .
N ight w o rk _____________
Pressm en, w eb presses:
D ay w ork_______________
N igh t w o r k . .. ....................
Stereotypers:
D a y w o rk ___________ . . .
N igh t w o rk...........................
45. 2
0
193.1
210. 6
228.1
1 N o d a ta for 1913.
3 Per 1,000 ems.
4 N o t reported.
6 N o t including piece w orkers or street railw ay m otorm en an d conductors.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[955]
237.9 250. 32
259.5
45.2
6
•
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Table 4 shows the per cent of increase in weekly wage rates in 1927
as compared with specified years, beginning with 1907, the earliest
year for which data are available. For lack of space the years 1908
to 1912, inclusive, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1918, and 1920 are omitted.
The figures are not index numbers, but may be converted into index
numbers. The first line of the table shows that the weekly rate of
bakers in 1927 was 203.2 per cent higher than in 1907. This means
that the rate was slightly more than 3 times as much in 1927 as
in 1907. Read as index numbers, the 1907 figures would be 100,
and that for 1927 would be 303.2.
In all the 35 trade classifications for which data reach back that far,
weekly rates more than doubled between 1907 and 1927 and in
three more than trebled.
Comparing 1927 full-time wages per week with those of 1926, the
changes noted in individual trades are as follows: Bakers’ wage
rates show an increase of 3.1 per cent. In the building trades, 35
occupations show increases, while 5 show decreases. Of those
occupations showing increases only two increased 10 per cent or
more—carpenters: millwrights, 13.6 per cent; and painters: fresco,
10 per cent. The balance of the increases ranged from five-tenths of
1 per cent to 8.6 per cent. A few of the larger increases follow:
Asbestos workers increased 5 per cent; bricklayers: sewer, tunnel, and
caisson, 8.6 per cent; engineers, portable and hoisting, 5.4 per cent;
glaziers, 6.9 per cent; structural iron workers, 7.8 per cent. Those
occupations showing decreases were: Carpenters: parquetry floor
layers, 1.4 per cent; composition roofers, 19.5 per cent; inside wiremen: fixture hangers, 1.2 per cent; marble setters’ helpers, seventenths of 1 per cent, and ship carpenters, 11.3 per cent. Chauffeurs’
wages show an increase of 4.2 per cent, while wages of teamsters and
drivers increased 4.5 per cent. Wages in the granite and stone
trades decreased slightly, those of granite cutters decreasing fivetenths of 1 per cent and of stonecutters three-tenths of 1 per cent.
Linemen show a very slight increase while laundry workers and long
shoremen show decreases—2 per cent for laundry workers and 3.6
per cent for longshoremen. In the book and job printing trades all
occupations showed some increase, ranging from less than one-tenth
of 1 per cent for cylinder pressmen to 6.3 per cent for machine ten
ders (machinists). Bindery women’s wages increased 5.8 per cent,
machinist operators’ wages, 5.6 per cent, and photo-engravers’ wages,
4.7 per cent. In the newspaper printing trades all the occupations
showed some increase except photo-engravers, night work, which
showed a decrease of one-tenth of 1 per cent. The increases ranged
from eight-tenths of 1 per cent for machine operators, night work,
and stereotypers, day work, to 6.6 per cent for machinist operators,
night work. Machine tenders’ (machinists) wages, increased 4.9 per
cent for day work and 5.4 per cent for night work; pressmen’s, web
presses, wages increased 4.9 per cent for day work and 5.1 per cent
for night work.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[956]
INCREASE IN UNION WAGE RATES IN 1927
7
T a b l e 4 .—P E R C E N T OF IN C R E A S E IN F U L L -T IM E R A T E S OF W A G E S P E R W E E K IN
1927 AS C O M P A R E D W IT H S P E C IF IE D P R E C E D IN G Y E A R S
Per cent of increase in full-time rates of wages per week in 1927 as
compared w ith—
I________________ ______________________________________
T rade
; 1907
1913
1917
1919
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
203.2
158.0
126.0
49.7
3.8
7.2
4.4
1.4
1 1.4
3.1
(2)
135. 8
(2)
152.7
165. 7
(2)
(2)
(2)
144.0
233.9
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
f2)
127.7
116.0
136.2
143. 7
C)
135.2
(2>
126.3
192. 1
(2)
(2)
122. 1 65. 7
114. 1 79. 6
108.9
90. 7
111. 6 62.5
112. 6
69. 8
105. 6 58. 6
101.9
66. 2
129.1
95.2
112.9
74. 1
176.9 109.0
139. 6
90. 8
81.9
50. 6
112. 7
73.0
138.9
86.1
26. 1
33. 5
41.0
12. 6
25.2
23. 5
13. 7
33. 8
24.9
30. 1
29.2
7.2
27. 5
27.8
35.0
36.9
45. 0
20. 6
33. 6
29.9
13. 5
50.2
34. 8
35. 8
35. 1
10.5
36. 5
34.3
30.2
20. 6
35. 4
17. 5
20. 8
18. 7
13. 0
32. 4
23.3
31. 8
26. 1
7. 8
28. 4
28. 1
16. 6
14.5
29. 2
6. 3
12.8
10. 6
13. 4
23. 0
11.5
18. 5
15.2
4. 0
14.3
16. 2
12. 2
8.2
15. 5
10. 9
10. 6
17. 8
16. 6
12. 1
11.0
12. 8
11. 7
1 1. 3
9. 3
11. 1
5.0
1. 9
8 6
.5
3.4
13. 6
1 1.4
4.9
4.1
2.2
2.8
1 19.5
3.7
3.1
(2)
(2)
186. 7
174.9
(2)
(2)
135.2
(2)
(2)
118.6
C)
178. 5
146.7
122.5
142. 6
115.0
144 8
(2)
106.2
(2)
138.6
120. 6
94. 7
123. 1
110. 5
129 2
122.9
68.7
91. 0
75.3
74. 5
60. 6
86. 6
80. 9
92 n
98.7
28. 1
34.8
18. 0
26.0
14. 6
29.2
34.9
13 X
31.0
36. 6
34.3
42.2
33. 7
20.3
37. 1
37.8
24. 3
27. 3
30. 0
29. 1
12. 8
24. 0
21. 8
16.8
20.5
24. 6
15. 5
5.0
15. 1
16.5
11.6
8.8
11.7
9. 6
4. 8
5. 6
14.2
5.4
6.9
2. 4
4.1
1 1.2
3.5
2.1
34! 9
31. 6
11.4
6. 0
¿9
189. 6 152.5 117.9
131. 4
99.7
(2)
134. 7 121. 5
(2)
136. 7 127. 6 115. 3
168.0 145. 6 121. 1
146. 0 122. 7 111. 1
(2)
(2)
(2)
181.0 145.2 121.7
40. 1
(2)
(2)
135. 1
(2)
(2)
162.4 129. 4 110.9
250. 6 197. 1 164. 4
167. 1 152. 7 131. 3
158. 6 132. 7 113.4
128.9 111. 1
(2)
117. 7 105. 3
(2)
166. 4 146.4
(2)
69. 6
64. 3
68.9
77.4
68. 7
70. 4
56. 1
73.7
4. 1
89. 4
73. 5
93. 1
89. 4
65.2
67. 3
83. 4
98. 6
24.7
21. 3
21. 3
29.2
13. 9
25.4
14.4
24. 3
i 6. 2
33. 5
37. 6
37. 6
32. 3
28. 1
24. 8
37. 1
18. 7
32.5
26. 4
22. 3
34.3
29.7
32. 4
14. 7
34.0
2. 3
39. 7
40. 5
34. 0
42. 1
41. 3
35.8
39.8
26. 6
14.8
20. 9
24.8
20. 8
15. 7
3.8
19.9
7. 1
17. 6
10. 0
22. 4
12.2
9. 7
1. 6
24. 5
13.5
1 8. 8 1 16. 8
13. 1
25. 4
34. 2
17.0
13.8
26. 1
13. 6
20. 2
32. 1
16. 3
30. 8
18.0
12. 2
27.5
22. 7
12. 7
8. 3
13. 1
2.5
5.7
2. 6
9.9
1.2
9. 7
1 3.0
8.2
11.1
10. 6
11.5
15.2
16. 4
9.7
9. 6
3.0
10.0
.7
1.6
.9
1.9
.7
2.7
1 11.3
4.7
2.6
4.7
1.0
7.8
3.5
3.7
1.2
(2)
(2)
100.4
140.1
83. 6
113.7
37.6
52.3
14.9
20.4
20.3
24.9
15.6
19. 1
10. 8
11. 1
4.1
7.7
4.2
4.5
162. 6
147.3
141. 8
138. 1
121.9
116.2
57.8
72.0
16.3
27.2
17.4
32.6
14.5
21.6
13.3
13.2
11.8
8.4
U5
1.3
in
(*)
79.7
72.0
(2)
51.1
32.7
(2)
20.6
3.6
5.2
1.7
2.9
13.7
11.9
3.8
8.9
4.7
3.8
4. 4
1 8. 1
1 3.0
4.6
13.6
12.0
.1
13.6
1926
B a k e r y trades
B akers...... .................._
B u ild in g trades
Asbestos w orkers________
B ric k la y e r s ..............................
Sewer, tu n n e l, and caisson.
B uilding laborers______
C arpenters____________
M illw rig h ts ___
Parquetry-floor layers
W harf and bridge .
C em ent finishers___
H elpers___________ ...
Com position roofers..
H elpers_______'.
E levator constructors
H elp ers. ___
Engineers, portable and hoistm g .............................. ................
Glaziers_____
H od c arrie rs.........................
Inside wiremen
F ixture hangers _
L a th e rs_____ _
M arble setters
H elpers ___
M osaic an d terrazzo w o rk e rs..
P ainters:
B uilding________
Fresco . . ______
S ign ....................... ................
Plasterers__________
L a b o r e r s ._____
Plum bers and gas fitters
Laborers . . . . . .
Sheet-m etal w orkers.
Ship carpenters. .
Slate and tile roofers.
Steam and sprinkler fitters___
H elpers______________
Stone m asons.
Structural-iron w orkers. _
F in ish ers... .
Tile lay ers_____ ____ _
H elpers ................................
<2)
(2)
C h a u ffe u r s a n d te a m s te rs a n d
drivers
C hauffeurs...........
Team sters and d riv e rs ..
___
G ra n ite a n d s to n e trades
G ranite c u tters____________
Stone c u tte rs.........................
M is c e lla n e o u s
L au n d ry w orkers........ ...........
L inem en___________
Longshorem en__________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(2)
(2)
(2)
1 Decrease.
2N o data.
[957]
8
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 4 .—P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E IN F U L L -T IM E R A T E S O F W A G E S P E R W E E K IN
1927 AS C O M P A R E D W IT H S P E C IF IE D P R E C E D IN G Y E A R S —C ontinued
P er cent of increase in full-tim e rates of wages per week in 1927 as
compared w ith—
T rade
1907
1913
1917
1919
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
(2)
144. 5
154.9
175.0
123. 6
(2)
(2)
(2)
193.2
(2)
128.2
126. 5
147. 4
105. 5
108. 6
79.4
(2)
162.6
117.9
110.8
111.0
118. 7
97. 2
101. 4
72.9
107. 8
138.4
51.0
47. 1
56. 3
81. 6
50. 2
49. 3
45. 5
68.6
58.6
2. 1
9.9
9. 7
14.9
11.0
14. 0
15.0
24. 5
14.4
6.8
15.4
9. 8
14. 4
11. 1
14. 1
13. 1
23.4
18. 7
2.7
9.4
8.3
6.4
9. 4
13.3
12.0
22. 3
6.8
1.2
4.9
3. 5
2.9
5. 3
5.0
10.7
14.2
6.6
.2
3.5
3.9
2.3
5. 1
7.8
3.0
11.3
2.3
5.8
1.7
1.9
1.3
3.7
6.3
5.6
4.7
1.3
140.5
159.7
112. 4
137.8
100.7
117.7
50.0
61.1
10.0
8.9
13.7
9.1
5.9
8.8
2.9
5.4
2.0
4.8
0)
1.0
123. 6
112.8
100.6
98.4
91.8
91. 6
53. 1
52.2
15. 1
15. 7
12. 7
11.2
11.8
9.9
3.8
5.9
3.9
5.8
2.5
2.7
124.8
109.3
105.4
96.2
95.8
88. 1
54.5
48.8
18,0
15.5
13.3
10.6
11.8
9.6
7.3
5.2
4.8
3.8
3.2
.8
(2)
(2)
94.4
85.9
89.8
82.3
41. 1
37.8
9.2
8.8
7.5
7. 1
7. 1
6.8
1.9
1.6
4.7
3.9
4.9
5.4
(2)
(2)
75.2
79.5
68.7
74.5
56.6
51.5
8.7
12.3
7. 8
8.3
6.9
14.2
1.7
5.9
4.0
9.6
2.7
6.6
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
96.8
110.0
59.3
64.0
19.7
25.8
14.9
18.4
16. 1
18.5
11.3
14.0
7.5
11.2
4.3
149.0
128.7
121.8
117.8
112.6
111.0
61.9
57.3
20.4
18.9
20.5
17.9
19.2
17.3
11.3
9.4
7.0
5.3
4.9
5.1
115. 3
106.1
88.6
87.8
79.8
79.9
53.6
53.4
11.2
9.9
10.2
9.5
8.2
6.7
5. 1
4.0
2.7
2.2
.8
1.0
1926
P r in t in g a n d p u b lis h in g , book
a n d jo b
B indery w om en_____________
B ookb in d ers........... ...................
Compositors____ _______ ____
E lectro ty p ers______________
M achine operators _______ .
M achine tenders (m achinists).
M achinist operators .............
Photo-engravers __ _______
Press assistants a n d feeders.
Pressm en:
C ylinder________________
P la te n __________ _______
P r in t in g a n d p u b lish in g , n e w s paper
Compositors:
D ay w ork_____ _______
N ig h t w ork_____________
M achine operators:
D a y w o r k ............................
N ight w o rk . ___________
M achine tenders (m achinists):
D ay w ork. _______ _____
N ight w o rk........ ..................
M achinist operators:
D ay w o rk ............................
N ight work __________
Photo-engravers:
D ay w ork_____________ _
N ight w ork. _ . _____ _.
Pressm en, web presses:
D ay w ork_______________
N ig h t w ork_____________
Stereotypers:
D a y w o rk ___
________
N ig h t w o rk____ _______
1 Decrease.
3 N o d ata.
.1
3 Less th a n one-tenth of one per cent increase.
Because of the wide interest in building operations and the resultant
inquiries to the bureau for wage changes in building trades as a
group, the table below is published:
T able 5 —IN D E X N U M B E R S O F U N IO N R A T E S O F W A G E S P E R H O U R IN T H E
B U IL D IN G T R A D E S
[1913=100]
Y ear
1913____________
1914____________
1915____________
1916____________
1917____________
1918____________
1919........ ............
1920____________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Index
num bers
100
102
103
106
113
126
145
197
Y ear
1921
1922
1923 ,
_ .
1924
1925__________
1926__________
1927...... ..................
[958]
Index
num bers
200
187
207
224
233
248
257
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
9
The International Federation of Trade-Unions
Bv
F r it z R u m m e r , S t u t t g a r t
VEN before the World War the trade-union movement had
established a common meeting place. The foundation was
laid in Copenhagen in the year 1901, when officials of several
national federations met at a Danish workers’ congress. At this
congress the practicability of an international organization was
discussed. This discussion was informal, but it was agreed to hold
a meeting if possible every two years, and the duty of arranging for
the first meeting was assigned to the president of the German tradeunion federation, Carl Legien. Out of this developed gradually the
International Secretariat, with its offices in Berlin. This secretariat
was, however, for several years not much more than an exchange
place for information for the affiliated organizations. I t was not
until 1913 that a real organization was established and regular
publications issued.
That the usefulness of an international center was more and more
recognized is indicated by the increasing membership of the organi
zations affiliated with the secretariat. In 1904 there were 15 organi
zations with 2,477,000 members; in 1913, 17 organizations with
7,702,000 members. But even the rapidly increasing membership
could not overcome the hesitancy as regards acting in important
international affairs. The International Secretariat therefore limited
itself principally to supplying the affiliated organizations with tradeunion and industrial information.
E
Changes Resulting from the War
A FTER the war a fundamental change occurred. The four years
of war had disorganized the industries of most of the European
States, crippled business, shattered faith in the political authorities,
and severed the business and moral unity of the nations. The work
ing classes fervently wished to set aside the consequences of the
war and to reestablish peaceful relations among the peoples of the
various nations. The worker saw in the trade-unions the means of
fulfilling this desire. The workers streamed into the unions, whose
membership doubled and even tripled in one or two years. This
increased greatly the belief in the power of the trade-union move
ment to fulfill the hopes of the working classes.
Above everything the war had taught the need of an international
organization of the greatest possible strength. The workers had
become conscious that only by the unified action of the labor organi
zations in all countries could the industrial chaos be ended and a
repetition of the war be prevented. Then the treaty of Versailles
brought new problems to the trade-unions. An international labor
office was to be established, where the workers could work together
for the betterment of labor. The necessity of solving these problems
operated to reestablish more firmly the International Federation of
Trade-Unions, which had been almost destroyed during the war.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[959]
10
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Reorganization in 1919
\Y7HEN the trade-unions met in 1919 for the first time after four
** years of estrangement, mutual faith was naturally by no
means fully restored. In order to permit as far as possible the new
international from suffering under this lack of mutual trust, and in
order to make easier the way to unity among the countries estranged
by the war, the headquarters of the new trade-union international
was transferred from Berlin to Amsterdam. This transfer of the
central office to neutral Holland proved very advantageous. It
increased the cohesiveness of the international very greatly and
unproved very much the relations of the affiliated organizations to
each other.
The International Federation of Trade-Unions—the official name
of the new organization—began its life with 23,170,000 members.
Its international significance, however, was greater than is expressed
by the number of its members. For in 1919, the industrial and polit
ical powers of Europe had no international relations worthy of the
name. This was true especially of the political organizations and
parties of the working classes. Thus, it was the trade-union which
first united them after the war, and their union comprised an extra
ordinarily numerous membership. The fact that the solidarity of
the workers of all countries developed so quickly and so strongly led
to an exaggerated belief in the power of the trade-union. One
expected more from the international than it could fulfill. There
were also assigned to the organization purely political and economicpolitical problems of the first magnitude. Thus, to refer to only
two matters, it was to be the medium for the socialization of the means
of production and it was to lead the fight against war and militarism.
Successes and Failures
IN order to be able to carry out such tasks, correspondingly greater
A administrative machinery was established in Amsterdam, includ
ing the publication of a regular journal in German, English, and
French. I t can not be denied that the new international has done
much to bring together the trade-unions and for the peaceful rela
tionship of the peoples of different countries, and that it has done
much to strengthen the idea of the solidarity of the workers. Also,
it has persistently led the propaganda against war, and with this
object in view arranged an international peace conference at The
Hague in 1922, the only one of its kind. In addition, the representa
tives of the international have worked earnestly and not without
results for the betterment of the conditions of labor at the numerous
assemblies of the International Labor Office at Geneva. But, every
thing considered, the great expectations which existed at the founding
of the international organization have been only partially fulfilled,
expecially as regards political and economic-political questions. The
activity of the international has been limited more and more to
purely trade-union problems.
This limitation is due to several circumstances. The most im
portant is the economic poverty of Europe and the consequent
diminution in the membership of the International Federation of
Trade-Unions. European industry was shattered by the war, the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[960]
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRADE-UNIONS
11
people impoverished, and commerce interrupted. The colossal loss
in men and property overburdened the economic life of the people.
In addition there came to several countries, as to Russia, Germany,
Hungary, and Italy, internal unrest and uncertainty as to the near
future. The consequence was a partial paralysis of production,
unemployment, and depreciation of the money. Unemployment and
inflation emptied the treasuries of the trade-unions and took away
hundreds of thousands of members. In the period in which they
became numerically and financially weaker, however, the employers
joined together and organized strong national associations, which soon
entered into friendly relations with the associations of other countries.
Out of these international relations of the employers there issued a
more or less unified and strong opposition to the struggles of the
trade-unions. The trade-union international not being able to over
come this strengthened resistance, its activities followed the line of
least resistance and returned to purely trade-union tasks.
The decline in membership is therefore chiefly responsible for the
international’s inability to accomplish as much as its partisans
expected of it. The extent of this decline is indicated in the following
figures: In 1919 there were 23,170,000 members; in 1921, 21,991,000;
in 1923, 16,530,000; in 1925; 13,445,000. That is to say, in seven
y«ars there was a decrease in membership of 9,725,000. The de
crease was due in part to the fact that several organizations, as the
American Federation of Labor, withdrew from the international
after 1919; the principal loss in membership, however, was among
the European trade-unions.
Present Membership
A CCORDING to the latest report of the secretariat of the Inter^
national Federation of Trade-Unions, its membership is dis
tributed as follows:
*
Belgium
____
Bulgaria
__
_ .____
Denmark
____
G erm any_____
____
France
____
G reat Britain
____
Ita ly __ __
_
____
Y ugoslavia.. _
_ .____
Latvia
_________ ___
Luxem burg__ __ _ .____
L ithuania. __
_ .____
Memel
_ __________
Holland
_ ______ ____
A u s tr ia __ _____ __ .____
Members
552, 094
14, 803
239, 704
4, 582, 366
605, 250
4, 365, 619
1 234, 520
27, 156
16. 679
13, 398
18, 486
1, 401
189, 686
807, 515
Poland
___
R um ania___
_____ ___
Sweden
___
Spain _
Switzerland
___
Czechoslovakia
H ungary__ __
___
Palestine_______
___
___
Argentina. __
_
Canada
____
___
South A frica________ ___
Members
224, 423
33, 093
384, 617
235,007
149, 997
356,386
125, 024
18, 663
82, 574
106, 412
60, 660
T o ta l________ ___ 13, 445, 533
This table shows that the membership is drawn almost entirely
from Europe, only a very small number, namely 268,309, being from
countries outside of Europe. In the trade internationals, however,
the percentage of overseas members is somewhat greater.
The national federations constitute the foundation of the Interna
tional Federation of Trade-Unions. That is to say, a trade-union
can belong to the international only through the federation of its
11924 figuras.
68404°—27-
-2
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[961]
12
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
country, although there are certain exceptions to this rule. In
addition, however, the trade-unions are not only internationally
associated through their national federations, but the organized
workers in particular trades or industries have associated themselves
in special trade internationals. A trade-union may be accepted into
these internationals only when it is already affiliated with the Inter
national Federation of Trade-Unions through its national federation.
Exception, however, may be made when a trade-union belongs to a
national federation which is not considered unfriendly to the interna
tional federation.
There are 27 trade organizations in the International Federation
of Trade-Unions, namely:
M em bers
M em bers
Building trades workers.. _
Clothing trades w orkers. _
M iners_____ ___________
Bookbinders____________
P rin ters________________
D iam ond workers_______
Factory workers_________
H air dressers____________
Glass w orkers___________
Wood workers__________
H otel and restaurant em
ployees_______________
H atters________________
P ottery w orkers_________
A gricultural w orkers_____
Teachers_______________
775,
322,
1, 688,
80,
184,
21,
694,
9,
92,
637,
103
510
497
603
036
276
272
155
165
197
65, 843
57,352
80, 196
373, 542
90, 000
Food and drink trad es___
Lithographers and engrav
ers____________
P ainters________________
M etal w orkers__________
Public service em ployees. _
Post office and telegraph
w orkers______________
Clerical em ployees______
Shoe and leather w orkers..
Stone w orkers___________
Tobacco w orkers________
Textile w orkers_________
T ransport workers______
T o ta l____________
692, 661
47, 748
181, 413
1, 728, 421
437,310
466, 005
720, 201
351,000
107, 24©
105, 059
956, 999
2, 145, 950
13, 111, 754
Each one of these trade organizations has its own secretariat, often
has its own journal published in several languages, and may hold
special congresses where questions of international trade interest,
mutual help in wage struggles, support for traveling members, and
the like are handled. The trade internationals are autonomous as
regards their organization and activity. They work hand in hand
with the International Federation of Trade-Unions in order to put
into effect the resolutions of the international congresses. Every
year, upon invitation of the executive of the International Federa
tion of Trade-Unions, a conference of the international trade-unions
is held simultaneously with the international committee of the
International Federation of Trade-Unions. Here the reports of
activities of the executive of the International Federation of TradeUnions and the program of action for the coming year are discussed,
and at the international congresses of the International Federation of
Trade-Unions the secretaries of the trade internationals participate
in counsel and in voting.
Importance of 1927 Congress
rT'HE International Federation of Trade-Unions holds a congress
every three years. This year one was held at Paris from August
1 to 6. There were in attendance 159 delegates, 41 representatives of
the trade internationals, and guests from other organizations. This
congress was of the greatest significance as it made very important
changes in the character of the organization. The most important
of these changes were: (1) The office of the international is trans
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[962]
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRADE-UNIONS
13
ferred from Amsterdam to some other country, and (2) in future there
is to be only one general secretary in place of the fonner three secre
taries. The congress did not decide in what country the office was
to be located nor who the one secretary was to be, these matters being
left to the international committee, which is to assemble in the near
future.
Transfer of Central Office from Amsterdam
'T H E reasons why the central office was transferred to Amsterdam
have already been noted. But while there were advantages,
disadvantages also developed very soon. First, none of the three
world languages were spoken in Holland, and this made administra
tion difficult and costly. Secondly, Holland did not possess any of
the great industries, and its geographical location was not convenient.
Finally, and above everything else, the Amsterdam atmosphere was
not favorable to the working together of the three secretaries. All of
these difficulties the congress thought could be removed by trans
ferring the offices to a more favorable location. Therefore, none of
the former secretaries were reelected; but one, Mr. Sassenach, was
chosen to conduct the business of the bureau until the election of the
general secretary.
Dispute over Presidency
HTHE president of the international, Mr. A. A. Purcell, was not
A reelected, although he was again proposed by the British dele
gation, which expressly demanded the election of Purcell and declared
it would leave the congress if another English representative than
Purcell were chosen. Notwithstanding this, the congress elected to
the presidency, in place of Mr. Purcell, his fellow-countryman Mr.
Hicks. The English delegation did not take part in this election.
Tiie reason for the persistence of the congress in this matter lay in the
utter difference of opinion between Purcell and the majority of the
organization as regards its relation to the communist trade-unions.
Mr. Purcell has often given expression to his diverging attitude, as at
the convention of the American Federation of Labor two years ago
and also at the opening of the present congress of the international.
Naturally, no delegate at the congress had thought of denying Mr.
Purcell the freedom of his opinions, but the majority believed that at
the head of the international there should be a man who more nearly
represented its views and who in his official statements as president
was in harmony with the executive committee.
In addition to Mr. Hicks the following were elected to the execu
tive committee: Leipart (Germany), Madsen (Denmark), Tayerle
(Czechoslovakia), Jouhaux (France), and Mertens (Belgium).
International Help in Labor Conflicts
IN addition to the organization changes, which consumed two-thirds
of the time of the congress, the congress occupied itself with
several questions which may be of general significance. First to be
mentioned is the rule regarding international help in wage contro
versies. The Austrian delegation proposed that a fund should be
established—an international war fund—to which every organization
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9631
14
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
should contribute a fixed amount regularly and from which every
organization involved in a great conflict could obtain as much as it
had contributed, and under certain conditions more than it had
contributed, such additional payment, however, to be regarded only
as a loan which was to be paid back. The congress, however, did
not warm up to this proposal, its resolution on this point being as
follows:
When a more im portant m ovem ent of a trade or industry is concerned, th e
participating trad e or in d u stry union m ay appeal for help to its international
trad e secretariat, which is thereupon authorized to tran sm it th e appeal to all
th e affiliated organizations.
The International Federation of Trade-U nions shall participate in an in ter
national relief action only when several trad e or industrial unions of a country
are sim ultaneously involved in an industrial conflict of such an ex ten t th a t
requisite m eans for its carrying on can not be raised in th e country or from th e
international trad e secretariats, to which th e participating organizations belong.
In ternational relief action shall be given only when th e mem bers of th e aided
organizations are affiliated to th e International Federation of Trade-Unions, in
so far as th e special political relations of th e country do not m ake this impossible.
Another resolution concerning international help was as follows:
International relief action can only be instituted upon th e proposal of th e
national federation, to which th e organizations to be aided belong. The executive
com mittee of the international is to decide w hether such action shall be
undertaken.
In unusual cases the national federation concerned m ay request th e in ter
national to prevent th e transportation of certain goods to th e country in which
th e conflict is taking place. In such cases it m ust be established th a t in th e
country itself every effort is being m ade to m ake impossible th e im portation and
transportation of th e goods.
Demand for Ratification of Eight-hour-day Convention
PT ’HE eight-hour day or the shortening of the working time has been
discussed at all workers’ congresses in Europe in recent years,
and also at the present congress of the International Federation of
Trade-Unions. In most of the European countries the eight-hour
day is in general effect and in part of them is established by law, as in
Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, etc. In Germany the
eight-hour day was lost in 1923, in the period of inflation. Since
then, however, the trade-unions in general have won it back and more
than eight hours a day is now worked in only a few industries.
Nevertheless, the German Government refuses to ratify the Wash
ington agreement, that is to say, to make the eight-hour day again
a matter of law. The English Government also refuses to ratify
this agreement. In France the agreement was ratified some time
ago, with the proviso, hownver, that it should not become effective
until the German Government should also ratify. Through this
attitude in the three principal industrial States the eight-hour day is
threatened in the other countries, and the struggles of the tradeunions for a shorter workday made difficult. These are the consider
ations wfiich the congress sought to clarify in a resolution.
The congress dem ands again of th e Governm ents th e im m ediate ratification of
th e W ashington eight-hour convention. I t opposes strongly th e conclusion of a
separate agreem ent by th e G overnm ents w ithout reference to th e International
Labor Office. The London agreem ent (between th e labor m inistries of Germany,
England, and France) shows th e danger of a m isinterpretation and therew ith a
change for th e worse in th e W ashington convention.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[964]
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF TRADE-UNIONS
15
The congress therefore calls atten tio n to th e fact th a t th e W ashington con
vention contains provisions which are universally to be regarded as m inim a only.
* * * The congress expresses the view th a t no good reason now exists against
a general ratification of th e convention. I t therefore instructs th e executive
com m ittee of the International Federation of Trade-Unions to tak e measures
for a sim ultaneous intervention favorable to ratification in th e countries
concerned.
The trade-unions will be able to hold the eight-hour day only when th e workers
themselves have th e will to carry it through. * * * The best support and
help in th e struggle for the eight-hour day, and w ith it th e greater freedom and
greater share of culture it brings the worker, will always be his trade-union.
Opposition to War and Militarism
pR O M the very beginning the International Federation of Trade1 Unions has led in the fight against war and militarism. I t has
supported this fight by a lively propaganda in all countries where it
has members, and called a peace congress in 1922 in The Hague.
The unbroken activity of the trade-unions for the freedom of "the
people and against militaristic armament, however, has not hindered
the governments of almost all European States from preparing for a
new war as ardently, perhaps more ardently, than before the war.
This preparation consumes a considerable portion of the wealth
which labor produces. The sums which are spent for militarism
might go for increasing the cultural opportunities of the under classes.
These are the reasons which influence the pacifist-inclined trade-union
international in the discussion of the question of opposition to war
and militarism. The results of the discussion were set forth in the
following resolution of the congress:
The congress declares th a t the labor m ovem ent is th e decisive factor in the
struggle for peace and th e m ost im portant elem ent in th e bringing together of
th e various peoples. I t alone embodies the power to render null th e w ar plans
of the ruling classes. The congress demands therefore th a t all wTar opponents
and friends of solidarity among the peoples further the activities which the labor
organizations are leading in the struggle against inflam m atory war propaganda.
_ The congress considers therefore th a t it is the duty of the International Federa
tion of Trade-Unions to carry on a continuous peace propaganda. I t urges
especially the m others and the leaders of the young to in stru ct th e rising gener
ation in the spirit of peace, to inspire it w ith th e principles of h um anity and
brotherhood, in order th a t in the near future the reconciliation of peoples will be
an accomplished fact.
The congress draws attention to the fact th a t the peace treaties, which have
disarmed certain countries, bind th e governm ents which have signed these
treaties to disarm themselves. In this spirit and in order to begin th e work of
general disarm am ent, the congress urges th a t th e national federations tak e the
necessary steps by which the representatives of their countries in th e League of
Nations will prepare measures which will p u t an end to th e p rivate m anufacture
of weapons and w ar m aterials and place the traffic in weapons and w ar m aterials
under international control.
Need of a Universal Language
A T the congresses of such an organization as the International
'U*- Federation of Trade-Unions where the delegates come from
countries with 18 different languages, the question of mutual under
standing is, as can easily be understood, a very serious matter.
Although many delegates speak one language other than their mother
tongue, nevertheless the speeches and decisions must as a rule be
translated in three languages, and even, as was the case in Paris, at
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[965]
16
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
times in four or five languages. This not only takes much time and is
expensive, but generates numerous misunderstandings, even when the
translations are perfect. In order to prevent this difficulty, the
congress resolved “ to investigate the possibility of the employment
of one specified language or auxiliary language as the language to be
used for the proceedings of the International Federation of TradeUnions, and to study what can be done by the International Federa
tion of Trade-Unions to make unnecessary the time-consuming and
laborious translation at the international congresses.”
The originator of this proposal evidently had in mind the intro
duction of an artificial language, Esperanto. However, according
to the resolution, which was carried by a narrow majority, the choice
of some other language for the congresses is possible, provided the
investigation of the matter does not develop insuperable difficulties.
T h e Unionization of Labor in China
B y S. K.
S heldon
T s o , M . A ., T e c h n i c a l A d v i s e r
A g riculture, C hina
to
the
M inistry
of
N reviewing the situation as a whole, we find that the unionization
movement in China is characterized by smooth progress and
remarkable development in the south or Kwangtung Province,
with a weaker and uneven development in the north, due to lack of
education, inherent docility, and militaristic suppression in the latter
area, and in the Yangtze Valley, conditions vary between those of the
two extreme sections. But through the efforts of the Nationalist
Party, organization is developing rapidly, and it is probable that in a
few years the entire area will be as well organized as is Kwangtung.
The attitude of employers, apart from that of certain philanthropists,
is generally that of opposition to the introduction of modern unions,
especially with regard to trade-unionism. The Chinese employers
point out that it is already very difficult for them to meet the strong
competition of foreign capitalists in China, due to the business experi
ence and political advantages of the latter class; and if they are to
suffer from costly labor regulations from which their foreign com
petitors are to be exempt because of their special privileges, it will be
impossible for them to cope with the situation, and the result will be
the collapse of national industry. With this situation confronting
China, she would find strict labor legislation impossible to enforce,
unless foreign concessions be subjected to the same legislation.
The policy of the Government in dealing with the problem of
unionization differs widely in the northern and southern sections.
The Southern Government deems it a part of its duty to provide:
1. Labor regulations and laws guaranteeing the right to form unions
and the right to strike; 2. Regulations for unions; 3. Limitations of
working hours to 54 a week; 4. Social insurance; 5. Minimum wages;
6. Schools for workers, etc., as declared by the Southern Government
in October, 1926. The Northern Government has hesitated to come
out on the side of the laborers in the matter of legal protection, but
has provided a favorable union law. However, this was against the
will of the more conservative statesmen, on the ground that the bolshe-
I
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[966]
UNIONIZATION
or
LABOK IN CHINA
17
vistic elements had taken an active part in the great railway strikes.
In view of this fact, the militarists in the northern districts have
frequently applied an iron hand in suppressing unions, and have
thus retarded the development of the unionization movement. Yet
it is unfair to say that the Northern Government is unwilling to
improve the conditions for workers, since it merely shrinks from the
danger of a “ red” revolution.
The workers themselves, although they are beginning to under
stand the advantages enjoyed by laborers in western countries, do
not at this time aspire to securing similar conditions. Ten hours’
work each day and a daily wage of one dollar are the extreme limits
of their claims. They would even be disposed to trust the Chinese
emplo3Ters were it not for the foreign employers, whom they are apt
to think hard and grasping and in whom they have little confidence.
If we attempt further to visualize the unionization movement
from a critical viewpoint, we will find that the south and the Yangtze
Valley have made rapid progress as indicated by the number of unions
formed. As a matter of fact, judging from the standpoint of the
occidental unions, China is still quite inferior in organization. Only
a few are well organized, for illiteracy prevails among the working
classes, and the masses are handled by a few radical leaders. The
National Workers’ Conference at Canton in 1922, and the attempts
of railway men to form a national union of railway men in 1923
show some tendency toward national organization. Probably the
anticipation of certain enlightened workers will be fulfilled under
the régime of Kuomintang Party in the near future, but there are
certain weaknesses in connection with the organization of Chinese
unions which are causes for alarm. In a number of the so-called
unions no actual unity exists among the members. When cases
arise which demand cooperation, the leaders of such organizations
can hardly induce the rank and file to act. Oftentimes only hand
bills and telegrams are sent out in the name of the unions. These
factors stand in the way of further development. The family system
and the old Pon Kou system have not entirely died out. No inter
course or relation exists among the unions which are already formed.
The ancient guilds are still at work, and only a few labor leaders
possess a working knowledge of how to organize unions and stimulate
a unity of purpose. Some of the unions are handled by political
demagogues for their own interest.
Origin of Modern Trade-Unionism
I TNDER the spur of industrial evils in China such as bad housing
conditions, low wages, and long working hours, and also the
rising cost of living and the depreciation of the copper currency, the
workers began to turn toward organization as a means of bettering
their general welfare. This activity was accentuated by a nationalist
feeling, and probably, to a certain degree, by socialistic propaganda.
Western trade-unionism sprang up within the industrial sections of
China and gradually penetrated even into small towns where modern
factories were in operation. This movement dates back to the
armistice, but the conflict of interest between capital and labor in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[967]
18
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
the form of demands for wage increase and shorter hours preceded
that by many years. The first strikes made their appearance in
China in 1913, but they did not result in unionization, for Chinese
large employers of labor met the situation honestly and tactfully,
and of their own accord initiated social-service work, organized fac
tory medical services, shortened the hours, and increased the pay,
and dealt willingly with the leaders of the workers. As a result
strikes prior to the armistice were weak and ineffective and practically
never accompanied by violence.
In 1917 labor newspapers and other publications appeared in
Shanghai, Canton, Hankow, and other big cities contemporaneously
with the publication of the so-called “ New Thought Tide,” or
socialistic, literature, and they became quite effective. The contin
ued influx of foreign capital, under the inducement of big profits,
aroused a nationalist feeling and the Chinese laboring classes,
awakened by students and press, became more and. more articulate.
In disputes between Chinese employers and their workmen
foreigners have been amazed at the frequency with which settlements
are arrived at by arbitration. On the other hand where employers
steadily resisted the demands of the workers, as in the case of the
foreign ship owners of Hong Kong and their Chinese seamen, signifi
cant strikes followed. Due to the fact that the organization of the
ancient guilds was very effective in presenting certain principles of
unionism, together with the common ties of Chinese traditions and
their educational and social ideals, there was a natural response to a
common appeal. Moreover, the student movement in 1919 exerted a
significant influence in stimulating the organization of unions, though
these were not limited to laboring classes; for instance, many unions
patterned after the students’ union arose but the trade or craft
unions were more rapid in development.
From the armistice to 1921, approximately 200,000 factory workers
were organized into various unions in different cities. Of all the
workers these were the most successful in their efforts to secure
higher wages and better working conditions, and their unions were
the most efficiently conducted of all the labor organizations then in
China. Next in numerical strength were the miners and railway
men, numbering 185,000. The agricultural workers, always more
conservative than craftsmen, were the least organized. Among these
organized laborers higher pay, better treatment, and recognition of
unions were the common demands in their strikes, such strikes being
most prevalent in Canton, with Shanghai coming next, and the
northern Provinces last. In some industries of the interior cities
where handicraft conditions still exist, the workers to-day are satis
fied with the old guild system for the regulation of wages, output,
prices, and hours of labor. In a few instances the guild is under
going a process of modernization, either by the application of union
rules or by separating the employers and the employees, which is
done in two ways; for example, in the Incense and Toilet Articles
Guild of Peking, the employers and employees, though belonging to
the same organization, hold separate meetings, while in the case of
the Shoemakers’ Guild in Peking, separate organizations for employers
and for employees are formed.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[968]
UNIONIZATION OF LABOR IN CHINA
19
However, the old-fashioned guild system still exerts considerable
influence, and controls members by methods similar to those of the
guilds in Europe during the Middle Ages. I t works alongside the
modern union. So it will be well to divide our discussion into two
divisions, namely, the ancient type and the modern union.
Ancient Types of Organization
rT ,HERE are two kinds of organization of the ancient type; viz.,
A the ‘T o n Kou,” or local group, system, and the guild system.
The so-called Pon Kou system has three distinctive types: 1.
Artisan groups, in which organization is based on apprenticeship.
The employer controls the whole group, and the purpose of the
organization is merely to secure internal cooperation. Such a group
may also be called an apprenticeship group. 2. Craftsmen groups,
the basis of organization being either trade or locality. The chief
point of difference from the artisan groups is that the members of
such an organization are all laborers and no employing class is in
volved. 3. Local groups, the organization being based upon the lo
cality from which the workers come. In certain respects, it is similar
to the system of the guild; but in this organization only laborers are
eligible to membership, while in the guilds both employers and
employees are entitled to join. Examples of such organization are
numerous, including the Fukien groups, Kwangtung groups, and
others, membership in which is limited to those who come from
Fukien or Kwangtung Province and work in the factories or other
establishments where the groups are located.
As a whole, the scope and sphere of activities of these ancient
organizations, or Pon Koce, are narrow and without any far-seeing
purposes. Each organization works for its own interest and benefit,
and such motives of self-interest often lead to conflict among the
workers themselves. Their activities are of no benefit to the modem
labor movement, and sometimes impede its development and progress.
Although these old groups still exist in certain sections of China, as
industry is further developed they will be forced to dissolve or to
reorganize themselves into modern unions.
There is a type of organization among the farmers bearing some
resemblance to the Pon Kou system. Laborers on the farm usually
combine in small groups of from 25 to 100 men, under the direction
of a so-called “ headman” and his assistants. When labor is needed
the employer makes a contract with the headman, who sends workers
for the job. The headman also undertakes to collect bills and to
divide the gross receipts with his men on an agreed ratio, which varies
in different communities. As the headman usually knows local
conditions, his information on employment and labor is fairly accu
rate. In the absence of employment bureaus such as exist in the
western countries, this organization, though antiquated, is highly
useful in lessening unemployment in seasonal labor such as agricul
ture. But this system is much less desirable in industrial cities.
Since the introduction of modern industry, the so-called “ headman”
has become a labor broker, due to the fact that in cities thousands
of laborers are needed instead of the 25 to 100 needed on the farms.
Instead of rendering services to his fellow men in matters of em
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[969]
20
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
ployment the headman has degenerated into an exploiter of the
workers for his own personal profit.
He supplies labor in the same manner that a contractor supplies
coal, hides, or sand—so much labor for a certain period for a given
amount. In case of strikes, the headman often receives a sub
stantial bonus from the employer to bring about a peaceful settle
ment of difficulties, and as this settlement usually includes a higher
wage, he also gets a larger sum in commissions, fines, etc., from the
workers. The most pronounced effects of this system are less effi
ciency and the breaking down of initiative among the laborers.
The second type of ancient organization is the guild. As the guild
system exercises a predominating influence in Chinese trades, it
deserves very careful study. The buildings of these guilds are most
conspicuous in every city, like the schools and churches in the United
States. The origin of the guild system dates back several centuries.
I t is said that when it was first organized, its foundation principle was
mutual aid and protection. The organization of craft guilds varies
with trades and localities. As a rule, the manager is elected annually,
together with several committee men, all of whom serve without
pay. Each of the committee men take charge of the guild for
one month, thus keeping the chairmanship in rotation. The execu
tive secretary is the only paid officer in the organization.
The authority of the guild is very extensive. Disputes arising
between employers and employees are always first referred to the
guilds for settlement. The manager and the committee sit as judges,
with two or three experts as advisers. At first the Chinese Govern
ment assumed a laissez-faire attitude toward industrial disputes and
left the guild to formulate laws regarding trade matters, and so deci
sions were rendered by the guilds. Now the courts, as well as the
guilds, are appealed to as tribunals for settling labor disputes, but
owing to the craftsman’s inability to pay lawyers’ fees and his aversion
to legal technicalities, the guilds are often preferred. This is one of
the reasons why the guild system still maintains its position in China,
though it is being gradually superseded by unions.
The influence of the guilds on Chinese industries has been tre
mendous. They have protected the craftsmen and the coolies from
oppression by the landed aristocrats and political demagogues, and
have saved Chinese trade and labor from being crushed by foreign
competition. In a protest against a grievance, the laboring classes
unhesitatingly follow the decision of the guilds, and when facing a
common competition, the tradesmen and the coolies stand firm. The
foreign capitalists have succeeded only by the constant influx of
capital, and the natives have maintained their industries largely
through organization.
However, the ancient guild can hardly meet the needs of modern
industry because of the defects inherent in the system. I t greatly
limits freedom of action, and prevents one who might become a
captain of industry from asserting himself. Under it a man of per
spicacity and shrewdness finds little room for the expression of busi
ness initiative or the exercise of creative intelligence. He has no
alternative but to blindly follow the guild regulations; otherwise he
will suffer a common boycott for violating guild rules. Besides, as
there is no national guild the boundaries of the Province limit develop
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[970]
UNIONIZATION OF LABOR IN CHINA
21
merit, regional bias, as in the “ Pon Kou system,” often leading to
wasteful competition and rendering cooperation impracticable.
So, in a strike for their rightful place in industrial life, the workers
have come to have more faith in modern unions than in guilds; and
trade-unionism is gradually gaining ground, though these ancient
organizations still exist.
Labor Organization of Modern Type
IN considering labor organization in China, it must not be taken for
A granted that there is uniformity in all localities. Broadly speak
ing, China may be divided into three zones—the Kwangtung Province
or south, the Yangtze Yalley, and the north—and for convenience we
will deal separately with the movement in each of these sections. In
the south, or Kwangtung Province, through the encouragement of the
Koumintang Party and also because of earlier contact with western
people, unionism almost measures up to western standards in many
respects. In the Yangtze Valley district, the situation is more com
plicated, unions in certain localities being better developed than in
others. In the north the movement for organization of the workers
is decidedly weak, because of suppression by northern militarists and
the lack of development of industries.
Unionization in the South or Kwangtung Province
rTTIE south deserves the credit of starting the labor movement and
A its progress along the line of unionization is bound to be rapid.
The student agitation of the spring of 1919 led to the formation of 26
modern labor unions. Under the impetus furnished by a successful
strike early in 1920 by the Mechanics’ Union in Hong Kong, one of the
strongest groups, more than a hundred new unions sprang up within
a few months. Most of these were quite small, and some of the
smallest, feeling the need of counsel, have sought it from the Y. M.
C. A. The activities of these unions vary, among their activities
being the observance of Labor Day, support of strikers, contributions
to the Kussian famine relief, support of free schools and evening classes
for workers and their children, and the publishing of various periodi
cals. Numerous saving clubs and unemployment bureaus have been
established,
As in other countries trade-unionism was not legally recognized at
first, for the article of the Provisional Criminal Code, relating to the
labor question, is purely repressive and a denial of the right to strike.
It provides that “ When workmen engaged in the same business com
bine in a strike the ringleader shall be punished with imprisonment
for a period not severer than the fourth degree, or detention, or fine
of not more than $300, and each of the others shall be punished with
detention or a fine of not more than $30.” Fortunately the Kuomintang Party, under the leadership of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, encouraged the
organization of unions among the workers, and gradually labor organ
izations obtained a legal status, and unions increased every year.
Another strong impetus to the unionization of labor in south
China, especially in Canton, was the strike of seamen from January 13
to March 5, 1922. It was the most severe of the labor struggles in
south China, for it completely paralyzed the trade and industry of the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[971 ]
22
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
British colony. Nearly 200 steamers, with an aggregate tonnage of
about 300,000, were tied up in the harbor. Toward the end of the
strike practically the entire Chinese population of Hong Kong had
joined the 30,000 seamen. On February 1, the Hong Kong Govern
ment issued an order in council declaring the seamen’s union illegal
and ordering its headquarters closed and its signboard removed. On
March 6 this order was rescinded and the signboard replaced. The
seamen secured increases of from 15 to 30 per cent in wages, prac
tically the equivalent of their demands. It is said that the southern
Government did a great deal to support this movement, and that
otherwise the strike woidd have failed. The Hong Kong Government
was much blamed for its failure to appreciate the significance of labor
union development in south China in time to cope with it with intel
ligence.
In 1922 there were, it is estimated, nearly 400,000 members in the
Federation of Laborers of Canton, an organization formed after the
strike. The majority of the members are workers in the old native
industries rather than in the modern forms of industry. At the same
time the Mutual Aid Society of Canton was organized under the
leadership of Hsieh Ying Pai, a former student in American colleges.
The society claims a membership of 50,000, it conducts two news
papers and hospitals for workers, and plans to open schools for the
workers.
In May of the same year (1922) the first national labor conference
in China met in Canton. There were 160 delegates from 12 important
cities, representing over 300,000 workers in some 200 unions. The
chief centers represented at this conference were the cities of Canton
and Shanghai, and the Provinces of Shangtung, Honan, and Hupeh.
The railway unions were also represented. Ten resolutions were
passed, the most important of which were that all the unions should
pledge each other financial support in case of strikes; that unions
should stand for an eight-hour daj7'; that the labor movement should
be economic in character rather than political; that a constitution and
the organization of a permanent national federation of labor should be
formulated, including plans for the second national labor conference.
This conference aimed at a permanent organization of trade-unions to
be on an industrial rather than a craft basis. While the immediate
result was unimportant with the exception of one union being formed
at Canton, still the conference was significant as being the first in the
history of the labor movement in China.
An example of an industrial union formed under the principle of the
conference, is the Metal Workers’ Union of Canton, organized in 1923.
Its membership, about 160,000, now includes all of the metal workers
of Canton and the neighboring towns. There are 10 departments in
the organization, namely, those for machinists, electricians, stokers,
founders, turners, draftsmen, molders, steel workers, modelers, and
copper workers. Its program aims at the industrial, economic,
social, and educational improvement of the members. Among other
things, the plans of the organization provide for the publication of a
monthly and weekly paper, the erection of a technical school, a
sanitarium for tubercular laborers, a convalescent home for aged
workers, a general hospital, a savings bank, a model factory for
mechanics, and a kindergarten for the children of the wrorkers. The
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[972]
UNIONIZATION OF LABOR IN CHINA
23
political and social conditions in. Canton and vicinity have prevented
a part of the program from being put into full operation, and some of
these lines of work have been held in abeyance.
Since the first labor conference strikes have increased each year.
In 1922, in a period of nine months, there were 52 strikes at Canton
only one of which proved successful and that was due chiefly to the
support of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. His influence in the activities of labor
has resulted in a united attitude among the laboring classes toward
unionization.
In 1924 the number of trade-unions in Hong Kong increased to
200 and in Canton to 300, some of which became very powerful in
handling strikes and boycotts. This increase in labor unions affected
the neighboring Provinces and districts, as may be seen from the
following report of British consul to Swatow: “ Trade-unionism had
greatly developed of late years, more specially since the shipping
strike in Hong Kong in 1922. Practically every branch of labor has
now its union” ; and also from the report of Consul Hewlett (Great
Britain) in 1924: “ Servants in foreign employ in Amoy combined two
years ago to secure a raise in wages; the chair bearers have united and
secured a raise in chair hire; the sampan men work in closest coopera
tion, and, at an injustice to one of their members, all the other men
will cease work.”
In 1925, with the further development of labor organizations the
absence of union rules made itself felt while conflicts occurred, and
regulations were drawn up at the request of the workers’ organiza
tions in the Kwangtung Province which were very wide in scope.
These organizations include manual laborers and intellectual workers
of both sexes, and even public officials. Since the general strike of
1925, organizations of labor have became more active because of the
cooperation of the working classes with the student class and the
Government in the nationalist movement. At the time a number of
peasants organized trade-unions sometimes abused their rights by
making unjust demands and resorting to violence, and on December
14, 1926, the Kwangtung Provincial Government decided to restrict
and regidate the actions of workmen, issuing the following decree:
I t is th e desire of th e G overnm ent to protect th e interests of th e workers, b ut
of late laborers of bad character^ taking advantage of complications among
their num ber, are com m itting arbitrary acts, which will mislead labor move
ments. Hence, th e G overnm ent has issued th e ordinance, b u t th e ordinance
by no m eans aim s a t th e oppression of rightful labor movem ent.
The second national labor conference was held in Canton in May
of 1925. I t decided to create a general labor union of China in order
to organize all the workers in the nation and to promote their general
welfare. Membership was to be corporate rather than individual.
Representatives of federations of labor unions were to become ipso
facto members of the General Labor Union, while representatives of
single unions might become members on the recommendation of the
officers of the General Labor Union. The aims of the General Labor
Union were to be: (a) To promote labor organizations in China; (b)
to direct and unify the labor movement; (c) to promote friendship
and education among the workers; (d) to formulate common aims
and policies; (e) to arbitrate in labor disputes, especially between
unions; and (/) to establish relations with international labor organi
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[973]
24
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
zations. There was to be an executive committee of 25 members
elected annually at the conference of the representatives of member
unions. The decisions of the annual conference of the representa
tives and of the executive committee were to be binding on all mem
ber unions. Under the executive committee there were to be a
secretariat and a department of organization, of publication, and of
finance. Other important resolutions of the conference were in
favor of: 1. The federation of laborers and farmers; 2. The federa
tion of laborers and farmers with soldiers; 3. The promotion of
workers’ education; and 4. The consolidation of labor unions in
Canton and Shanghai. However, these decisions can have no farreaching effect on the laboring classes as there were dissenting
opinions. Some unions pointed out that the conference was domi
nated by radicals, and others stated that the conference was “ unrep
resentative of the Chinese proletariat as a whole.”
In May of the year following (1926) the third national labor con
ference was held at Canton. Four hundred delegates, representing
1,240,000 organized workers, belonging to 400 unions in 19 Provinces,
were present. Resolutions were passed on the following subjects:
Organization of the labor movement; reorganization and working
of trade-unions; objects and program of the economic struggle;
strikes; the relations between workers and peasants; workers’ edu
cation; young workers and the trade-union movement; unemploy
ment; cooperation; labor legislation; and the right of association and
conditions of work, etc.
The question might be raised as to why the development of tradeunionism is faster in Kwangtung than anywhere else.^ It is said
that Canton presents a favorable field for labor activities for the
following reasons:
1. The Southern Government has been sympathetic toward the
laboring classes.
2. The Cantonese people have had a closer and more intimate
contact with the West.
3. The Cantonese possess more of a fighting spirit and are more
contentious than the peoples of other Provinces.
4. The purchasing power of the Cantonese is, on the average,
higher than that of the peoples of other sections in China; hence
economic conditions favor labor organizations.
5. In the Kwangtung Province climatic conditions permit the
land to be under cultivation practically the whole year. Hence the
striking laborer can often, through his family connections, return to
the land when necessity forces him to obtain his sustenance from
sources other than his work.
Unionization in the Yangtze Valley
’"THE other section noted for activity of labor is the district around
^ the Yangtze River, including the two industrial Provinces of
Hupeh and Kiangsu. The workers of Hupeh have made consid
erable effort to organize themselves, receiving encouragement from
their comrades in Kwangtung, especially following the success of the
Plong Kong shipping strike. Toward the end of 1922 they set up a
workers’ federation, including 24 trade-unions and about 40,000
members. About the same time the workers on the Peking-Hankow
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[974]
UNIONIZATION OF LABOR IN CHINA
25
Railway, formed a trade-union, with local sections. At Shanghai,
according to a report of the Economic Information Bureau of the
Chinese Government, 47 trade-unions were created in 1922, and about
80,000 workmen are members of trade-unions. The movement also
includes 30,000 coolies, 50,000 dockers, and about 5,000 drivers.
At one of the unions at Shanghai, T. S. Chen, a Chinese socialist,
said in an address: “ Labor is now awakened to the realization that
human physical endeavor is not a commodity, and that the workers7
person, health, and safety must be protected by the capitalist on
the one hand and by society on the other.” Since then Chinese
laboring classes have felt a new dignity, and are entering into labor
activities.
The progress of organization in Shanghai was blocked for a time by
the policy of the Chinese authorities in the Kiangsu Province, in which
Shanghai is situated. Freedom of association was forbidden, the
police could break up any meeting of workmen for whatever purpose
they might be gathered, and trade-unions were not allowed to exist.
The Shanghai municipal council police department, administered by
foreigners, assumed the same attitude and allowed no meetings in the
International Settlement which might be construed to have a political
significance. The result was that, while unions did exist, they were
driven to secrecy. At the National Assembly of the Labor Organiza
tion, held in Shanghai in 1922, a program was drawn up for presenta
tion to the Government, demanding that strikes be declared
legal. At the end of 1923 the Peking Government, under which
Shanghai and other central sections were then controlled, submitted
to Parliament regulations authorizing workers to associate in tradeunions and granting such unions a legal status. Although the inces
sant civil wars prevented general legislation, the Provincial govern
ments around the Yangtze Valley enacted their own legislation con
cerning labor unions, and labor activities in such Provinces as Hunan
became very marked; not only legal recognition was secured but
certain recognition was accorded union representatives by large
companies.
Due to the rapid growth of unions, dissension appeared among their
leaders, which diminished their power. The extreme group wished
to have no dealings with the more conservative section, and in so
embryonic a movement this split was particularly disastrous. Also,
the mass of the people are unable to read Chinese characters, which
means that they must rely for their information upon rumor or word
of mouth.
However, 75 well-regulated unions were formed in 1924, as reported
by the British consul. Meanwhile a General Labor Union was
formed at Shanghai, and all the members of the unions at Shanghai
became subject to its rules and regulations. Membership was open
to all Chinese workers. The rules state that if any member of the
union has cause for complaint against any factory owner because
of harsh treatment or injury the matter shall be reported to
the union, which will investigate and, if necessary, take up the
question and negotiate on behalf of the injured member. Disputes
between members which have not been taken to court will be
adjusted by the union. All important matters concerning mem
bership and the union are to be reported to the committee of the
General Union, etc. In 1925 the union suffered a blow from the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[975 ]
26
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
acts of Gen. Chang Tso Ling, who closed the union and seized all
the documents of the*- organization. After the troops of Chang
withdrew from. Shanghai the General Labor Union reopened.
In the year following, another disaster confronted the union. The
continuous strikes in Shanghai irritated Sun Chuan Fan, the military
governor of Kiangsu, arid he ordered the General Union to be “ sealed ”
or closed again. After that the labor movement in Shanghai remained
inactive for a time, but after the news of the victories of Gen. Chiang
Keh Shek, the leader of the Kuomintang, or Nationalist Party,
was brought to the laboring classes, they felt that their day of eman
cipation had come and became restless again, for the Kuomintang
was and is noted for its sympathy toward labor. The Federation
of Street Unions held a meeting in December, 1926, at which a com
mittee of six persons was appointed to arrange the reorganization
of the General Labor Lhiion. Permanent headquarters were estab
lished and the General Union was reopened in defiance of the official
orders of Governor Sun Chuan Fan. Soon afterward the police
seized all documents of the union and placed seals upon the doors,
in spite of the laborers’ protests. The union was compelled to
remove to other quarters. A resolution was passed threatening
another general strike in case of further suppression.
By the victory of the Kuomintang, unions in all central China
received a strong impetus; for distance, the trade-union members in
the Wu Han district increased to 240,000. Practically all types of
workers were organized, even servants in native homes. The signifi
cance of the movement is illustrated by the demands of the Serv
ants’ Union at Siantan, Hunan:
An em ployer who wishes to dismiss a servant shall first tak e th e m a tte r up w ith
th e union, telling his reasons. If th e union approves, th e servant m ay be dis
missed. In case of im proper conduct th e m a tte r shall be reported to th e union
and th e servant adm onished by the same. No servant shall be employed who
does n o t belong to th e union. Disagreements between em ployer and employee
shall be settled by th e union. In th e case of a grievance a servant has th e right
to petition th e union to uphold him in his case; if th e reasons of th e grievance
w arrant such action th e union m ay take th e m a tte r up w ith th e G overnm ent in
order to obtain further help. No servant m ay instigate a strike w ithout the
consent of th e union.
Thus the strongest element of the labor movement since 1926 has
come to be unionization. For instance, among the demands of the
Wing-on employees during the strike which started on the 15th of
January, 1927, is this: “ The company shall recognize that the
Wing-on Labor Union has the sole right to represent the workers as
a whole.” During another significant strike early in 1927, against
the Tramway Co. we find the demand that “Our federation shall be
recognized by the company as the representative of workmen, and
foreigners shall not be allowed to hit or dismiss Chinese workmen
from the federation unless with permission.” These instances show
the increased power of the unions in Shanghai in dealing directly
with employers. At the same time, the employers’ associations slow
up the progress by breaking away from the old guilds in order to
balance their power of bargaining with that of the employees. The
conflict of interests between capital and labor has made the Govern
ment feel the necessity of stepping in, and the political committee
of the Southern Government in the Wu Han district early organized
a committee of arbitration. The members of this committee consist
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[976]
UNIONIZATION OF LABOE IN CHINA
27
of the representatives of the General Labor Union and delegates of
the Kuomintang Party, of the Chamber of Commerce representing
the employers, of the political committee of the southern Govern
ment, and also of the police department. The purpose of this com
mittee is to settle industrial disputes between the employers and
employees.
Another committee of arbitration is found in Shanghai. Its regu
lations were drawn by T. Y. Yu, councilman of the Shanghai Chamber
of Commerce. Sixty members are selected, consisting of represent
atives of chambers of commerce in Shanghai and surrounding dis
tricts, of the General Labor Union, and of the various trade guilds.
The committee is vested with power to settle all industrial disputes,
its aim being to maintain peace between the two classes.
Unionization in the North
T JNIONIZATION in the north is least developed and the move^
ment comparatively weak, only the railway men having strong
unions. The reason for this is that there are only a few enlightened
labor leaders in North China. Public authorities adopt suppressive
measures in. dealing with labor. Workers having any real knowledge
of unions are found chiefly among those who participated in the
World War. So the Returned Laborers’ Union, composed of work
men who returned from France, merits particular attention. Besides
attempting to improve conditions of employment, the union has a
program of wide scope. While in Europe, these workers abstained
from drinking and gambling and sent their savings to support ele
mentary schools in their home villages, and the organization now
feels the wisdom of encouraging temperance among laborers. It has
isolated itself from politics in order to insure free and unhampered
development along industrial lines. The union published a declara
tion at the time of organization as follows:
A i m s .— The principal aims of the union shall be to cooperate w ith the workers
to strengthen collective bargaining, to increase common knowledge through fre
quent association, and to prom ote a cordial b u t nonpartisan friendship^
R e so lu tio n s .— The members are resolved not to drink alcohol, or to visit pros
titu tes, or to gamble or to smoke opium or use its derivatives.
C la im s .— The union claims the right to strike for improved working conditions,
and th e right to hold meetings or to m ake public speeches for prom oting public
welfare of th e workers.
The union elects a chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, and 10
councilmen to take charge of various activities of the organization.
This is probably the first union with progressive ideas in North China.
Among other unions those growing out of the guilds are unim
portant. Among them is the Lu-an Industrial Union of Peking, an
amalgamated organization of several crafts formerly organized in
independent guilds, including carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths,
masons, and painters. Before the reorganization the craft line
between the guilds was very rigid, so that members of one guild could
not handle the jobs of those of another guild. Under the new organi
zation more cooperation is allowed among the craftsmen. The union
itself secures building contracts from the Government and distributes
them to various members by lot. If a member loses money on the
contract so secured, he may be reimbursed by the union on showing
68404°—27-----3
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9771
28
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
good cause. If a member has difficulty in collecting debts or is
involved in litigation, he may appeal to the union for assistance.
The organization also regulates wages and working hours and gives
aid to unemployed.
Another type of union, or group of organizations in the nature of
clubs, has had a unique growth. The Tanshan Club is one of the
best examples. It is located in Tanshan, a pioneer community of
industry in North China. About 285 years ago, the inhabitants of
the district began to operate coal mines by primitive methods. In
1878, the western method was introduced in the Tanshan Mine, it
becoming the first modern mine in China. The increase of workmen
led to the formation of a self-government club for the purpose of
providing a recreation place for the workers. In 1905 a slight conflict
with the laborers from Kwangtung Province resulted in the dissolu
tion of the club. A separate Kwangtung Provincial Guild was then
formed for fraternal meetings. After the student movement in 1919,
the employees of the Peking-Mukden Railway machine shop orga
nized a union to improve working conditions as well as to equip
themselves with an elementary education. This stimulated similar
organizations on the part of the employees of the colliery. The
general organization of the miners was gradually strengthened and
to-day they have a reading room, a school for teaching the phonetic
system of the Chinese language, and a magazine to popularize the
use of phonetics. Thus the Tanshan workmen, numbering over
30,000, with more than 30 years of experience in industrial life, have
realized the importance of cooperation and combination. The more
recent organizations, with broad educational programs, clearly aim
at equipping themselves with common intelligence for maintaining
a balance of bargaining power with the capitalists.
The organizations referred to serve to show that while labor activi
ties in North China are more or less identified with the old guilds,
and the laboring classes are more conservative and moderate in their
attitude than are their comrades in the south and the Yangtze Valley,
it is not because they are slow to adopt the modern idea of unionism
from Western countries, but rather due to the fact that their environ
ment restricts them to inactivity. Moreover, the high-handed policy
of the authorities of the northern Provinces is well known to the
workers. When the railway men on the different Chinese lines, at
the beginning of the year 1923, decided to hold a conference for
amalgamating and for founding a national union of railway men,
the Peking Plankow Railway workers were told by the Chengchow
police authorities that they had received orders from Wu Pei Fu, a
powerful general, forbidding such a conference. Representatives
were sent to Wu to obtain permission but were unsuccessful. Never
theless, they proceeded with the conference. The police interfered,
headquarters of the union were “ sealed/7and the delegates dispersed
the following day. The workers were ordered to go back to work,
and upon their refusal Wu Pei Fu ordered their leader, Liu Tsian
Chien, and other active workers shot. After this all of the branches
of the Railway Workers7 Union were temporarily closed. The news
spread over the country and stirred up the laborers against the
northern militarists. When support was denied them in China they
appealed to other countries wherein labor had met with a measure of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[978]
UNIONIZATION OF LABOR IN CHINA
29
success and denounced militarism as even worse than industrial
exploitation.
However, there are bright pages to be found in the record of the
unionization movement in North China. Seeing that the chief
agitation was along the line of health and safety of the workers, the
Ministry of Communications, anticipating further developments,
began taking the initiative in health and social welfare legislation.
The measures passed included life insurance, health and accident
insurance, and a pension system for the benefit of the 125,000 railway
employees in China. In addition, the ministry now provides an
elementary education for railway workmen. This educational pro
gram provides for the establishment of schools, lecture groups, rail
way libraries, and railway daily newspapers. As the labor organiza
tion movement is dependent upon the leaders, it is the purpose of the
ministry to enlighten the laborers in order that they may not be
misguided by any of their leaders.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[979]
PRODUCTIVITY OF LABOR
Labor P ro d u ctiv ity in Copper R efinin g
D
ATA regarding output per man per day has been furnished the
Bureau of Labor Statistics by one of the large copper refining
companies. These data give comparative employment and
output in January, 1918, which was the peak employment period,
and August, 1927, which is reported to have been a fairly average
month. The figures show that during this period of nine years the
number of men employed was reduced from 578 to 233, with a coin
cident increase of about 10 per cent in total output. The company
further states that with contemplated improvements completed not
more than 100 men should be needed. The detailed figures for 1918
and 1927 are as follows:
Jan u ary , 1918
August, 1927
Pounds refined copper produced______ 9, 165, 628
Tons concentrates sm elted per m an per
d a y ---------------------------------------------0. 43
Tons to ta l m aterial smelted per m an per
0. 78
d a y --------------------------------------------Pounds refined copper per m an per day_
610
10, 142, 766
1. 30
1. 67
1, 612
The reduction in personnel, it is stated, included both skilled and
unskilled labor.
P ro d u ctiv ity of Labor of S ea m en
DECREASE during recent years in the number of persons
necessary to operate a given tonnage of shipping and a change
in distribution of personnel among the different departments
of a ship were brought out in the census of seamen on seagoing vessels
taken by the British Government on March 31, 1926. This census,
the results of which were published in the Board of Trade Journal
(London) for July 14, 1927, included only the seamen actually
employed on the day the information was obtained, on seagoing
vessels other than yachts and fishing vessels registered in the United
Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
The relatively diminished personnel of the navigating department
and the increased relative importance of the catering staff in steam
and motor shipping are shown in the following table giving the
number of persons employed per 100,000 net tons on April 3, 1911,
and on March 31, 1926:
A
N U M B E R O F P E R S O N S P E R 100,000 N E T T O N S OF S T E A M A N D M O T O R S H IP P IN G
A P R IL 3, 1911, A N D M A R C H 31, 1926
D epartm ent
Apr. 3, 1911
M ar. 31, 1926
D eck........................ ........................
Engine room_ . . . ...... ................
Stewards
_________________
O th er___________ ______ .
815
828
446
43
713
767
505
99
T o ta l_____________ ______
2,132
2, 084
30
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[980]
MACHINES POE HARVESTING COTTON
31
I t is pointed out that the decrease in the number of persons
employed in the engine room may be attributed partly to the increased
use of fuel oil by steamships and partly to the increased employment
of motor vessels. Other causes for the changes in distribution are
the change from tramps to liners and the increase in the average size
of ships. The increase in the personnel of the “ other” group is said
to be principally due to the inclusion of wireless operators in this
group, but partly also to the increase in musicians and other specialists
engaged to provide social and other amenities on the luxury type of
passenger vessel.
M a ch in es for th e H arvestin g of C otton
OTTON picking has always been a hand process and has given
employment to a very large amount of labor in the cotton
growing States. Many attempts have been made to invent
machines to do this work, But up to the present apparently none of
these attempts has been commercially successful. Recently the
International Harvester Co. has devised and is now trying out certain
cotton-picking* machines which it believes to be both mechanically
and commercially practicable. These experiments will be watched
with much interest, as the perfecting of cotton-picking machinery
may not only have an important effect in increasing labor produc
tivity and reducing labor cost, but through the displacement of labor
it may have a great effect upon the whole economic and social life of
the cotton-growing States.
The following description of the new machines has been furnished
by the company:
C
Type of Machinery
IN order to meet the varying conditions of soil and climate in the
* cotton-growing areas of the South it has been necessary to devise
three types of machines. These are:
A picker of the spindle type for the lowlands and other sections of
the old South where the entire crop can not be picked at one time,
due to a long season and uneven ripening.
A stripper or boiler for -harvesting upland cotton, as it is usually
called, which is cotton that matures quickly and ripens evenly.
A cotton cleaner for cleaning stripped cotton and bolls.
Description of Cotton Picker
T H E picker is still looked upon as semiexperimental. Only a
limited number have been produced this year and these have
been placed in various sections of the South where they will be
operated during the fall and winter and results carefully watched.
The machine is what is known as the spindle type, having two
picking cylinders set vertically, each carrying a large number of
spindles which work horizontally and are close enough together for
at least one of them to come in contact with every open boll on the
plant.
The two picking cylinders and doffers are suspended by pendulum
and spring floating action. The picking mechanism floats in all direc[981]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
32
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
tions and thus adapts itself to the variations in the cotton row and
the ground, thereby obviating^ the need of accurate guiding of the
wheels of the machine and eliminating danger of breakage of spindles
and injury to the cotton plants.
As the picker is pulled along over the cotton row by the tractor,
two large gathering shoes on the front of the machine pick up the
spreading branches of the plant and place them in a position for the
picking spindles on the two cylinders. The spindles revolve rapidly,
at the same time moving backward on the cylinder in a horizontal
position at exactly the same speed that the picker moves forward.
The cotton in the open bolls winds around the spindles and is carried
back to the doffers where the cotton is released by a quick reverse
action of the spindle as it passes between two sections of the doffer.
Each section of the doffer is equipped with a small set of brushes
on the upper and lower sides. Each spindle passes between the two
sets of these brushes which clean the spindle of cotton at the time
when the reverse action of the spindle takes place.
The next operation is to separate the cotton from dirt and trash,
which is accomplished by means of a revolving disk cleaner. From
this centrifugal cleaner the cotton passes on to an elevator where a
cylinder and belt cleaning device continue the cleaning action. The
cotton then passes into one of two large gathering bags at the rear
of the machines. These gathering bags are removed when full and
replaced with empty ones.
The outfit is operated by two men, one guiding the tractor and the
other controlling the cotton picker. The machine with its two oper
ators is expected to pick from two to five bales of cotton a day,
which is equivalent to what two pickers could gather in from 8 to
15 days. Thus, it is estimated by the company that on the basis of
present wages paid to hand pickers the machine will save from $10
to $15 a bale over hand picking. It is believed that mechanically
harvested cotton will, as a rule, grade higher than the average hand
picked cotton.
Description of Cotton Stripper
W /H ER EA S the picker gathers only the ripe cotton or open bolls,
vv the stripper or boiler is designed to gather the ripe cotton and
also the unopened bolls in one operation. It is a very simple machine
in comparison with the picker and can be operated either by tractor
or horsepower. The stripper has a pair of long dividers, similar to
the dividers on a corn binder, which pass one on each side of the cotton
row. These dividers are adjustable up and down and are operated
close to the ground.
As the machine is drawn forward, the dividers guide the cotton
plants between two stripping chains immediately back of the dividers.
A series of stripping fingers on these chains strip the bolls from the
plant and deliver them into a gathering box at the rear. Spring bars
and leaf springs known as picker fingers are located immediately
below the stripping chains. These fingers gather and retain any
loose cotton that is not in the bolls.
. When the gathering box is filled with bolls, it is dumped on a large
piece of canvas located at convenient points in the field where a clean
ing machine may be located.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[982]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
C O TTON PI CKER AND T R A C T O R IN FI ELD O F C O T T O N
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
COTTON S T R I P P E R
MACHINES EOE HAEVESTINC COTTON
33
The stripper, and tractor, as in case of the picker described above,
is operated by two men, and is expected also to gather from two to
five bales of cotton a day, depending upon the yield and condition
of the field.
Description of Cotton Cleaner
rT ‘HE cotton cleaner used in connection with the stripper is a self1 contained, power-operated stationary machine to which the
bolls and stripped cotton are brought after being dumped from the
stripper. The cleaner is of the spindle type and consists of a revolv
ing drum having spindles of the same type as the cotton picker
previously described.
The stripped cotton is delivered into a hopper and then passed
through a feeder which delivers the bolls at a uniform rate to the
boll-breaking device which opens the closed or unripe bolls without
injuring the fiber. The cotton is next passed on to the spindle drum
where the spindles pick up only the lint, all other material being
ejected. The cotton is removed from the spindle by doffers in the
same manner as on the picker, and the lint is pneumatically conveyed
to a wagon or cotton house where it is then ready for the gin.
Thousands of bales of cotton are left in the field each year in the
unopened bolls or “ hollies.” I t is believed by the company th at
with the cleaner and the stripper, which may be taken into the field
late in the fall following hand pickers or the mechanical cotton
picker, the cotton in these “ hollies" can be harvested, adding con
siderably to the grower’s income.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[983]
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND LABOR
CONDITIONS
The Problem of the Unskilled Laborer with a Large Family
HE case of M att Jones, steel-mill laborer, endeavoring to support
a wife and eight children1 on a daily wage of $3.44, was a sub
ject of extended discussion at the recent Detroit meeting of
the Catholic Conference on Industrial Problems. This particular case
was used, of course, merely as a rather vivid example of a situation
which it was agreed was not unusual. The discussion covered a
wide range, but there was no agreement as to the proper remedial
measures to be taken or recommended.
The problem presented to the meeting was an actual case which
came before the Catholic Central Charity Bureau in Chicago, and
was described as follows:
T
T he family we will call Jones, consisting of father, nam ed M att, age 37 years;
m other, Helen, age 39 years, and th e following children: Tom, 13 years; M ary,
10; M andy, 9; Annie, 7; K atie, 5; Rosie, 3; Joe, 2; Helen, 6 m onths.
T he fath er is a naturalized citizen of th e U nited States. He is employed w ith
a large steel com pany and earning $3.44 a day, and came to our office to supple
m en t his earnings.
A le tte r was w ritten to th e steel com pany asking if they would give Mr. Jones
an opportunity to earn more money so th a t he could support his large family.
A reply was received from th e general superintendent of th e steel company,
addressed to th e C entral C harity Bureau, 126 N orth Desplaines Street, Chicago:
“ We have your letter of July 29, in regard to M a tt Jones, and would advise
th a t we have personally looked into his case and give you attach ed hereto a
rep o rt from our labor superintendent:
“ ‘Referring to your favor of August 1, and the attach ed com munication
from th e C entral C harity Bureau, beg to advise th a t th is m an is employed as a
gasm an in No. 1 M erchant Mill, and is a t th e present tim e earning $3.44 per
day. D uring th is present week when No. 1 M erchant Mill is down he is em
ployed as an ashm an in th e boiler house earning $3.42 per day.
“ ‘ Mr. Jones first entered our service on June 26, 1920, and was dropped from
our roll on July 24th, 1920; investigation by our ‘look-up’ m an disclosed th a t
he had accepted a position w ith th e Iroquois Iron Co. He retu rn ed again to our
service on M ay 1, 1922, and has been continuously in our employ and has worked
steadily ever since. He worked during this period, including July 29, 81 days,
earning $295.95, or an average of $3.65 per day.
“ ‘Our records show th a t he has nine children, th e oldest one being born
F ebruary 10, 1908 and th e youngest on February 5, 1921.
“ ‘You can readily see th a t he is m aking more money th a n th e average laborer
in th e p la n t and his length of service w ith th e com pany is of such short duration
th a t I believe a prom otion from a laborer a t $3.12 a day to a gas m an a t $3.44
a day shows th a t we have advanced him as rapidly as it is possible to do so.
“ ‘Yours truly,
“ ‘Superintendent L abor D epartm ent.
“ You will note th a t he is now earning $3.44 a day on an eight-hour day, and
we have prom oted him about as far as we can in view of his short term of employ
m ent w ith us, keeping in m ind fairness to th e other workmen in th e plant.
i Some of th e docum ents in th e case refer to 9 children, th e difference being probably due to the differing
dates to w hich reference is made.
34
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[984]
T H E "UNSKILLED LABORER W IT H A LARGE EAMILY
35
“ We appreciate your interest in cases such as this and, of course, we realize
th a t th e wage paid to an unskilled laboring man is a very meager am ount w ith
which to endeavor to support a wife and family of nine children, b u t th e diffi
culty w ith th e present tim es, as we see it, is this: We are engaged in th e m anu
facture of a product th a t goes largely to th e farm er, and on th e basis of th e wages
we are paying, we can’t m ake a product a t low enough cost th a t th e farm er
will buy, except in very sparing quantities, a t our cost price. Yet, th e cost of
living in a city or industrial district is kept up so high by street-car fares being
high, ren ts being high, which affect th e cost of repairs to shoes and everything
else and this on account of th e high wages paid in th e production of street-car
tran sp ortation or flat buildings and business houses, etc., th a t our employees,
m aking a product for th e farmer, are a t a great disadvantage.
“ The farm er has been obliged to go back to alm ost pre-war prices for his prod
ucts, he w ants to buy our products a t practically pre-war prices, and a t the
present tim e we are paying 50 per cent above the pre-war labor rates; yet, it is a
very small am ount for an ordinary unskilled laboring m an to keep a family of a
wife and nine children on, and th e n atural proposition in th e minds of m ost
people is th a t th e m an should be paid a living wage, b u t th e next question is,
“ W hat is a living wage? ” If the industry in which he is employed and his efforts
are being consumed will not perm it of any greater wage, and a t th e same tim e
produce a product th a t can be sold to th e prospective customer, th a t fact will
fix th e wages th a t can be paid in th a t industry, and if other lines of work were
brought to an even level so th a t this laborer could get for a dollar w hat he ought
to get, he would undoubtedly have a living wage, or else th e industry in which he
had been working ought to be stopped entirely and people do w ithout th e product.
T h at could hardly be th e result in such a basic industry as ours, th a t of producing
steel for agricultural implements.
“
Y o u r s t r u ly ,
“ St e e l C om pany,
“ B y G e n e r a l , S u p e r in t e n d e n t .”
The discussion opened with a general description of the develop
ment of the family allowance and child endowment systems in other
countries as a means of meeting the particular difficulty of wage
earners with large families. In certain European countries, notably
France and Belgium, the family-allowance system has been intro
duced in many industries. Under this plan, sometimes referred to
as the social-wage plan, the basic wage of the worker is supplemented
by an additional allowance proportioned to the number of children.
In New Zealand and New South Wales, recent legislation has sought
to meet the same problem by direct State endowment to low-paid
wage earners with families above a determined size. Under this
plan, there is no connection between the State payments and the
regular wages of the workers.
Commentingon these practices, Dean William J.Engelen,S.J., of St.
Johns College, Toledo, Ohio, held that the family-allowance system
in France and Belgium was of undoubted value in those countries
“ if for no other reason that it helps to overcome the Malthusian
tendencies which strongly prevail there.’’ He was of the opinion,
however, that a state system of family allowances is not socially
sound. With reference to the assumption of such a function by
national Governments he asked, “ Must we not fear this new duty
of the State will also suggest increased rights of the State in the
matter of education? We come dangerously near to socialistic
principles and we tread on dangerous ground. ”
He suggested, however, a form of insurance which would raise
wages “ that are temporarily and on account of temporary necessity
too low or which are insufficient in exceptional cases. Such insur
ance would substitute dignified justice for sweet and kind but
humiliating charity. ” Such social insurance would not of necessity
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[985]
36
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
be State insurance. Preferably it should not be State insurance but
“ at least sanctioned and supervised by the State.”
“ Should not the payment of a living wage to the workers be
charged against industry before dividends are paid?” was one of the
questions put to the conference by Dr. J. E. Hagerty, of the Ohio
State University. He voiced the hope that the time would soon come
when industries which can not pay living wages shall be considered
parasitic. In regard to the steel mill superintendent’s statement
concerning the economic relations between the steel mill producer
and the farmer, Doctor Hagerty said that “ the farmer has stupidly
authorized the Government to protect the steel mill producer with
out seeking corresponding benefits for himself.” The speaker
contended, that the steel producer is entitled to no sympathy be
cause the product he sells in this instance is bought by a producer
who, unlike himself, enjoys no direct benefits from the United States
Government.
Joseph Murphy, chairman of the employees’ representatives of the
Lackawanna plant of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, urged, as
steps toward a more equitable distribution of wealth and income, the
placing of an honest value on investment and the abolition of stock
watering and stock melon cutting. He also advocated that the highpaid workers share a portion of their wages with their fellow laborers
who hold less advantageous jobs.
Estimates worked out from the budgets of various relief organiza
tions were presented by Dr. Francis J. Haas, Marquette University,
Milwaukee. These figurés included no provision for medical care or
future contingencies. According to such estimates Doctor Haas
stated that the M att Jones family, in order to secure the bare neces
saries of hfe during the summer, would have to spend $155.24 per
month apportioned as follows: For food, $72.04; clothing, $40.70;
rent, $25; summer fuel, $3; household supplies, including replace
ments of kitchen utensils, dishes, bedding, etc., $10; carfare, $3;gas
or electric light $1.50. The income of M att Jones being $89.44, the
deficit was $65.80. “ There should be no delay on the part of the
relief agency in making up the deficit in the family budget.”
Miss Louise McGuire^ of the National Catholic Service School
faculty, reported that “ the social worker is chronically confronted
with the problem of how best to handle” situations similar to that
of M att Jones. “ To supplement wages is to keep down wages.”
Furthermore, no charity bureau, she said, could possibly meet its
obligations if it inaugurated such a scheme. “ Sheer numbers would
overwhelm it. It is estimated that 12,000,000 wage earners are just
about one week removed from the line of dependence. ” If, however,
the incomes of families like that of M att Jones are not supplemented,
“ the obvious results are sickness, either chronic or acute, probably
malnourishment, tuberculosis, delinquency. ”
The speaker briefly reviewed the attempts made by poor families
to help themselves by taking in lodgers in already overcrowded
houses, by mothers leaving their little ones and going out to work,
and by the children becoming wage earners at the earliest possible
age. She also declared that the experience of social workers in the
mothers’ aid divisions confirms the public statement made by John
Fitzpatrick of the Chicago Federation of Labor that “ children of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[986]
T H E UNSKILLED LABORER W IT H A LARGE FAMILY
37
Chicago widows had a better chance in life and greater opportunity
than the children of workingmen.”
Miss McGuire said that “ communities have in a sense subsidized
wages” and in this connection she submitted some statistics on the
staggering expenditures of New York and Chicago social and chari
table agencies.
Should we call the Jones family abnormal and have recourse to
private charity relief? Can we ask an employer to establish a
minimum wage on the basis of a family of 10? After raising these
questions Miss McGuire proposed that in cases like that of M att
Jones aid be given in regular amounts, the matter being handled on
an individual basis, and that strict files be maintained for use in the
compiling of statistically indisputable facts.
The ultimate solution of the problem, she thought, would seem to
point to family grants similar to those provided under the New Zea
land arid New South Wales child endowment acts.
The situation of M att Jones and his family is the situation of
thousands of similar unskilled workers in “ prosperous America, ” Leo
Keller, statistician for the Brotherhood of Main ten ance-of-Way
Employees, told the delegates. A wage of S3.44 per day or 43 cents
per hour, Mr. Keller said, “ is, if anything, in excess of the average
wage paid unskilled workers throughout the United States.” By
way of illustration he said: “ More than 200,000 section men on
Class I railroads to-day receive an average of less than 36 cents an
hour, equivalent to S2.88 for an eight-hour day, and for the year 1926
there were 22,315 crossing watchmen guarding our lives seven days a
week at railroad crossings for a monthly wage of $75, which is equiv
alent to $2.50 per day for a 30-day month.” Wages in America
to-day, he stated, are not fixed on the basis of justice or the needs of
the family, but by superior economic power. Where the bargaining
strength of the workers’ organization is superior, wages are raised
and where the preponderant power is in the employers’ hands in
creases are refused or wage reductions put into effect “ regardless of
the inadequacy of the wage structure thus established.” Mr.
Keller acknowledged that intensive and amicable cooperation of
employers and workers would result in an increase in production for
everybody concerned and he thought it fortunate that such practice
is gaining recognition in this country more rapidly at present than
ever before. But labor organizations, he stated, such as the Brother
hood of Maintenance-of-Way Employees find it no easy task “ to
‘sell’ cooperation to men with empty stomachs.”
Mr. Keller expressed his inability to see the consistency of denying
unskilled workers a higher wage on the basis that it would be an in
justice to the poor farmer. He felt that “ some means * * *
must be and, of course, can be found to allay the economic misery of
both.” Idealizing that even highly philanthropic individual em
ployers can not pay wages greatly in excess of their competitors, he
stressed the desirability of employers cooperating “ more intensively
with each other * * * to eliminate some of the shamefully
inadequate wages now paid unskilled laborers.”
Dr. John A. Ryan, director of the social action department of the
National Catholic Welfare Conference, who was chairman of the
session, stated that no matter what line the discussion regarding this
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[987 ]
38
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
particular family might take “ it is certain that the great majority of
unskilled laborers of the United States do not receive family living
wages and it is also certain that this deplorable condition is
economically unnecessary.”
A decent living for a m an and wife and three small children can not be managed
in any large city of th e country on less th a n $1,500 a year. Y et we are informed
by the U nited States Bureau of Labor Statistics th a t th e average wage of the
200,000 unskilled railroad employees is only $17 a week, while th e average in
the sawmills is $17.77 and in the bitum inous coal industry $22.78 a week. We
are further informed th a t in only three of our large industries is th e average
weekly wage above $25 a week.
Doctor Ryan also declared that the problem of providing the people
in America with the means of a decent living was no longer a produc
tion problem but a “ problem of increasing the consuming power of
the masses so that more of the goods that are produced or could be
produced will be sold.”
I t is quite evident, he said, that the solution of this problem would
be advantageous to industry as well as to the masses of workers. So
obvious is it that our capacity for production outstrips our capacity
to get goods consumed, so manifest is it that industry can not keep
going if there is not a wide and great diffusion of purchasing power
that employers are at present promulgating the doctrine of high wages.
They are aware that they need a large consuming power in the labor
ing classes.
The situation is this: Those classes in the com m unity who have the power
to consume more, have not th e desire; those classes th a t have th e desire, have
not the power; therefore, the problem is to give the la tte r th e required increase
of consuming power; the class th a t needs m ost such an increase is th e great body
of unskilled laborers who now receive less th an living wages; therefore, both
industry and hum anity called for the establishm ent, universally, of a minimum
standard of decent living.
Effect of Low Income upon H ealth
N ARTICLE in the August, 1927, Labor Review (pp. 1-3)
drew attention to the extremely low wages of certain groups
of unskilled laborers in the United States. I t was there shown
that the average full-time earnings of unskilled male laborers in sev
eral districts was less than $15 per week, and in some instances less
than $12 per week. No information is available regarding the family
responsibilities of these workers. Many undoubtedly had only
themselves to care for, but many others, it may be assumed, were
married and had families to support.
One of the serious social effects of such low earnings as those re
ferred to is the effect upon health. Sickness is, of course, not limited
to the poor, but numerous studies indicate clearly that both sickness
and death are much more frequent among those with low incomes
than among those with incomes adequate to comfortable living.
The present article brings together the substance of these studies, the
data being taken from the convenient summary and analysis recently
published by the United States Public Health Service.1
A
'U n ite d States P ublic H ealth Service.
W ashington, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Public health b ulletin No. 165: Economic statu s and health.
[988]
EFFECT OF LOW INCOME UPON HEALTH
39
Sickness Studies by Various Agencies
public agencies which have made studies bearing on this
question are the United States Public Health Service and the
Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Children’s Bureau of the United
States Department of Labor, while the mortality statistics of different
countries and various other studies deal with one or another of the
phases of this problem.
Sickness surveys have been made by the Public Health Service
in several communities. In a study carried out in Hagerstown, Md.,
in November, 1921, data were secured as to the sickness prevalence
in 1,751 households. The family income was not ascertained, but
the economic status of the family was estimated by the agent from
appearances and from the occupation of the household head, and the
families were classed as well-to-do and comfortable, moderate, and
poor and very poor. The cases of sickness per 1,000 persons were 40.1
for the lowest economic group, 37.6 for those in moderate circum
stances, and 32.2 for the highest group.
Even more striking differences were shown by a study of the preva
lence of disabling sickness in seven cotton-mill villages in the South,
which was made in 1916. The case rate per 1,000 persons canvassed
was 70.1 for families in which the half-month income per adult male
unit was less than $6, decreasing with increased income to 18.5 per
1,000 for those having an income for each adult of $10 and over.
This study was extended the following year to cover about 10,000
persons in 24 villages. The rates for sickness prevalence and the
percentage of workdays lost, adjusted according to age, showed that
both decrease as income increases. A continuous record of the
sickness in one village, kept in 1918 from March through November,
also showed significant differences between the income groups, and
although the rate for influenza did not follow quite the same course as
the rate for all sicknesses combined the lowest income group did
show a decidedly higher rate from this cause than the other two
classes. Both the 1916 and 1917 studies showed more illnesses of
long duration in the lower income group. The presence of a con
siderable amount of pellagra in the villages accounted for part of this
difference, but as pellagra is considered to be a vitamin deficiency
disease the economic factor is of importance.
A study by Emmet of the disability among members of a sickbenefit association, published in the Labor Review, November, 1919,
and March, 1920, shows the disability by occupation of the members
of the fund. Disability from accidents which accounted for 28 per
cent of the total number of cases and 24 per cent of the disability is
included in the data. A comparison of the rates by three principal
occupation groups—professional, trade, and clerical; skilled; and
unskilled—shows that the annual average number of disabled persons
between the ages of 25 and 59, per 1,000 members, was 158 for the
first group, 221 for the second group, and 278 for the third. These
figures were adjusted to the age distribution of the male white popula
tion of the United States in 1910.
Several studies of mortality rates in different places and for different
periods show consistently higher death rates among the lower income
groups. These studies included one by Chapin of the mortality in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[989]
40
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Providence, R. I., in 1865, among those families paying income tax
and those whose incomes were not high enough to be taxed; a study
of class mortality statistics in Dublin, Ireland, for the year 1911,
in which the professional and independent class, the trade and com
mercial class, and wage earners were compared, and a comparison of
the mortality among the families of the British peerage and the
British population in general during the first half of the nineteenth
century.
Causes of Adult Mortality According to Economic Status
rTTIE diseases which occur more frequently as a cause of death
1 among the unskilled laboring classes than among the higher
paid classes, as shown by an analysis of the mortality statistics for
England and Wales, which are published decennially, are the respira
tory diseases, including phthisis, nonpulmonary tuberculosis, valvular
disease of the heart, aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage, and hernia.
On the other hand, diabetes, gout, the digestive diseases, angina
pectoris and arteriosclerosis occur with greater frequency among the
professional and salaried class than among either the skilled or
unskilled groups. Thus it is seen that nearly all the major causes of
death vary inversely to economic status. While the importance of
constitutional or hereditary factors as compared with the environ
mental factors can not be determined from these statistics, it does
not seem reasonable to assume that the poor are so constituted that
they are especially susceptible to some diseases while they offer
exceptional resistance to others, but it would seem to be rather the
environmental factor which is the more important.
Relation of Child Sickness and Mortality to Economic Status
A STUDY by the Public Health Service of absence from school in
certain cities in Missouri in 1919-20 showed a consistently
higher sickness rate among the children of the lower paid workers in
all age groups between the ages of 6 and 16. A. similar study of
sickness among school children in Florida in 1921-22 showed the same
general tendency for absence on account of sickness to increase with
the decrease in economic well-being.
Comparison of child mortality rates among specific occupational
groups and in various cities and counties shows that there is a con
stant tendency for the mortality to increase among the children of
the lower paid groups of workers, although in some cases this tendency
was not quite so marked in rural communities. In regard to specific
diseases it appeared that diphtheria and scarlet fever vary less in the
different classes than measles and whooping cough, both of which
occur more frequently among the poorer children.
A study of infant mortality in five cities, made by the United
States Children’s Bureau, which gives the mortality rates by earnings
of the father and nativity of the mother, shows that there is a general
decrease in mortality as the earnings of the family increase and that
this holds true for children of native, foreign, and colored workers.
Comparison of the deaths among children in England and Wales,
by cause, shows that the greatest difference as between classes is
found in the common infectious diseases, these being 107 per cent
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[990 ]
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IN POTTERY INDUSTRY
41
greater among the working class as a whole than in the professional
and salaried class, followed by diarrhea and enteritis, while the
developmental and wasting diseases show the least variation as
between the different economic classes.
Important factors in the death rate of infants which are associated
with income are congestion of the household, sanitation, and other
conditions which are very closely associated with poverty. The
education of the mother is also an important factor, as comparison of
the rates for literate and illiterate mothers shows a much higher rate
among children of the latter.
An important point brought out by these studies is that while
there is no great difference between the death rates for the different
economic classes among infants under one month of age, for infants
over that age the rate in the United States in the lowest income group
is ten times the rate in the highest income group, suggesting that the
difference lies not so much in the inherited make-up of these children
as in the environmental conditions.
Although these data are scattering and are for varying periods the
practical uniformity in the results in showing a higher sickness inci
dence and mortality rate for both children and adults among the
lower paid income groups indicates that sufficient income to insure
reasonable physical comfort, proper nourishment, and care in the
event of sickness is of the utmost importance.
in d u str ia l R ela tio n s in th e P o ttery In d u stry
SHORT study of industrial relations in the pottery industry,
by Donald Kennedy, of the University of Pittsburgh, is pre
sented in the Journal of Political Economy for August, 1927
(pp. 522-542), from which the following is taken.
The pottery industry is of small size, having in 1923, according to
the Census of Manufactures, only 36,824 employees and a total
product valued at a little over $114,000,000. The plants, also,
are small, a typical plant employing from 100 to 250 workers, while
40 per cent of the product is made in plants having a total yearly
production valued at between $100,000 and $500,000.
Industrial relations in the industry have been influenced by six
economic factors—the importance of labor in the manufacturing
process, the localization of the industry, the absence of seasonality,
the influence of the tariff, the domestic competitive situation, and
technological changes.
The principal occupations in the production of pottery are skilled,
the work being largely handwork. In the early days of the industry
the workers were English potters who came to this country, bringing
with them the customs and traditions of their craft, which have
been handed down so that in the trade practices of to-day as to
method of payment, length of working-day, quantity of work to be
finished in a day, and hiring of helpers, many of these old customs
have been retained. The pottery workers are therefore a conservative
skilled group, who have in their skill a big factor in determining
bargaining power.
A
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[991 ]
42
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Despite the gradual change in process which has been taking place,
the industry requires a high proportion of labor, as compared with
other industries such as iron and steel. The labor cost of manufac
turing white ware at the last date cost figures were published—the
beginning of the war—was 58.8 per cent of the total cost, and to-day
it is estimated to be above 50 per cent. For the industry as a whole
the proportion is somewhat lower due to the greater development of
the casting method in the production of sanitary ware. The workers
are therefore a big factor in the productive process, and through their
union are in a position to demand and secure recognition and coopera
tion from the producer.
The fact that the industry is localized in Ohio and New Jersey, the
centers of location being East Liverpool, Ohio, and Trenton, N. J.,
has had an important influence on industrial relations in the industry,
as the concentration of large bodies of workers in these centers has
afforded a constant opportunity for discussion of problems and work
ing out of policies and has resulted in a strong union. It has also
facilitated the organization of producers’ associations, because of the
ready contacts afforded.
There is no seasonal fluctuation in the industry, the minimum
number employed in 1914 being 93.6 per cent of the maximum and
in 1923 87.5 per cent, and consequently problems connected with
seasonal production are nonexistent.
The pottery industry is a protected industry, there being a tariff
of from 30 to 70 per cent ad valorem on imported goods. This pro
tection is regarded as necessary because American production costs
are in some cases 100 per cent higher than costs of producers in Eng
land, Germany, France, Austria, and Japan. The importance of
the tariff as a factor in industrial relations is shown in the fact that
cuts in duties in 1894 and in 1913 immediately resulted in decreased
domestic output and industrial strife.
In the domestic competitive situation the chief factor has been
the existence of manufacturers’ associations. Until 1923 there were
two associations, the United States Potters’ Association and the Sani
tary Potters’ Association, the members of the former manufacturing
general ware (earthenware or white ware, common colored ware, and
porcelain and china) and of the latter sanitary ware, such as washstands, bathtubs, lavatories, and drinking fountains. This grouping
is based on nature of product, similarity of interests, and character
of production problems. Since 1923 only the former association has
functioned.
The United States Potters’ Association has been in existence for
20 years. It controls 99.9 per cent of the production of hotel china,
64 per cent of the production of china and porcelain, and about 80
per cent of the production of white ware. It has committees on
labor relations, research, manufacturers’ cost, art and design, kiln
and fuel production, transportation, and machinery, which are active
in the interests of all the members. The harmonious relations
between the manufacturers is an important factor in their ability
to deal with the union.
The Sanitary Potters’ Association was disbanded in 1923 as the
result of Government suit, but the case has been appealed and is
now in the United States Supreme Court. At that time it controlled
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[992]
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IN POTTERY INDUSTRY
43
82 per cent of the production of sanitary ware and had been in exist
ence for over 23 years, so that harmonious relations and cooperation
prevailed among the manufacturers in this branch of the industry,
and there was an authoritative organization to deal with the em
ployees as to wages and working conditions.
While the industry has remained largely one of handwork, in the
last 15 years there have been developments in technique which have
had an important bearing on industrial relations. The successful
introduction since the war of casting of products of a certain type
has eliminated the element of skill entirely, as after three weeks’
experience unskilled men can make more pieces per day by this
method than a skilled worker can make by hand after three years’
apprenticeship. The process can be used only in making hollow
pieces, so that it is in the sanitary-ware branch of the industry that
it is most important.
The replacement of the old beehive kiln with the modern tunnel
kiln has also eliminated a skilled occupation, the kilnman, whose
work was intermittent, the old kiln being charged full before firing
and then discharged after cooling, and involved heavy lifting. In
the tunnel kiln the operation is continuous, new cars of ware con
stantly entering the kiln and fired cars constantly leaving it at the
other end of the tunnel, and the work of the tender is unskilled and
continuous.
The pottery workers’ present organization, the National Brother
hood of Operative Potters, was formed in December, .1890, though
before then both the potters and sanitary-ware workers had been
organized under the Knights of Labor and in independent unions.
The sanitary-ware workers did not enter the present organization till
1899. Before this there had been unsettled labor conditions and many
strikes, but in 1900, with a union representing all the skilled workers
in the industry, the workers were able to negotiate an agreement
and a uniform wage scale, which was the beginning of a period of
peaceful cooperation and effective collective bargaining, lasting until
1922.
The National Brotherhood of Operative Potters is composed exclu
sively of operative potters who are members of locals. In isolated
localities a local including all workers may be organized, but in
places where there are a number of plants the men working in each
of the skilled occupations are organized into a union. The brother
hood is really, therefore, a quasi-industrial union at the top and a
trade-union at the bottom. As the union was formed for the skilled
workers few unskilled workers belong to the union and their wages
are not set in the agreement. Consequently, in 1923, there were
only 9,100 union members among the 36,824 workers in the industry.
The brotherhood has always based its power on control of the skilled
workers and has never asked for a closed shop.
The basis of industrial relations between the union and the manu
facturers’ association has been the agreements negotiated biennially,
there being one for each branch until 1922. Wages were not revised,
either upward or downward, until the war, when on account of the
high cost of living increases were granted each year from 1916 to
1920, reaching as high as 69 and 75 per cent in some occupations in
the general-ware branch and from 52 to 55 per cent in the sanitary68404°—27-----4
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[993]
44
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
ware branch. The first reduction, 17 per cent, in the general-ware
branch was in 1921, due to the depression of that year. As the
locals in the sanitary trade would not allow the question of wages
to be brought before a conference committee in 1921, though there
was a provision in the agreement permitting it, the manufacturers
could not secure a reduction then, and when the wage conference
met at its regular time in 1922 there was a deadlock which ended in
a strike.
One reason for the success of the agreements for so many years
was that the employers, because of the protective tariff and coopera
tion among themselves and also because of increasing business
activity and rising prices, were in a position to be generous in granting
increases in wages.
There are two standing committees, one for general ware and one
for sanitary ware, which can be appealed to for interpretation of
the agreements, adjustment of grievances, and making of new rates
in the interval between agreements. Each committee is composed
of 6 men, 3 elected by the union and 3 appointed by the manufac
turers’ association. Matters brought before a committee of this
kind are necessarily disposed of by collective bargaining, as no pro
vision is made for arbitration. The association and the union are
both pledged to enforce the decisions of the committee.
A controversy as to a piece rate does not come before the standing
committee until it has been considered by the local union, after an
unsuccessful conference between the manufacturer and the local
shop committee has been had, and one side has referred it to the
committee. In each case an attempt is made to settle the case
strictly on its merits, the decisions being based on the amount paid
in other plants for the same article or, if the article is not being made
elsewhere, on its likeness to existing pieces. The amount earned by
men on like jobs is also considered. Arguments are heard on both
sides, and if a unanimous decision can not be obtained there is a
splitting of the difference.
The success which attended the making of the biennial agreements
and the settlement of disputes by collective bargaining and the
resulting industrial peace in the industry for so many years was
mainly due to the acceptance of the principle which is so clearly
stated in the 1920 wage scale of the Sanitary Potters’ Association
and the National Brotherhood of Operative Potters:
The cardinal principle of th e agreem ents * * * is th a t there shall be no
strike or lockout in th e case of a dispute. To carry o u t these principles both
sides m ust understand th a t they are not privileged to in terp ret th e agreem ents
to suit themselves, neither are they privileged, if m atters d o n ’t suit them , to
stop work. In no case shall there be a suspension of work in. any pottery.
In 1922 this basic principle was not followed, a major strike occur
ring in each branch of the industry, resulting in the weakening of the
union and the breaking up of many of its locals.
In the 1922 wage conference of the general-ware branch of the
industry the union representatives were determined to get back 7
per cent of the 17 per cent wage cut of 1921 but the manufacturers
refused. Neither side would give in and a strike was called for
October 1, 1922. After several futile conferences, the union, con
struing a statement of the manufacturers that they would be more
willing to deal with men who were their workmen than with strikers
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[994 ]
H IG H WAGES AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
45
as a promise to meet it part way in its demand, ordered the men back
to work. In all about 17,000 employees were out for 63 days. The
belief of the union that a wage increase had been promised put the
producers and leaders in a difficult position and after many confer
ences a raise of 4.2 per cent was granted. The union thus secured a
part of its wage demand and was able to maintain its organization
and power, and to continue its relations with the employers as to col
lective bargaining and negotiation of agreements, so that it came out
of the strike in fairly good condition.
In the sanitary trade the situation resulted differently. As the
union had in the depression of 1921 refused to consider a reduction of
wages the manufacturers were not in a mood for compromise when it
came time to make the 1922 agreement. The union leaders, however,
thought as business was picking up the employers would be willing
to renew the old agreement rather than have a strike. The confer
ence was a failure. After an investigation of the situation by union
leaders, especially as to possibilities of casting, a compromise of a
10 per cent reduction was secured. Opposition arose in the union
membership, however, especially among the younger and more
radical element, which not having participated in the strikes prior
to the era of collective bargaining, did not realize the hardships of a
strike and the advantages of collective bargaining. The members
also failed to understand the possibilities of the casting process in
fighting a strike and, ignoring the advice of their leaders, refused the
compromise and a strike was ordered for November 1, 1922. While
some of the potteries continued operations, others closed down to
install the casting process, and in three weeks inexperienced men
were casting more pieces per day than the skilled pressers had made
and were carrying on the work in other departments with increasing
success. The employers, thereupon, after one or two unsuccessful
attempts at reconciliation, refused to deal with the union and the
strike was a failure, the union calling off the strike on June 20, 1923,
and the men getting what work and whatever terms they could.
Thus, the author says, after a period of over 20 years of peaceful
and successful settlement of wage disputes in a protected, cooperative
industry, such harmonious relations came to an end through changing
technique, business depression, and radical leadership.
♦
A n E m p lo y er’s V iew of H igh W ages an d In d u stria l R e la tio n s
N A recent address, which has been widely commented upon, Mr.
Owen D. Young, chairman of the board of directors, General
Electric Co., expresses his belief that high wages may mean low
prices but high profits, and that a worker’s income should be sufficient
to provide for his cultural life and not merely for his physical needs.
Furthermore, he expresses the hope that some day the great business
enterprises will really belong to those who, in whatever capacity, are
giving to them their lives and their efforts.
The address was delivered at Harvard University on June 4, 1927.
The portion of the address which dealt particularly with the subject
of labor and industrial relations is reproduced on pages 46 to 49.1
I
i H arvard Business Review, Cam bridge, M ass., Ju ly , 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[9951
46
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
“ As business widened in area, it increased in size. It was no
longer possible for one man to be the whole business. His capital
was not enough—his labor was not enough—his knowledge was not
enough. For the individual, we substituted the partnership, and
finally as the enterprise grew, we displaced the partnership with the
modern corporation. Into these we have brought together larger
amounts of capital and larger numbers of workers than existed in
cities once thought great. We have been put to it, however, to dis
cover the true principles which should govern their’relations. From
one point of view, they w'ere partners in a common enterprise. From
another, they were enemies fighting for the spoils of their common
achievement. In dealing with this problem, there has been much
misunderstanding and frequently want of sympathy. The organiza
tion has not always functioned well, and even to-day in that field we
have great problems yet unsolved.
The Cultural Wage
“ GRADUALLY we are reducing the area of conflict between the
^
two. Slowly we are learning that low wages for labor do not
necessarily mean high profits for capital. We are learning that an
increasing wage level is wholly consistent with a diminishing com
modity price level. We are learning that productivity of labor is
not measured alone by the hours of work, nor even by the test of
physical fatigue in a particular job. What we need to deal with are
not the limits to which men may go without physical exhaustion,
but the limits within which they may work with zest and spirit and
pride of accomplishment. When zest departs, labor becomes drudg
ery. When exhaustion enters, labor becomes slavery. Zest is
partly a matter of physical condition, but it is also largely influenced
by mental reactions. These are common to all of us in every posi
tion. Are we doing well with our lives? Are we providing for our
families—not merely clothes and food and shelter while we are work
ing, but an insurance for them when our working time is ended either
by age, disability, or death? Are we providing more cultural oppor
tunities for ourselves and our children? In a word, are we free men?
Here in America, we have raised the standard of political equality.
Shall we be able to add to that, full equality in economic opportunity?
No man is wholly free until he is both politically and economically
free. No man with an uneconomic and failing business is free. He is
unable to meet his obligations to his family, to society, and to himself.
No man with an inadequate wage is free. He is unable to meet his
obligations to his family, to society, and to himself. No man is free
who can provide only for physical needs. He must also be in a posi
tion to take advantage of cultural opportunities. Business, as the
process of coordinating men’s capital and effort in all fields of activity,
will not have accomplished its full service until it shall have provided
the opportunity for all men to be economically free. I have referred
elsewhere to the cultural wage. I repeat it here as an appropriate
term with which to measure the right earnings of every member of a
sound society competent and willing to work.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[996 ]
H IG H WAGES AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
47
The “ Hired Men” of Industry
‘1V E ST in labor is influenced by another mental reaction well known
_
to us all but too frequently neglected. Is a man working for
himself or is he a hired man? It has been assumed that with the
evolution of business into large organizations, it was necessary to
increase the percentage of hired men. That feeling was encouraged
by our old habit of thinking. Capital was the employer, buying
labor as a commodity in the cheapest market and entitled to all the
profits of the undertaking. Managers were considered the paid
attorneys of capital to devise ways and means to squeeze out of
labor its last ounce of effort and last penny of compensation. Is it
any wonder that in this land of political freedom men resented the
notion of being servant to a master? Capital justified its action on
the^ plea that it took all the risk. Many men, however, knew from
their own experience that they also took a risk in this common busi
ness undertaking. With the greater division of labor, it was essen
tial that a man be trained for a highly specialized job. In order to
obtain the benefit of his training, he had to take employment in a
plant which could use it. He accordingly moved into" that com
munity. He bought his home—he made his friends—he established
his family and social connections. All of his relationships in life were
there. If that business failed and the plant were closed, it was not
alone the invested capital which suffered. That man, if no other
job in his highly specialized field existed in the community, must
move. His home must be sold, his ties broken, and perhaps too late
in life he must attempt to take up again the forming of new friends
elsewhere. Is it any wonder that he resented the notion that capital
takes all the risks?
Labor and Management
“ XTORTUNATELY, we are making great progress in America in
1 these difficult relationships. We are trying to think in terms
of human beings—one group of human beings who put their capital
in, and another group who put their lives and labor in a common enter
prise for mutual advantage. We are learning as one result of our
widespread prosperity that the human being who puts his capital in
is no longer the gentleman of the cartoonist in need of fat-reducing
exercises. It is rather the lean school-teacher, the small merchant,
the carpenter, the blacksmith, who are trying to conserve and in
crease their surplus earnings, as a guaranty fund against disaster.
Or if it be not they directly, then it is most likely to be the insurance
company and the savings bank which is investing the savings of
millions of our people of all classes in the capital of widely diversified
concerns. We think of managers no longer as the partisan attorneys
of either group against the other. Rather we have come to consider
them trustees of the whole undertaking, whose responsibility is to
see to it on the one side that the invested capital is safe and that its
return is adequate and continuous; and on the other side that com
petent and conscientious men are found to do the work and that
their job is safe and their earnings are adequate and continuous.
Managers may not be able to realize that ideal either for capital or
labor. It is a great advance, however, for us to have formulated that
objective and to be striving toward that goal.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[997]
48
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Participation of Labor in Control
“ DERHAPS some day we may be able to organize the human
1
beings engaged in a particular undertaking so that they
truly will be the employer buying capital as a commodity in the
market at the lowest price. It will be necessary for them to provide
an adequate guaranty fund in order to buy their capital at all. If
that is realized, the human beings will then be entitled to all the
profits over the cost of capital. I hope the day may come when
these great business organizations will truly belong to the men who
are giving their lives and their efforts to them, I care not in what
capacity. Then they will use capital truly as a tool and they will
be all interested in working it to the highest economic advantage.
Then an idle machine will mean to every man in the plant who sees
it an unproductive charge against himself. Then every piece of
material not in motion will mean to the man who sees it an unproduc
tive charge against himself. Then we shall have zest in labor,
provided the leadership is competent and the division fair. Then
we shall dispose, once and for all, of the charge that in industry
organizations are autocratic and not democratic. Then we shall
have all the opportunities for a cultural wage which the business can
provide. Then, in a word, men will be as free in cooperative under
takings and subject only to the same limitations and chances as men
in individual businesses. Then we shall have no hired men. That
objective may be a long way off, but it is worthy to engage the
research and efforts of the Harvard School of Business.
“ The fact that such a condition is not here to-day is not chargeable,
as so often alleged, to the selfishness or dominance of capital. It is
not due to the fact that the workers together have not adequate
resources to margin the capital which they seek. I t is due, in my
judgment, solely to the unwillingness of men to assume responsibility
and take a risk in such a cooperative undertaking. Most men yet
prefer a fixed income without risk to a share in the profits of the
enterprise with the responsibility which that involves. Gradually,
however, we are making our advance. Men are becoming both
wage earners and investors. As workers, they seek the most for their
labor. As investors, they seek the largest returns from their capital.
The ownership of great concerns, under the impetus of our present
prosperity, is being widely spread, and in some instances is largely
held by the workers.
The Problem of Unemployment
“ ’TTIEN, too, we must deal with this question of unemployment,
1 which I regard as the greatest economic blot on our capitalis
tic system. There is no answer except that the managers of business
have not yet learned how to make their system function so that men
willing and able to work may do so. There is no limit to the consump
tion of the world. It is limited only in its individual compartments.
We can not eat more than so much bread or meat. We can not
wear more than so many clothes, and so we may have overproduction
in individual lines. But there are innumerable wants of men yet
unserved, and as long as culture grows, these wants will outrun our
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[998 ]
LABOR CONDITIONS IN T H E P H IL IP P IN E S
49
capacity to produce the things to satisfy them. The world does not
owe men a living, but business, if it is to fulfill its ideal, owes men an
opportunity to earn a living.”
Labor Conditions in the Philippine Islands 1
HE labor supply of the Philippines has been classified into groups
of which the six most important are the Visayan, Tagalog,
Ilocano, Bicolano, Pangasinan, and Pampangan groups.
These are all of Malay blend with traces of the Indonesian type and
a later addition of Chinese, Spanish, or American blood in some
instances. There is frequently a resemblance between the dialects
spoken by the various groups although they are distinct from each
other. The Tagalog dialect is more or less widespread, probably
because it is the language spoken in and around the city of Manila,
which is the center of commerce and learning and the gathering place
for people from the different Provinces. Manila is populated chiefly
by Tagalogs, but considerable numbers of the other groups are to be
found there, as well as Chinese, Europeans, Americans, Japanese,
and representatives of various other nationalities.
T
Occupational Groups
number of laborers in principal occupational groups has been
estimated by the bureau of labor at 2,587,401, of which 1,594,360
are adult males, 619,290 adult females, and 643,751 minors of
both sexes. Agriculture employs the largest number of laborers and
accounts for about 2,547,572 of the total. The laborers engaged in
commerce and transportation, of which there are 118,178, make up
the second largest group. The various trades and industries com
prise the third largest group and employ about 113,171 laborers,
followed by the fishing industry, in which 5,830 laborers are em
ployed. This last figure, however, includes only those working for
others and takes no account of the far greater number of fishermen
working on their own account and who furnish the bulk of the fish
caught in the Philippines. The insular government employees, in
cluding skilled and unskilled laborers, rank next, with a total of
12,850, closely followed by those engaged in forestry, who number
11,763. The mining industry, with a total of 3,037, employs the
least number of laborers among the principal occupational groups.
Asiatic immigration
Chinese
Asiatic immigrants to the Philippines are principally Chinese,
Japanese, Hindus, Turks, and Syrians, and of these the Chinese
are the most numerous. Long before the arrival of the Spaniards
Chinese traders had access to the Philippines, and many of them
remained in the islands.
1
E xtracts from U . S. B ureau of Foreign and D om estic Commerce report. T rade prom otion series No.
52: T h e Philippine Island*—a commercial survey, b y O. M . B utler. W ashington, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[999]
50
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
In 1898, however, the Chinese exclusion act in force in the United
States was made applicable to the Philippines, and in 1903, when
the first census of the islands under the American sovereignty was
taken, there were 41,035 Chinese residents. This number had in
creased to 43,802 in the census of 1918, and at present it is estimated
that there are 44,239 Chinese residents in the Philippines.
The Chinese in the Philippines are not inclined to agricultural
pursuits, although a number engage in gardening and ordinarily do
not long remain as manual workers. They are found in all the
Provinces except the Batanes Islands and the sub-Provinces of
Apayao, Bontoc, Ifugao, and Kalinga of the Mountain Province.
The great majority of the Chinese residents are engaged in commer
cial pursuits, and it is estimated that they handle between 65 and 75
per cent of the merchandise distribution in the Philippines. The
remainder of the Chinese residents are employed as carpenters,
shipwrights, molders, and cobblers.. They often intermarry with
the natives.
Japanese
Japanese began to settle in the Philippines about the end of the
sixteenth century, and in the census of 1918 there were about 7,806
Japanese residents in the Philippines. The present estimate is
placed at 8,294. The Japanese immigrants have of recent years
settled chiefly in Davao, on the island of Mindanao, and more than
half of the present number may be found in that Province. The
Japanese engage in agriculture, fishing, gardening^ carpentry, and
cabinetmaking. À few have refreshment parlors in the principal
towns, and a considerable number of Japanese dry-goods stores have
also been established, chiefly in Manila. _Unlike the Chinese, the
Japanese seldom intermarry with the Filipinos.
Hindus, Syrians, and Turks
The Hindus are for the most part engaged as night watchmen,
although some have established dry-goods stores. The Syrians and
Turks are generally merchants located in Manila, Iloilo, Zamboanga,
and Cebu.
Labor Supply
A BOUT six years ago there was an agitation among a number of
the planters for the liberalization of the laws which restrict the
entrance of Asiatic laborers into the Philippine Islands. This move
ment was the result of the difficulties encountered by the planters in
recruiting laborers for their needs, and it was then their general belief
that the local supply of labor was not sufficient to meet the demands
of the various industries. The insular bureau of labor contends,
however, that the supply of labor is more than ample and that the
difficulties encountered were the results of various factors, among
which were the lack of method and organization in recruitment, the
low standard of wages offered, and the unsatisfactory terms and
conditions imposed by landowners upon the laboring class. Accord
ing to the census of 1918 there were registered 3,893,544 laborers, of
which only an average of 2,098,741 were regularly employed in agri
cultural, commercial, transportation, and manufacturing pursuits,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1000]
LABOR CONDITIONS IN T H E P H IL IP P IN E S
51
and the bureau of labor reports that there is at present a total of
2,857,401 wage earners in the islands.
The most prominent factors that determine the supply of labor are
the following: (1) The inequality of the distribution of population;
(2) the methods of recruitment; (3) the character of crops raised in
the areas which constitute the source of labor supply and in the
regions where the demand exists; (4) the distance between the demand
and the source of supply and the availability of cheap and speedy
transportation facilities; (5) the rates of compensation offered.
The densely populated Provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and
Cebu furnish the highest percentage of labor moving to other places,
not only for temporary but also for permanent employment.
Seasonal Movement of Labor
Philippines are essentially agricultural and various kinds of
seasonal crops are raised, of which the most important are sugar
cane, abaca or manila hemp, rice, tobacco, and coconuts.
The planting and milling seasons in Negros Occidental, the center
of the sugar industry, draw thousands of laborers from the neigh
boring Provinces of Antique, Iloilo, and Cebu. These laborers work
in the sugar mills and on the plantations, ordinarily remaining there
during the milling season, which usually lasts from November to
April, or longer. About 11,000 laborers are needed during this season
and the scarcity of work hands which is sometimes felt is explained
by the bureau of labor as the result of unorganized recruitment.
Employment of laborers in the coconut and abaca regions is fairly
steady and there is very little seasonal movement of labor to these
regions, particularly southern Luzon and the eastern Visayas.
During the dry season considerable numbers of laborers move from
the islands of Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor of the Visayas to Mindanao
to work in the coconut and abaca plantations there. The sugar
plantations in Mindoro draw their supply from Capiz and in part
from Pampanga. The rice region of central Luzon needs temporary
labor during the planting and harvesting seasons, which is supplied
chiefly from the Ilocos Provinces and the Province of La Union in
northern Luzon. About 5,000 additional laborers are obtained in
this way. The rice crop in the Ilocos Provinces matures early and
enables the Ilococano laborers to move as far south as Pampanga and
Laguna in time to work there during the sugar-milling season. The
tobacco region in northern Luzon also draws an additional supply
of labor from the Ilocos Provinces for the planting and harvesting
season, which lasts from January to May. About 2,000 laborers
move from the Ilocos Provinces to the tobacco regions for this work.
Filipino Emigration
Emigration to Hawaii 2
Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association established an office in
Manila during the year 1909, with a branch at Cebu, for the
purpose of recruiting Filipino laborers for Hawaiian sugar planta
tions. Systematic recruitment was at first begun in Manila and the
2 A full account of th e practice of recruiting Filipino laborers for work in H awaii was contained in th e
Labor Review for October, 1926 (pp. 4-9).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
noon
52
MONTHLY TABOR REVIEW
Visayas and later was extended to the Provinces of northern Luzon.
In 1915 the Philippine government thought it expedient to regulate
this drain on the labor supply, and legislation was approved requir
ing that the bureau of labor supervise all such contracts, prevent
the employment of minors, and take such action as might be neces
sary to insure the health of the laborers during transit. During the
years 1909 to 1914, both inclusive, 19,039 Filipino laborers emigrated
to Hawaii and only 159 returned to the islands. By the end of 1925
a total of 74,666 Filipinos had emigrated to Hawaii, and of this
number 15,517 returned to the Philippines. A considerable number
of Filipino laborers have also emigrated to the United States, some
of them direct and others through Hawaii, while still others have
gone to other foreign countries.
Interisland Migration
Interisland migration has been in progress in the Philippines for
many years. The general trend of this migration has varied some
what with the different groups. The Visayans ordinarily move from
the densely populated regions of Bohol, Cebu, and Panay and settle
in Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, and Negros. The Ilocanos migrate
from the western coast of Luzon to the Cagayan Valley and the
Mountain Province in northern Luzon and to the Provinces of
Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales, of central and
western Luzon. The Tagalogs migrate to neighboring territories in
the interior which are unoccupied and also to the Provinces of Nueva
Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales, in Luzon, and to the island of Mindoro.
The Bicolanos settle in the unoccupied regions of the Bicol Provinces
and the islands of Masbate and Samar.
Agricultural Colonization
Legislation was enacted during the early part of 1914 designed to
bring about a better redistribution of the population, in order to
encourage small land holdings among the people and increase the
production of foodstuffs and other agricultural products. This
legislation provided for the establishment and maintenance of
agricultural colonies and the recruitment of home seekers, and
facilitated the migration of colonists from densely populated to
sparsely settled regions.
Recruitment of colonists for the different agricultural colonies of
the government, however, was abandoned in 1917 as a result of the
refusal of the legislature to appropriate the necessary funds. The
colonists carried on the wrork that had been begun under the direc
tion of the government and have to-day attained a fair degree of
success in their ventures, aside from the benefit derived by the people
from the cultivation of hitherto idle and unproductive lands.
Home Seekers and Contract Laborers
A further appropriation was made in 1918 for the encouragement
of intermigration by the recruitment of home seekers in densely
populated regions for shipment to sparsely populated areas. A
number of recruiting districts were established, but actual recruit
ment was limited to the more densely populated Provinces, and in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1002]
53
LABOS CONDITIONS IN T H E P H IL IP P IN E S
Provinces where the industrial and agricultural activities demanded
a great number of workers certain restrictions were made. Contract
laborers were also recruited to supply the seasonal demand on the
plantations and in industry. During the years 1918 to 1925, both
inclusive, 13,983 home seekers were recruited and shipped and 8,708
laborers were contracted for and furnished.
Working Conditions
Wages
nPHE greater part of the manufacturing in the Philippine Islands
before industrial activities were introduced consisted of home
industries. There were only a few industrial establishments, such
as a rice mill, a number of small sugar mills, a sugar refinery, and
several plants producing lumbang (candlenut) oil. Aside from these
establishments and the farms, laborers ordinarily worked under some
form of profit sharing. The current rates of daily wages paid to
unskilled laborers ranged from 12 to 15 cents, and skilled laborers
received from 18 to 30 cents. The standard rates were raised as a
result of the sudden increase of the foreign trade of the islands shortly
before the American occupation, and unskilled laborers were paid an
average of 18 cents a day. Since American occupation the general
tendency has been to demand the highest wages obtainable, as a result
of the constant advance in the cost of the prime necessities and the
reduced purchasing power of money. The standard of living and
the wage scale in the Philippines is now so high, compared with
other parts of the Far East, that several industries, otherwise prac
ticable, can not be made profitable in competition with similar indus
tries in near-by countries, because of the greater labor costs in the
islands. The following table submitted by the bureau of labor will
show the present minimum, average, and maximum rates of wages
being paid to the various classes of laborers in the Philippines.
D A IL Y W A G E R A T E S P A ID TO L A B O R E R S IN T H E P H IL I P P I N E IS L A N D S
[In Philippine pesos; one peso equals $0.50 U nited States currency]
M ales
T rade or in d u stry
U nskilled laborers:
A gricultural........ ...................... .........
Skilled la b o re rs:1 _
Sugar-mill em ployees___________
Cigar m a k e r s . ...... ..........................
E m broidery w orkers........... .............
M achine (linotypists)___
Em ployees of shoe factories............
M ini A ver M axi M ini A ver M axi M ini A ver M axi
m um m u m
m um
m um
m um m um
age
age
age
0.53
.50
0.82
.92
1.29
1.55
.50
.50
1.00
.50
.70
1.00
.60
.80
.60
2.00
.80
1.00
.83
2.00
.60
1. 48 5.00
L 38 4.00
2. 01 4. 75
1.49 : 3. 42
1.66 4. 00
2. 40
2.00
2.70 6.90 i
3.00
6. 90
1.35 2. 50
4. 50 7.00
3. 00
1.90
L 37
1. 75
2. 50 6.00
2.70
3.50
1.88 6.00
0.33
0.50
0. 76
.30
.85
.33
.33
1.05
1.05
1. 50
2.00
2.00
2.50
.50
1.06
2.00
1 H eiiip strippers receive from 50 to 60 p er cent of th e hem p stripped.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M inors
Fem ales
[1003]
0.22
0.40
0.71
.30
..50 .
.71
.73
1.20
1.00
.40
.85
1. 50
54
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Working Hours
There are no laws in the Philippines regulating the working hours
of wage earners other than an act limiting the labor of persons
below the age of 16 years to 7 hours daily or to a total of 42 hours
weekly, to be served between 6 a. m. and 6 p. m. The Administrative
Code of 1917 requires not less than six and one-half hours of work
daily in the government offices, but at present the government bu
reaus work seven hours a day except Saturday and three months
during the hot season, when the offices are closed every day at 1
o'clock. Court sessions are regularly held during five hours each
working-day except Saturday, when sessions last for three hours
only. Public-school teachers are required to devote a total of five
hours a day to school work during five days of each school week.
The majority of the business houses are open from 7 a. m. until 5
p. m., with a noon recess of two hours. In the trades and industries
working hours range from 8 to 10 hours a day.
Living Costs
The census taken in 1918 reported that the cost of living had
increased by 59 per cent compared with 1910, and in 1920 the increase
was 104 per cent on the same basis, chiefly as a result of the abnormal
situation created by the World War. Living costs in 1925 were
generally lower than the 1920 figure by 13 per cent, but higher than
that for 1918 by 12 per cent. The different items of a budget of
daily expenses for a family of two adults and three minors in Manila
for the year 1926 have been placed by the bureau of labor as follows:
R e n t--------------------------------------------------------------------------- $0. 13
Food_________________________________________________
. 645
C lothing____________ _________________________________
.0 8
. 065
Light and fu el________________________________________
Prim ary school________________________________________
. 055
Miscellaneous_________________________________________
. 135
T otal__________________________________________
1. 16
The daily expenses of a single laborer were estimated to amount
to half of the estimate above listed. Expenses in other towns of the
Philippines during 1925 were given as 91 cents for a family of five
and as 42 cents for a single laborer. This budget purports to cover
only actual necessities, with the exception of the school allowance, but
is perhaps somewhat above the minimum amount on which a family
can live. A comparison of this budget with the average wage scale
shown in the table (p. 53) indicates that with both adults receiving
the average daily wage for unskilled laborers the total income would
be only about 75 cents, United States currency, and considerably
under the budget.
The range between the prices of actual necessities, as understood
by the native laborer, and the refinements of life is much greater in
the Philippines than in the United States. Apart from the native
food products and a few minor articles, little is produced in the
islands and all other commodities must be imported. More than
half of these imports (including such items as textiles for clothes,
leather for shoes, iron and steel products, paper, toilet preparations,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1004 ]
LABOR CONDITIONS IN T H E P H IL IP P IN E S
55
and novelties, as well as large quantities of canned fish) are brought
in from the United States and pay no duty, but the original price is
nevertheless increased by the freight charges from the point of origin
to the Philippines and by miscellaneous incidental charges, including
the commissions of various middlemen and high interest charges on
the capital invested while the shipment is in transit.
Labor Organizations
'"THERE were no labor organizations in the Philippines during the
A early days of Spanish occupation. Two societies of laborers
were formed in the city of Manila at the beginning of the nineteenth
century, but these were organized more for religious purposes than
for the material betterment of their members, and somewhat later
a few mutual-aid societies were organized with the object of protect
ing members in case of sickness or death. Labor associations for
defense, resistance, or positive action, such as strikes or lockouts,
or labor syndicates and trade-unions as were known in the United
States were completely unknown in the Philippines. Radical changes
were made after the occupation of the islands by the Americans, and
the first of the modern labor unions was organized in 1902, but was
dissolved in 1903. A labor corporation was organized in 1908 to
engage in the manufacture of cigars and cigarettes. This corpora
tion has been successful and its present capital is placed at $250,000,
of which $165,000 has been subscribed and paid in. The first labor
congress was held in Manila on May 1, 1913, and representatives from
all labor unions and mutual-benefit societies attended the congress.
Three years later the forerunner of the present “ Labor Federation
of the Philippines” was organized. There are at present 114 labor
organizations in the islands, 51 of which are located in Manila and
the remainder scattered throughout the Provinces. There is also in
existence at present an association of tenants and farm laborers under
the name, “ National Confederation of Tenants and Farm Laborers
of the Philippines.” A number of fraternal orders have also been
organized recently among the laboring classes, of which the more
important are the “ Legionarios del Trabajo” and the “ Katipunan
Mipanampun,” with a total of about 30,000 members each.
With the exception of an unsuccessful strike of cigar makers in
1902, organized-labor disturbances were not recorded until July, 1909.
From that date to and including the year 1925 there was a total of
430 strikes and lockouts in the Philippines, involving 115,557 workers,
of which 383 were declared by labor organizations and 107 by nonunionists. The wage scale was the cause of the dispute in 333 in
stances, and in 315 strikes the workmen won. The greatest number
of disagreements occurred between 1917 and 1921, and since that
period there has been an average of loss than 25 strikes annually.
Agrarian Disputes
T H E tenancy system in the Philippines is an institution which dates
back for centuries. The system is more or less common in the
rice-producing regions, where the landowner allows a number of indi
viduals to till portions of his land and furnishes them with the money
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1005 ]
56
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
necessary for raising and harvesting crops, which when harvested
are then divided between landowner and tenants, after deducting the
portion allotted for the payment of the money advanced. The atti
tude of the landowners to the tenants has been more or less paternal,
and relations are ordinarily harmonious. Disputes have arisen, how
ever, from time to time because of usurious practices on the part of
the landowners that resulted in the abandonment of farms and crops.
These disputes have assumed such serious proportions during recent
years that the government intervened and in most instances brought
about an acceptable adjustment of the differences.
Recommendations made by the bureau of labor for the betterment
of the labor supply and conditions in the Philippine Islands consist
mainly in suggested legislation tending to protect the laborers further
from unfair treatment, fix better standards of wages, regulate the num
ber of hours of service for designated laborers, amplify the present
powers of that bureau, and establish a labor insurance and pension fund.
R eport o f B ritish M ission on E u rop ean C oal S itu a tio n
MPRESSED by the serious difficulties which the British coal
industry is facing, an English newspaper, the Daily News, sent
to the Continent in the latter part of March a group of four
miners’ leaders and one working miner, to study the position in the
principal coal fields there. The tour occupied slightly more than
three weeks, and included inspection of the works in the main coalproducing regions, visits to the headquarters of the Westphalian coal
syndicate, to the super-power stations, low temperature carbonization
plants, the Bochum School of Mines, and headquarters of the Ger
man miners’ federation, and consultations with leaders and representa
tives of the various interests involved. The results of the study
have recently been published under the title of the “New European
Coal War.”
Summarizing these results, the mission concludes that a new crisis
of overproduction and cut-throat competition in the whole of the
European coal industry is rapidly approaching. The present produc
tive capacity of the industry is far in excess of demand, due to the
substitution of oil for coal, to the growing use of fuel-saving furnaces
which use low-grade or “waste” coal, to a great increase in the
German production of lignite coupled with an extensive use of lignite
for producing electricity for power purposes, and to the growing use
of water power. The mission anticipates before long a ruthless price
war between the leading coal-producing countries, and if this develops,
Germany, by reason of its large scale organization and its scientific
and power developments, appears to be in the strongest position.
The German miners’ organizations have accepted the policy of a
reorganization of the industry, but have claimed a greater share of
the benefits for the workers than is accorded elsewhere. The strength
of the Ruhr position is ascribed to the following features:
I
Its com plete machinery for cooperative selling, regulating o u tp u t according to
dem and, reducing internal price com petition to th e narrow est possible lim its,
elim inating unnecessary tolls in distribution, and pooling losses incurred on
excessively com petitive export contracts.
Its technical, scientific, and m echanical organization, w ith a constant process
of adaptation, reequipm ent and extension.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10061
EN G LISH LIMITATION ON M IN IN G RECKTJITMENT
57
The revenue resources of its immense by-product plants, and the sale of waste
coke-oven gas to public authorities.
The alm ost complete interlinking of th e colliery power stations w ith th e farreaching overland supply of th e Rhine-W estphalian undertaking.
Its great capital resources, m ade possible by a high degree of unification of
mine ownership, on which the vast and complicated coal-using organization is
based.
The policy by which the revenue from all these activities goes into th e coal
industry as such, and not as a contribution to the profits of subsidiary companies
which are regarded as outside th e industry.
In addition, the industry has the advantage of a highly organized
water transport system and, unlike the British industry, is not
handicapped by the system of using private coal cars on the railroads.
Comparing the British situation with the German, the mission is
convinced that the present policy of relying on longer hours and
lower wages as a means of reducing costs is inadequate. England,
however, has great natural advantages in the quality of its coal and
the workability of many of its seams, and if a drastic reorganization
were undertaken “ we believe that the British industry could realize
such economies as would make possible a complete reversal of the
present policy of depressing labor conditions.” Such a reorganiza
tion would m ean a reduction in the number of workers, with inevitable
hardship to some.
We bold strongly, therefore, th a t as the process is essential in th e national
interest as well as in th a t of the coal industry, it should be carried o ut only on a
carefully considered plan,,w ith aetive Governm ent cooperation to prevent hard
ship to individual workers. Measures for th e transfer of displaced workers to
new centers of em ploym ent, provision for special unem ploym ent benefit, special
pension provision for older mine workers, are tentative suggestions.
In addition to the more obvious measures of economy involved
in a consolidation of existing mines, the closing of unprofitable ven
tures, and the adoption of such remedies as are suggested in a previous
report, the mission feels that it is essential that the reorganization
shall be based on improved mechanical equipment, the elimination
of the hardest and most costly forms of human toil, and constant
progress in the scientific utilization of coal as a raw material for the
production of power and chemical products.
The report contains an interesting description of the Westphalian
syndicate and of the effect of its operations upon the producer, the
industry, and the consumer, all of which the visitors believed were
materially benefited by its workings.
English L im ita tio n on M in in g R e c r u itm e n t
S ONE way of dealing with the problem of unemployment in the
mining industry, the British royal commission recommended
in its report made early in 1926 that the Government should
take steps to prevent the coming into the industry of men not pre
viously employed as miners until there was reasonably steady em
ployment for those already in it. In accordance with this recom
mendation the mining industry act of 1926 empowered the Minister
of Labor, after consultation with the interests concerned, to take
steps to make sure that in recruiting adult labor for the coal-mining
industry preference should be given to men who had been regularly
employed in the industry previous to the stoppage. No official
A
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10071
58
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
action in this direction has been taken by the Government, but the
Mining Association of Great Britain recently announced its decision
to limit employment of new workers in the manner indicated. The
Ministry of Labor Gazette (London) for August, 1927, gives the text
of the undertaking, of which the following paragraphs contain the
principal features.
1. Save as hereinafter provided, no constituent m ember will, after the first
day of August, 1927, engage any person over the age of 18 years, otherwise than
as a student, for em ploym ent in any one of the occupations specified in th e first
schedule attached hereto unless th a t person was during th e period of seven days
ending on April 30, 1926, or when last before th a t d ate in regular employment,
employed in one or other of such occupations. Provided th a t th e foregoing re
striction on engagem ent shall not apply to the em ploym ent of any disabled exservice m an in receipt of a disability pension.
2. The restriction on engagem ent set out in paragraph 1 shall not apply in
any case where the constituent m ember has notified particulars of th e vacancy
to th e nearest em ploym ent exchange and 14 days have elapsed after such noti
fication has been received w ithout submission by th e exchange of a person suit
able for filling th e vacancy and qualified in accordance w ith paragraph 1, or the
exchange has given notice to th e constituent m ember before the expiration of
the 14 days th a t no such person can be subm itted.
Other sections of the agreement provide that when any member
employs a person not qualifying under the first section he shall send
particulars of the matter to the nearest employment exchange and
shall also furnish monthly statements concerning the workers en
gaged and the number who were and who were not engaged in the
industry during the period specified. There is also a provision that
“ any question whether employment is employment as set out in
paragraph 1 shall be determined by the Minister of Labor after giving
the parties an opportunity of expressing their views, and his decision
will be accepted by the constituent member.”
The Miners’ Federation, while regarding the agreement as better
than nothing, does not consider it a satisfactory substitute for gov
ernmental action and has accepted it under protest. According to
a dispatch from the American consulate in London, the executive of
the federation has recently issued a statement concerning the matter,
from which the following paragraphs are quoted :
While taking steps to insure th a t restriction of workers shall apply to every
colliery and as far as possible to every grade of labor covered by our member
ship, we were careful to give th e Governm ent no excuse for dropping the pro
posals or delaying them in any way.
There was distinct danger of this if we had continued to insist on a com
pulsory scheme, and while making it plain to the G overnment th a t we regarded
sta tu to ry regulations as the only satisfactory basis for operating the proposals,
we have not allowed our views in this respect to provide any excuse for delaying
their operation.
P ro tectio n of Indian W orkers in A rg en tin a 1
HE president of the Argentine Commission for the Protection
of Indians has issued instructions to the inspector delegated to
a large sugar plantation in that country which includes a
résumé of his duties as follows:
(1) To collect information concerning the number of Indians em
ployed and their age and sex; the manner by which they have been
T
A rgentina.
Crónica Inform ativa del M inisterio del In terio r, Buenos Aires, M ay, 1927, pp. 103, 104-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1008]
PROTECTION OF INDIAN WORKERS IN ARGENTINA
59
brought to the plantations and the provision made for their food and
accommodation; (2) to supervise their working hours, the conditions
under which they work, their wage rates, the cost of food and materials
sold to them, medical attendance provided, etc.; (3) to endeavor to
increase their wages or, if that is not possible, to attempt to reduce
the prices paid by them for food and lodging; (4) to prevent the sale
of arms or alcohol to the Indians; (5) to see that the workers are
vaccinated on their arrival at the plantations; (6) to procure holdings
of land, and animals and tools, for the Indians, in order that they may
establish themselves and there await the sugar harvests; (7) to pro
cure railway passes and good accommodations on the trains if they
desire to return to their homes; (8) to make a report on the above
matters at the end of the harvest season.
68404°—27----- 5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1009]
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
A c cid e n t R a tes for th e Iron an d S te e l In d u stry , 1922 to 1926,
by S ta te s
CCIDENT rates in the iron and steel industry by individual
States from 1922 to 1926, in so far as data are available, are
shown in the following table.
It is desirable to suggest certain cautions which should be observed
in considering this table:
l .#It is not a complete presentation of the industry. Those cases
are included which could be assembled without undue expenditure
of time and effort.
2.
Some States showed an exposure of less than 1,000 full-year
workers. These have been omitted. Some States which are included
have too small an exposure to be very authoritative.
3.
The industry is not uniform from State to State. In some cases
the heavier and more hazardous operations are in much larger
volume than in other States. To have separated the record of the
individual States by departments would have reduced the exposure
to a point where the rates would have been of small significance.
Giving due regard to these cautions it may be said that—
1.
The general trend of the rates is downward although there are
some rather puzzling irregularities.
2.
Those States in which accident prevention activity has been of
longest duration and has been given most serious consideration have
the lower rates.
3.
In spite of the evident improvement in the industry as a whole,
there is still a large opportunity for further progress.
A
60
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10103
61
ACCIDENT RATES FOR IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRY
A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN IR O N A N D S T E E L , 1922 T O 1926,
BY S T A T E A N D Y E A R
A ccident frequency
rates (per 1,000,000
hours' exposure)
N u m b er of cases
S tate a n d year
A labam a:
1922......................
1923____ ______
1924__________
1925..................1926--.................
California:
1922-............ _—
1923- - ................1924....................1925-...................
1926.....................
Colorado:
1922-...................
1923 ................
1924......................
1925---................
1926---................
Connecticut:
1922---................
1923..................-,
1924.....................
1925......................
1926......................
Illinois:
1922.................. .
1923-.-................
1924.-.................
1925-.-................
1926-.......... .........
Indiana:
1922......................
1923.....................
1924......................
1925---...............
1926-....................
K entucky:
1922--..................
1923.................... 1924___________
1925...................
1926......................
M assachusetts:
1922_____ _____
1923......................
1924.....................
1925......................
1926......................
M ichigan:
1922__________
1923......................
1924......................
1925-....................
1926......................
M issouri:
1922....................
1923-....................
1924 ...................
1925......................
1 9 2 6 --................
N ew Jersey:
1922-...................
1923- ..................
1924-....................
1925-...................
1926
N ew York:
1922--.................
1923-__...............
1924---................
1925 ......................
1926......................
Fullyear
workers
10, m
11,915
13,705
15,244
19,887
Per
ma
D eath nent
disa
bili
ty
If
7
16
14
3C
A ccident severity
rates (per 1,000 hours’
exposure)
Tem
pora
ry T o tal D eath
disa
bility
P e r
m a
n en t
disa
bili
ty
T em
pora
ry T otal D eath
disa
bility
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
pora T o
ry
disa ta l
bility
51
72
41
46
130
1,162
1,342
1,127
508
1,370
1,224
1,433
1,184
568
1,530
0 .3C
. 2C
.39
.31
.5C
1. 55
2.18
1.00
1.00
2.18
35.25
37.74
27.41
12.07
22.95
37.10
40.09
28.80
13.48
25.63
1.82
1.18
2.33
1.84
3.02
1.17
1. 77
1.06
1.37
1.56
0.48
.87
.62
.19
.39
3.47
3.82
4.01
3.40
4.97
2. 91
1.18
1.84
1.11
1.80
59.05
63.92
59. 97
30. 70
95.93
62. 21
65.42
62.04
31.92
97.82
1.50
1.93
1.38
. 66
2.63
1.19
1.43
1.56
2.09
.80
.75
1.34
.71
1.20
4.93
3.87
4. 15
2.93
3.29
1. 79 .27
3. 36 1.22
2.81 1.52
1.41 .93
.89 1.15
.36
.76
.63
.78
.71
2.42
5.34
4.96
3.12
2.75
4,013
3,113
2,901
3,018
2,908
£
5
2
1
35
11
16
10
16
711
597
522
272
825
749
611
540
289
841
.25
.32
.23
.11
3.351
4,164
4,243
4,507
2
7
6
2
2
2
13
22
14
13
367
462
452
592
668
372
482
480
609
683
. 3C .20 36. 51 37.01
.56 1.04 36. 98 38. 58
.47 1.72 35.29 37.48
.24 1.10 46.50 47.84
.15 .96 49.48 50.59
3,778
5,307
5,639
7,263
2,908
2
5
6
5
1
22
34
40
49
47
510
446
522
778
366
535
485
568
832
414
.26
.31
.35
.23
.13
1.94
2.14
2. 36
2.24
5.40
44.99
28.01
30. 85
35. 72
42.07
47.19
30.46
33.56
38.19
47.60
1. 59
1.88
2.13
1.38
.68
1.38
1.58
1.31
.28
2.47
.67
.27
.43
.35
.72
3.64
3.73
3.87
2.01
3.81
23,926
40,097
38,147
35,810
37,574
16
39
21
2C
25
95
171
126
120
114
2,370
3,753
2,934
2,551
2,916
2,481
3,963
3,081
2,691
3,055
.22
.32
.19
.19
.22
1.32
1.42
1. 13
1.12
1.01
33.02
31. 20
26. 26
23.75
25.87
34. 56
32.94
27.58
25.06
27.10
1.34 1.00
1.95 1.63
1.13 .98
1.12 1.32
1.33 .82
.44
.55
.21
.36
.38
2.78
4.13
2.32
2.80
2.53
36,683
22,887
34,846
32,743
38,735
18
12
30
25
42
113
67
69
86
133
2,200
1,746
1,591
2,110
1,405
2,331
1,825
1,690
2,221
1,580
.16 1.03 20. 05 21.24
. 17 .98 25.43 26.58
.29 .66 15.22 16.17
.25 .88 21.48 22. 61
.36 1.14 12.09 13.59
.98
1.05
1.72
1.53
2.17
.95
.86
.75
.73
.98
.27
.33
.28
.31
.22
2.20
2.34
2. 75
2.57
3.37
1,396
2,601
1,734
2,550
3,744
2
5
1
12
3
10
18
9
15
30
477
899
144
193
273
489
922
154
221
300
2.87
3.84
1.15
10.20
1.60
1.43
4.31
1.58
1.83
2. 57
1.82
.87
.39
.39
.25
6.12
9.02
3.12
12.42
4.42
5,610
5,018
7,580
6,645
7.150
7
4
3
1
5
29
26
22
7
18
337
230
246
126
247
373
260
271
134
270
.41 1.71 19.90 22.02
.27 1.73 15.28 17.28
.13 .97 10.82 11.92
.05 .35 6.32 6.72
.23 .83 11.48 12.54
2.48 1.64
1.59 1.08,
.79 1.55
.30 .33
1.42 .78
.53
.57
.29
.21
.32
4.65
3.24
2.6)3
.84
2.52
3,928
4,399
2,457
4,869
7,611
6
11
4
4
3
16
916
938
984 1,014
19
14
601
583
8 1,093 1,105
16 1,086 1,105
.51 1.36 77.73
.83 1.44 74. 57
.54 1.90 79.08
.27 .56 74.83
.13 .70 47.41
79.60
76.84
81.52
75. 66
48.24
3.05 1.29
5.00 1.05
3.26 3.36
1.64 .70
.79 .44
.86
.93
.90
.92
.66
5.20
6.98
7.72
3.26
1.89
4,676
4, 255
1,284
3,662
3,215
6
12 1,632 1, 650
4
903
907
8
266
275
294
297
2
452
6
443
.43 .86 116. 35 117. 64
.31 70. 74 71.05
.26 2.08 69.06 71.40
.09 . 18 26. 76 27.03
.31 .61 46.14 47.06
2. 57 1.01
.33
1.56 1.78
.55 . 19
1.86 .68
1.41
.84
.76
.34
.54
4.99
1. 17
4.10
1.08
3.08
625
780
772
769
568
663
827
819
804
602
.05 1.87
2.13
2.18
.19 1.49
. 16 1.26
31. 58
35.42
35.87
37.03
23.96
33.50
37.55
38.05
37. 71
25.38
.30 1.20
2.17
2.69
1.16 1.46
1.01 .92
.55
.57
.70
.59
.37
2.05
2.74
3.39
3. 21
2.30
1,625
2, 141
1, 107
2,725
1,821
1,683
2,215
1, 163
2, 799
1,871
1.85
1.90
2. 46
2. 12
1.51
64.13
62. 73
53.46
87. 58
64. 34
66.42
64. 89
56.16
89. 92
66.09
2.60
1.58
1.45
1.35
1.48
1.82
1.84
2.03
2. 35
.90
.99
.73
.94
.89
.95
5.41
4.15
4. 42
4.59
3.33
4 , 269
1
1
3
6,597
7,341
7,175
6,923
7,896
4
4
37
47
47
31
30
9,785
11,377
6,903
10,372
9,442
11
9
5
7
7
47
65
51
66
43
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1
[ 1011]
.48
.64
.19
1.70
.26
.43
.26
.24
.22
.24
2.39 113.89
2.31 115.22
1. 73 27.68
1.96 25.23
2.67 24.37
116. 76
118.17
29. 60
28. 89
27. 30
62
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN IR O N A N D S T E E L , 1922 TO 1926,
B Y S T A T E A N D Y E A R —C ontinued
A ccident frequency
rates (per 1,000,000
hours’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
S tate and year
Ohio:
1922_____ ____ _
1923__________
1924__________
1925__________
1926......................
Pennsylvania:
1922__________
1923_______ .
1924_____ ____ _
1925__________
1926.....................
Tennessee:
1922
1923____ ____
1924__________
1925__________
1926.
W ashington:
1922
1923
1924
1925__________
1926.....................
W est Virginia:
1922__________
1923__________
1924__________
1925__________
1926__________
Wisconsin:
1922 ................
1923__________
1924__________
1925______ ____
1926-...................
Fullyear
workers
Per
m a
n
ent
D eath disa
bili
ty
51, 424
77, 979
75, 282
86, 820
92, 678
42
39
57
33
48
102,186
140, 259
154, 800
149, 089
196,124
60
112
54
75
77
1, 543
2, 258
1,503
1,256
1,139
9
3
1
1
534
2, 258
l' 503
1,256
1, 348
2
I
2, 702
9,336
4, 613
7, 964
14,124
2
8
7
13
12
5, 441
4,264
8, 321
6, 089
10,481
3
6
2
6
T em
pora
ry T otal D eath
disa
bility
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity
rates (per 1,000 hours’
exposure)
T em
pora
ry Total D eath
disa
bility
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
pora
T o
ry
disa tal
bility
5,435
6,003
5, 461
5,242
5, 850
0.27
. 17
.25
. 13
.17
.81
.86
.80
.58
.62
34.15
24. 63
23.13
19. 42
20.25
35. 23
25. 66
24.18
20. 13
21.04
1.63 0. 66
1.00 .87
1.54 .98
.76 .53
1.03 .44
0. 48
.39
.36
.25
.23
2. 77
2.26
2.88
1.54
1. 71
103 8, 364 8, 527
244 12,188 12, 544
244 8, 382 8, 680
218 9, 527 9, 820
204 7, 763 8,044
.20
.27
.12
. 18
.13
.34
.58
.53
.49
.34
27.28
28. 97
18. 05
21.30
13. 17
27. 82
29.82
18. 70
21.97
13.64
1.17
1. 60
.70
1.01
.79
.34
.59
.34
.45
.09
.45
1.03
.30
.26
.20
1.96
3. 22
1.34
1.72
1.08
125
201
181
150
172
5,268
5, 763
5, 223
5,059
5,630
4
19
6
2
220
437
77
196
32
228
465
86
199
33
6
1
2
3
6
80
77
66
181
148
86
78
68
186
155
.86 47. 52 48. 38
1.33 2.80 64. 50 68.63
.67 1.33 17.08 19. 07
.27 .53 52.02 52. 82
9.41 9. 71
.30
1. 49
7.97 2. 26
3. 99 1.60
1.59 1.67
1.75
. 69 2.18
1.03 11.23
.25 5.84
.69 3.95
. 13 1.88
49. 95
32.09
36. 50
49. 89
37. 00
53. 70
32. 51
37.61
51.27
38. 30
5. 99
. 13
1.49
3.31 1. 27
1.48 .96
. 59 6.58
. 50 . 63
1. 49 .88
1. 15 5.73
.48 2.92
592
600
6
13
749
770
806
18
831
564
14
537
30 1,306 1,348
.24 .74 73.03
.29 .46 26. 74
.51 1.30 58. 24
.54 .59 22. 48
.28 .71 30. 87
74.01
27. 49
60.05
23. 61
31.86
1.48 .84
1. 71 .54
3.03 1. 53
3.26 .67
1.70 .41
.85
.33
1.70
.28
.35
3.17
2.58
6.26
4.21
2.46
790
810
20
728
708
17
47 1, 275 1,327
34 1, 121 1,157
66 1,214 1, 286
.23
.20
. 13
.19
49. 63
56. 90
53.16
74. 33
40.95
1.41
1.20
.77
1.14
1. 39
1.23
1. 57
2.11
1. 76
.73
.78
.68
.81
. 55
2.12
3.42
3.45
3.69
3.45
3.75
.42
1.11
.55 .83
.25 .15
1. 23
1.33
1.88
2.18
2.10
48.40
55. 34
51.08
72. 02
38. 66
A c cid e n t E xperience of S elected In d u strie s in 1925 an d 1926
N Bulletin No. 425 of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (p. 91 et seq.)
will be found the first attempt to develop frequency and severity
rates 1 from the records of the States. The data on which this
presentation was based pertain to the year 1925 and were drawn
from 1,272 concerns located in 11 States, and employing the equiva
lent of 555,988 full-year workers. Similar data for the year 1926
with comparison for 1925 have now been computed and are pre
sented below. The 1926 figures cover 2,212 concerns located in 26
States and employing the equivalent of 989,294 full-year workers.
The development of these rates is of importance from the stand
point of accident prevention, since without them there can be no
adequate understanding of the meaning of the assembled data.
To illustrate, in 1925, 506 casualties in the manufacture of agricultural
implements occurred in the State of Indiana, while in Ohio there were
194. This may mean either that Indiana has the greater volume of
I
* T he m ethod of com puting frequency and severity rates w ill be found in U. S. B ureau of Labor Statistics
Bui. Nos. 298 and 425.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1012]
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
63
production or that the production is attended with greater hazard.
When, however, the rates are determined, it is found that Indiana
had in 1925 a frequency rate in the manufacture of agricultural im
plements of 45.20 cases per 1,000,000 hours’ exposure, while Ohio
had a rate of 60.02. The situation as regards actual hazard is there
fore the opposite of what might have been inferred from the mere
number of casualties, and, while other factors must be considered
before a final conclusion can be reached, it is evident that these
industrial rates do afford some real information regarding hazard
which can be used in accident-prevention study.
In the years 1925 and 1926 the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been
extending its accident studies into other industries than iron and steel
which had been covered with reasonable completeness since 1910.
The basic information for the calculation of these rates has been
derived from two sources, namely, for accident occurrence from
State records and for man-hours of exposure from the division of
employment of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, supplemented by
certain data secured directly from the industrial concerns.
The following tables summarize the experience of the industries
in the two years covered by this report. Of the 30 industries repre
sented, 24 appear in each of the years. On comparing the rates it is
found that as regards the frequency of accidents 15 industries show
declining rates and 9 have rising rates. As regards the severity of
accidents there is a reversal of this showing, 6 having declining rates
while 18 have rising rates. Since the cost of accidents is influenced
by the severity of accidents rather than by their number it is evident
that the present tendency in general industry is toward greater cost.
One factor in this rising cost may be the fact that all American
industry has been much influenced by the effort for increased pro
duction. This “ speeding up” has not been accompanied by an
equally intense effort toward accident prevention except in the case
of certain large organizations in which the safety movement first
took root and which have been since that time assiduous and successful
in maintaining steadily improved conditions.
The showing of this report certainly indicates the need of further
intensified accident-prevention activity.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1013]
T a b l e 1 . — A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S F O R S P E C IF IE D IN D U S T R IE S IN 11 S T A T E S , 1925, A N D 30 S T A T E S , 1926
Accident frequency rates (per
1,000,000 hours’ exposure)
N um ber of eases
In d u stry and State
N um
ber of
States
or in
du s
tries
N um
ber of
FullP er T em
estab
year
lish workers
m a
D eath nent porary
m ents
disa
disa bility
bility
Per T em
m a
Total D eath nent porary
disa
disa bility
bility
T otal
1,137
5,007
3,134
258
1,087
132
230
1,412
214
3,763
983
548
214
605
602
350
675
160
1,741
78
374
356
607
47
0.18
.10
.07
23.31
i 7. 80
57.98
9.88
30.46
4. 87
5.63
9. 46
18.71
23. 62
14. 96
24.37
11.17
19. 78
18. 49
21.09
20. 47
16. 52
22. 94
16. 97
31. 52
43.08
48. 49
1. 59
25.09
9. 14
59.08
10. 06
31. 25
6. 02
6. 72
10.79
19.73
25. 13
16.05
24.89
12. 32
21.94
19.63
22. 09
23. 01
16. 95
24.28
17. 65
33. 61
43. 41
50.95
1.96
1,892
2,271
922
491
4,252
1,210
1,240
2,270
.87 2 11. 28
. 14
.02
.83
35. 93
.06 1. 20
26.49
.05
22.13
.56
. 10 1. 17 2 7.28
.34 1. 33
27. 67
.03 1. 03 2 4. 65
. 12 2.43
2 8.25
12.29
36.78
27. 75
22.74
8. 55
29. 34
5. 71
10.80
05
Accident severity rates (per
1,000 hours’ exposure)
P er T em
m a
D eath nent porary
disa bdisa
ility
bility
T otal
1925
[ 1014]
Industry:
A gricultural im plem ents........... ..............
Automobiles_________ ______________
A utomobile tires......... ...............................
Boots and shoes............ .............................
B rick____________________ __________
C arpets________________ ___________
C h em icals.......... ........................................
Electrical m a c h in e ry ._______________
Flour___ ________________ __________
Foundry an d machine shops...................
F u rn itu re ____________ _______ ______
Glass.......................................... .................
L eather____________________ ________
Lum ber—planing m ills........ ...................
Lum ber—saw m ills_____________ ____
M achine tools______________________
Paper and p u lp _____________________
P o ttery ___ ________________ ________
Slaughtering and m eat packing______
Stam ped a n d enam eled w are_________
Steam fittings, apparatus, a n d supplies.
Stoves___________________ ________
Structural-iron w ork..................................
Woolen g o o d s .._____ ________________
State:
Illinois____
In d ia n a ___
Io w a______
M ary la n d ..
M ichigan...
M innesota..
N ew Jersey.
N ew Y ork..
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
S ta te s
8
8
3
5
9
3
4
8
3
11
10
4
5
10
4
7
8
2
3
3
6
4
10
2
73
25
31
94
19
31
71
27
256
165
40
26
64
22
48
34
13
13
7
44j
29
60
25
16, 295
189,385
20,097
11,200
15, 595
10, 999
11,609
60, 653
3,616
75,404
24, 519
12,138
9,301
9,852
10,223
6,033
11,142
3,148
28,900
1,473
6,212
3,988
6,524
12, 682
120
122
54
52
44
60
113
131
51,330
20, 585
11,074
7,199
165,918
13, 744
46,066
70,053
55
9
56
4
8
5
3
13
4
18
1
2
6
11
1
5
1
15
1
1
6
1
78
704
62
6
29
33
35
229
7
324
so
18
30
58
24
17
80
3
81
3
38
3
42
13
1,050
4,247
3,068
252
1,050
94
192
1,170
203
3,421
903
529
182
541
567
332
590
156
1,645
75
335!
352
559
33
.17
.15
.09
.07
.37
.08
.03
.07
.20
.36
.06
. 15
. 11
.21
.05
.08
.31
.03
1.60
1.24
1.03
. 18
.62
1.00
1.00
1.26
.65
1. 43
1. 09
.49
1.08
1. 96
.78
.94
2.39
.32
1.13
. 68
2.04
.25
2. 15
.34
.32
.50
1.84
.16
1. 26
1.02
1.06
. 13
.73
1. 45
1.49
1. 12
.57
1.24
. 79
.65
.82
2.62
.66
.77
3.20
.87
.94
. 54
1.89
.24
1. 95
.24
0. 42
. 16
.84
. 19
.55
. 15
. 18
.24
.27
.43
.25
.27
.29
.49
.48
.27
.75
.37
.42
. 19
.74
.45
.75
.05
2.78
1. 77
2.30
.32
2. 31
2.51
2.19
1. 79
3.05
2.15
1.04
1.08
1.54
4. 33
3.29
1.37
4. 85
1.88
2. 62
.73
2. 95
1. 19
4. 54
.45
.82
. 10
.36
.28
.58
2.04
.30
.74
.69
.46
1.01
.84
.90
1. 46
1. 57
2.79
2.27
.50
.40
.45
2. 16
2.49
1.78
1.06
1. 77
1. 57
1. 64
3. 99
2.09
3.90
1.10
.59
.40
1.03
.91
.52
.43
2.21
.48
. 16
.43
1.22
2.15
.33
.90
.64
1. 26
In d u s trie s
13
13
9
12
7
12
14
15
21
1
2
1
48
14
7
26
134
51
40
12
580
55
223
511
2 1, 737
2,219
880
478
2 3, 624
1,141
2 1,010
2 1, 733
2.21
.37
Ohio.............................................................................................
Pennsylvania___________________ ___________________
W inconsin........................................... ........................................
15
19
11
43, 213
98, 733
28,083
1,272
555,988
65
101
28
85
135
22
20
50
84
92
27
72
329
232
38
19
77
131
90
85
85
18
26
18
60
23
43
48
58
49
16,026
251,893
27,072
45,924
19,014
12,626
848
16,657
83,009
75,389
3,055
6,102
105,293
36,869
11,550
6,246
19,028
17,223
31,543
15,134
37,308
23,175
8,338
13,737
46,099
13,363
13,883
8,433
7,582
17,966
2,212
989,294
13
26
12
120
7,043
226
0
95 2 1,631
98
3
65 1,102
67
7
5
68
67
7
24
1
17
9
58
1
76
265
11
5
6
27
4
64
638
3 200
6
31
51
74
6
144
15
54
176
64
5
21
106
107
21
2
10
9
77
15
214
79
3
2
57
2
34
23
62
1
32
1,053
7, 740
3,109
781
1,251
162
86
584
1,660
2,092
259
417
6,220
1,422
797
161
604
1,192
2,122
875
2,839
392
276
422
4,228
355
1,346
685
581
330
7,176
252
1, 738
1,154
8,907
3,183
854
1,325
187
103
651
1,737
2,368
270
448
6,922
1,625
833
212
684
1,351
2,352
944
3,026
520
288
508
4,457
437
1,405
721
666
363
.10
.26
.14
.93
54.32
2.23
0
1. 13 2 19. 36
55. 35
2. 48
20.63
.60
1. 54
.85
.93
1. 66
.55
.56
0
2. 41
2.09
3. 20
1.81
21.89
10. 24
38.29
5.67
21.95
4.01
34.40
11.68
6.67
9.25
28.15
22. 79
19.69
12.86
22. 97
8.61
10.10
23.94
22.43
19.27
26.03
5.64
11.31
9.30
30.57
8.14
32.36
28.90
26.41
6.25
23. 99
11.79
39.19
6.20
23.26
4.67
41.20
13.02
6.98
10.47
29.34
24.49
21.91
14. 70
24.00
11.34
11.44
27.13
24.86
20. 79
27.75
7.48
11.80
10.85
32.23
10. 40
33.78
30.41
30.04
6.88
.37
.52
.52
.22
.74
. 16
2.00
1.56
.61
.35
1.62
.50
6.58
1. 57
.26
1.05
1.03
1.91
1.77
1.51
1.01
1.31
1.23
2.80
1.80
1.18
1.66
1.83
.49
1.06
1.51
1.31
1.33
1.56
2.35
.67
.45
.27
.55
.15
.43
.21
.71
.41
.15
.32
.68
.58
.48
.30
.29
.22
.36
.76
.66
.34
.61
.19
.29
.36
.44
.24
.61
.56
.72
.20
2.82
2.35
1.68
.72
2. 79
.87
7.29
3.06
.43
1.66
5.64
3.80
3.47
1.97
2.17
1.53
2.19
5. 37
5.88
2.18
3. 43
3.83
1.27
2.38
2.65
2.00
2.23
2.63
9.13
.98
2.04
1.46
.81
.49
1.18
.63
6.80
.18 1.16
.31
0
.05 1.17
.65
.54
.22 1.48
.20 2.02
.03 1.81
. 14
.89
2.73
.10 1.24
.30 2. 89
.57 1.86
.11 1.41
.19 1.53
.30 1.54
.08 1.41
. 16 1.39
.11 1.55
.08 2.08
.05 1.37
.08 1.43
1.01 2. 62
.02
.61
.06
.09
.09
.04
.13
.03
1 This rate is too low, since the indu stry is located so largely in M ichigan, which does not report tem porary disabilities term inating in th e first week.
2 D ata for disabilities ending in first week not available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities not available.
* Less th a n 0.005.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1.08
.02
.29
3.93
1.31
1.22
.16
.87
.60
1.81
3.42
.66
1.16
1.81
.49
.96
.65
.45
.29
.51
6.06
.11
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
[1015 ]
1926
m a te s
u stry :
12
____ A gricultural im plem ents_________________ 11
Autom obiles_________
.
___________________
Auto tires . _ _______
.
- _________ _____
7
10
Boots an d shoes___ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ____________ ___
Brick__ _
____ _____________ ______ _ ________ _
15
4
C arp ets-.________________________ _________
12
10
Chemicals- _. ____________ ________ _ _ ______
13
C otton goods ___■
____." ___________________
10
__ _________________
E lectrical m a c h in e ry .__
10
Fertilizers_________ _ ___________ __________ _____
15
F lour...»« ._ _
_ . . . ______ _ ______ _____
23
F o u n d ry arid machine shops___
__ ________
19
F u r n itu r e .___ . ____ _______ ______ _ . . . _ _
___
G la s s ___ _ —'' . _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_____________________
6
6
H ardw are
_ __ ___
14
_ ___ _______ „ _____
L eather__ ___ _
16
L um ber—planing m ills ..-.
___ _ _ _______
16
L u m b er-sa w m ills______________ __________ _______
9
M achine to o ls _____ ___ ___________ _
__ ___
16
Paper an d p u lp ____ _______ __________
_____
___
8
Petroleum refining....... ..... i _ _ _ ___ ___ __ _ _____ _
8
P o tte ry .. _ _ _____________________ .
............._
10
Shipbuilding, ste e l.. . _ . . .
_ ...
14
Slaughtering a n d m eat p ack in g ._ _______ _ _ . __________
10
Stam ped a n d enam eled w are_________ . . . .
_______
11
Steam fittin g s________________________ ______ _._ __.
15
S toves.. . _______________ _____ _ .
_____________
15
_____ _ ________ __«
Structural-iron w ork____ .
14
Woolen goods____
________ ____________________.
161
342
73
05
Or
T a b l e 1 .—A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S F O R S P E C IF IE D IN D U S T R IE S IN 11 ST A T E S , 1925, A N D 30 S T A T E S , 1926—C ontinued
Accident frequency rates (per
1,000,000 hours’ exposure)
N um ber of cases
In d u stry and State
N um
ber of
States
or in
dus
tries
T o tal___________________ ____ _ _______ _____ _____
18
108
32
208
153
51
24
25
74
156
181
66
39
27
105
10,368
30,921
23,104
80,033
39, 907
12,105
7,181
12,389
13,864
76,568
227,350
14,048
934
6,078
15,253
50,102
110,942
137
64,430
108,060
1,080
10,171
19,943
9,249
45,087
2,212
989,294
4
23
15
126
207
7
192
327
4
40
2 D ata for disabilities ending in first w eek not available.
8 D ata for tem porary disabilities not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
P er T em
m a
D eath n ent porary
disa
disa bility
bility
1
41
4
24
12
6
5
7
75
16
2
3
1
3
48
35
49
1
3
12
2
19
21
5 314
148
(3)
45
2 471
399 2 3,182
229
3,303
39
1,024
47
7924
19
35
826
50
1,980
837 2 6,900
104
2,645
64
15
708
5
650
344 2 1,237
865 2 4,618
1
60
189
8,343
291
0
253
10
67
920
«697
88
899
42
204 2 2,721
Accident severity rates (per
1,000 hours’ exposure)
P er T em
m a
T otal D eath nent porary
disa
disa bility
bility
P er
m a T em
T otal D eath n e n t porary
disa disa
bility b ility
336
189
520
3,605
3,544
1,069
1 214
’ 952
866
2,037
7,812
2,765
66
726
656
1,584
5,531
61
8,567
340
264
990
797
943
2,944
10.81
2.06
7.43
15.01
29.60
29.45
0.03
.45
.06
.10
.10
.17
.12
.03
.11
.38
07
.16
.02
.02
.14
.18
.16
.31
.10
.20
.07
.14
0.68
1.61
.64
1.66
1.91
1.07
510.10
(3)
2 6.73
213.25
27.59
28.21
25 62
20.82
19.86
8.87
8.62
210.12
11.46
65.68
62.83
2 29
2 .*16
.82
38. 90 39.88
14.32
.11
14.19
10.54
2.29
2 8.23
2.55 2 13.63
16.32
2. 50 150 00 152 50
.98
42.16
43. 31
.94
1.10
(3)
79. 06
3.13
82.50
32.46
2.20
30.16
1.47 611.65. 13.32
32.45
1.52
34.04
1.51 2 20.11
21.76
.84
.22
1.23
2.47
T otal
0.19
2.67
.34
.60
.60
.99
0.60
1.18
.59
1.49
4.55
.90
2 0 .28
(3)
2.16
2. 33
.44
.54
1.07
3.85
1.09
2.42
5.59
2.43
.72
.18
.65
2.28
.64
.16
.85
2.78
.44
.20
2.32
1.16
1.80
.54
1.82
6.22
.99
.13
.12
.85
1.33
.07
2.53
2.65
14 59
.83
.70
1.02
1.51
1.65
2.04
1.18
.48
.29
2.19
2.73
2.80
.49
2.84
4.23
17 18
2.42
1.65
3.91
2.47
3.20
2.97
2.50
1.08
.95
1.85
.59
1.20
.43
.84
*■
5 D ata for disabilities ending in first tw o weeks not available.
« D ata for disabilities ending in less th a n 10 days not available.
.56
(3)
1.04
.37
«.35
.51
2. 48
LABOR REVIEW
[1016]
1 9 3 6 —C ontinued
In d u sState:
trie s
_____ _____________ ______
A labam a____ ___ ______
4
California__
________
. . _______________
16
G eorgia.. .................................. ................ ........................... __
10
Illinois_____
_____________ .
_________
24
Indiana___. . . __________________________ __________
22
Iow a____ . ___ _______ ______ _
11
K en tu ck y ___ _ _____ . . . ______________ . . .
... _
11
9
M aine. _______ _ ~ __
. . . .
____
M ary lan d ____
____ _______________
.
.. . .
20
M assachusetts____
. . . . . _____ _____ _ . . .
15
M ichigan_____________________ . --------------------24
M innesota_____ . . .
. _____ _____ _ .
13
M o n tan a ___________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ________ _
2
N ebraska . . .
---------- . .
.............................. . . .
6
New H am pshire . . . . . .
. . .
. ___ . . . .
5
New Jersey .. . . _______ . . . . . . . _________
20
New Y o rk ..
___
_ _
. . . ___
_____
25
N o rth D akota ___ _______
_ .
... _
__
3
Ohio_______ _____ ____________ _____ ______
•
_
25
Pennsylvania____ . . .
______. . . . . . _______
28
South D a k o t a _______
. . . _________________ . .
3
T e n n e sse e... ___ _____ _____
_____
_____ . . . .
17
V irginia__________ ____
________ . . . _____ . . .
17
West V irginia__ _____
____________ _____ . . .
12
W is c o n s in .._______ . . __________ ________ . . .
20
N um
ber of
Fullestab
year
lish workers
m ents
05
05
67
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
Table 2 indicates the trend of events in each industry, by States:
T a b l e 2 .— A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y
A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S
A g ric u ltu r a l im p le m e n ts
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
hours’ exposure)
N u m b e r of cases
State
1925
Illinois______
In d ia n a ______
Iow a____ ____
M inneso ta___
N ew Y o rk ___
O hio________
P e nnsylv an ia_
W isconsin____
T o t a l . ..
1926
California____
Illinois.............
In d ia n a ........ .
Iow a________
K e ntucky____
M inneso ta___
N e b r a s k a ___
New Y o rk ___
Ohio ........ .
P en n sy lv an ia.
Tennessee____
W isconsin___
T o ta l__
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
P e r
ork
lish
m a
ers
m ents
nent
D eath
disa
bili
ty
2,808
3, 732
418
886
1, 615
1,077
1,282
4, 476
2
1
4
1
2
14
9
3
24
55 16, 295
9
13
9
4
5
3
13
5
3
3
21
7
4
1
3
2
5
10
5
2
2
448
5, 357
1, 410
397
537
645
271
1,835
1,537
' 571
329
2,689
65 16, 026
1
2
1
3
9
17
Tem
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
i 65
488
38
20
i 30
181
(2)
i 228
74
506
38
24
45
194
3
253
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
1.07 i 7. 72
0.09 1.52 43. 59
30. 27
.75 .75 7.53
.21 2. 89 >6.19
1.24 2. 78 56.00
.78 (2)
.07 1.79 i 16.98
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
0 68
0. 54 E 38
! 72 2.64
8. 79
45.20
30. 27
9.03
9.29
60.02
.78
18.84
4.52 . 56
1.24 3.14
7. 43 3. 02
34
.45 .95
78 1,050 1,137
.18 1.60 23.31 25.09
1.10 1.26
5 (2)
29 i 284
18
149
42
5 ’ 70
7
74
51
12 1 65
5
152
(2)
4
16
13 1 150
3. 85 (2)
.12 1.80 1 17.64
A. 29 35.48
35. 00
3.12 43. 75
3.68 38. 95
63. 75
.18 2.18 i 11.82
1.09 33 04
(2)
4. 00 16 00
1.60 1 18.52
5
315
167
42
75
81
51
78
157
20
163
98 1,053 1,154
44
2 12
.75 1.78
6.90
.08
1.23
.90
(2)
1.34
5.16
4. 61
11.35
34
E 74
.42 2.78
_
3. 85
19. 56
39 77
35 00
46 87
42. 63
63. 75
14.18
34.13
1. 09 2.02
.94
20. 00
20.12
4 61
.76
1.47 1.23
.06 2.04 21.89 23.99
.37 2.00
.45 2.82
Q3
4 00
2 12
1.50 3! 03
00
(2)
61
26
26
1.17 3.28
1.31
(2)
33
A u to m o b iles
1925
Illinois_______
In d ia n a ______
M ichigan ____
New Jersey__
N ew Y o rk ___
O hio________
P e nnsylv an ia.
W isconsin........
8 2,990
4 2,239
25 152, 620
5 3, 113
15 11,919
5 2,202
5 7, 851
6 6, 450
2
5
1
7 i 45
54
9
176 185
549 3, 210 3,801
25 1 72
97
85 1 188 279
5
137 142
41 (2)
46
24 1 378 403
42
6
0.22 0. 78 1 5. 02
1.34 26.21
.09 1.20 7.01
2. 68 1 7. 71
.17 2. 38 1 5. 26
.76 20. 73
.21 1.74 (2)
.05 1.24 1 19.53
T o ta l__
73 189,385
56
704 4,247 5,007
.10 1.24
1926
California____
Illinois_______
In d ia n a .......... .
M ichigan.........
New J e r s e y ...
New Y ork___
O hio________
Pennsylvania.
Tennessee____
W isconsin____
5 1, 031
9 3,689
9 12, 581
29 190, 210
3 2, 271
18 11, 178
13 14, 122
9 8.524
1,657
4 6,630
1
1
4
46
1
1 C)
2
15
166
82
81
898 983
677 14,766 5, 489
36
188 125
104 1358 462
59 1,016 1, 079
45 0)
50
40
231 273
44 1317 362
.32
.09
.11
.08
.15
T o ta l____
101 251, 893
2
4
5
2
1
65 1,102 7, 740 8,907
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1. 34 0.27 ‘ 0.11 1.71
.47
.27 .74
.55 .91
.14 1.60
2. 28 1.19 2. 47
1.01 2. 42 ‘.25 3.68
1.50
.35 1.85
1.27 1.22 (2)
2.49
.31 .62 ‘.41 1.34
7. 80
9.14
.59 1.02
.16 1.77
.32 (2)
1.35 15. 95
2.15 23.82
1.19 18. 35
5. 29 1 12. 94
3. 10 1 10. 69
1.39 23.96
1. 76 (2)
8.00 46. 20
2. 21 115. 93
.64
7. 39
26.08
9. 62
18.38
13. 79
25.44
1.96
54. 60
18.19
1.94 . 16
.54 1.25
.64 9. 67
.48 .82
.88 10. 94
3. 27
.57 1.19
1.17 1. 52
2. 41 5.17
.30 1.41
2.10
( 2)
‘ .14 1.93
.27 10.58
1.25 1.55
1.29 12.11
1 62 3 89
.38 2.14
(2) 2.69
.67 8.25
1.34 2.05
.09 1.46 10.24 11. 79
.52 1.56
.27 2.35
.09
.20
.40
.05
* D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first week no t available.
2 D a ta for tem porary disabilities no t available.
[10171
6.02
27. 55
8.30
10. 39
7. 81
21.49
1.95
20. 82
68
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 3 .—A C C ID E N T
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1920, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
A u to m o b ile tires
A c c id e n t fr e q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b e r of cases
State
N u m Fullb er of
estab wyear
ork
lish
ers
m ents
P e r
m a
D eath nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
1925
N ew Jersey__
O h io ________
P ennsy lv an ia.
7 2,749
12 14. 888
6 2,459
1
3
10
‘ 97 108
52 2,962 3, 017
9 0
9
0.12 1.2 1 ill. 76 13.09
.07 1. 16 66. 32 67. 55
1.22 (2)
1.22
T o ta l____
25 20,097
4
62 3, 068 3,134
.07 1.03 57.98 59.08
1926
California____
M ary lan d ____
M assachusetts
M ichigan____
N ew Jersey__
O hio________
P ennsy lv an ia.
2 1,891
1 1,907
4 4,323
1 2,860
6 2,015
8 11, 721
6 2,355
1
1
2
.88 0
1.06
.08 27.49 27.73
.31 9. 23 9. 54
.23 1.51 111. 74 13.48
2
1
5 t2)
6
2
156 159
4
120 124
13 MOl 116
10 i 95 105
26 2,637 2,665
7 (a)
8
.06
.14
.71 74. 91 75.68
.99 0
1.13
T o ta l____
28 27,072
7
67 3,109 3,183
.09
.81 38.29 39.19
.18
.16
1 .fi7 l i f t «3
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
0.73 2.03 1 0.37 3.13
.40 1. 06
.74 2. 20
1.13 (S)
1.13
.40 1.06
1.06
1.05
.84 2.30
1.40
.35
. 10
39
! 96
1.38 2. 74
.34
.85
.54
.85
. 95 1. 83
Ï. 70
(2)
.52
.61
.55 1.68
17 ftO
1. 41
(2)
.39 1. 54
B oots a n d shoes
1925
I llin o is ............
M arylan d ____
N ew Y o rk ___
P ennsy lv an ia.
W isconsin____
T otal ___
5
7
7
8
4
3,336
8,510
2,238
2,697
2,079
31 11, 200 ___
1926
Illin o is ...........
M ary lan d ____
M assachusetts.
M ichigan____
M inneso ta___
N ew J e r s e y ...
New Y o rk___
O hio. _______
P ennsy lv an ia.
V irginia-..........
W isconsin____
4 5,556
7
962
28 10, 772
4
522
3
693
4
609
10 17,220
2 2,352
13 3, 539
5 1,664
5 2,035
T o ta l.........
85 45,924
124
54
25
2
1 124
54
1 21
0
i 53
6
252
258
.18
139
34
81
i4
20
‘6
51 1363
181
1
0
2 8 16
5 ‘ 37
44
34
85
4
20
6
418
183
.30 12 .84
11. 73
2. 51
1 2 50
9. 52
1 3.33
.99 1 7. 02
.14 25. 49
0
.40 8 .9 90
.82 1 6. 07
68
854
4
5
4
4
1
5
781
112.39 12.39
21.14 21.14
0.60 1 3.13 3.73
0
.32 1 8. 50 8. 82
55
9.88 10.06
. 12
.08
.14
18
42
.04
.49
5.67
1 D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first week not available.
2 D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities not available.
2 D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 days not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1018]
1 0.19 0.19
.44 .44
1 . 1 1 .62
0
.14 1 .17 .31
.51
11 73
2.63
2 ftO
9. 52
3 33
8.09
25. 77
. 13
. 19
.32
.09
.05
Oft
.72
.09
2 fiO
6.89
i r>7
1 27 1.45
. 18 1 12
0
.49
‘ .Il
.60
6.20
.35
. 15
.72
.46
.85
69
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
T a b l e 3 —A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y
A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, BY S T A T E S —C ontinued
B ric k
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
hours’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
1925
Illinois..............
In d ia n a ............
Iow a________
M ary lan d ____
M innesota___
N ew Jersey__
N ew Y ork___
O hio..................
Pennsylvan iaT o ta l____
1926
C alifornia____
Illinois..............
In d ia n a ______
Iow a...............
M ary lan d ........
M assachusetts
M ichigan ___ _
N e b ra sk a ____
N ew Jersey___
N ew Y o rk ___
N o rth D akota
O hio........ .........
P e n n sy lv an ia .
South D ak o ta.
V irginia...........
T o ta l____
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
ers D eath
m ents
12 3,802
10
696
16 1,013
5
470
1
57
12 1,900
10 1,008
9 2,542
19 4,106
94 15, 595
14
15
9
12
5
1
2
3
15
14
3
12
26
1,909
3, 265
'686
702
537
93
156
118
2,631
1,948
58
2, 496
4,128
13
274
3
135 19,014
1
1
1
2
2
2
8
1
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o D eath
disa tal
bili
ty
2
2
7
1
37
8
67 1,251 1,325
1
1
4
264
187
104
58
4
9
20
78
123
31
419
16
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
0.09 0.53 117. 27
.48 79.56
.33 .33 24. 36
36.88
34.90
1. 40 ‘12.28
.66 2.31 ‘19. 51
.26 .39 55. 86
. 16 .24 0
.17 .62 30. 46
6 i 197 204
1
166 167
74
76
1
52
52
6
6
78
8 1 70
7 1 59
68
3
426 431
3 0
5
29 1,050 1,087
3 f2)
15 1 249
2
185
3
101
56
1
4
1
18
20
9 i 69
13 1109
1
30
4
413
14 (J)
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
17.89
80.04
25.02
36.88
34.90
13.68
22.48
56. 51
.40
31.25
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
0.53 1.13 ‘ 0.45 2.11
.71 .85
.14
1.98 .10
.45 2.53
.99 .99
.33 .33
1.01 1.28 1.29
3. 97 1. 62 i 1.03 6.62
1.57 .84
.62 3,03
.97 .30
1.27
.55 2.31
1.03 .73
(2)
(2)
1.05 .42
.71
.53
2. 46
1.53 125. 41 26. 94
.95 88.10 89.05
1.60
3. 28
1. 43 48. 10 49.53
1 .1 1
.63 .63 35.00 36. 26 3. 78
13. 33 13.33
.64
2.00 >16,00 18.00
50. 00 50.00
1.14 1 8. 73 9. 87
1.79
1.03 3.00
.17
2. 24 >18. 79 21.20
5.00 150.00 155.00
34. 33
.27 .53 55.07 55. 87
1.60 .74
.16 1. 13
.97 .78
1.29
.18
(2)
1.25 3 8. 75 10.00
.13 1.18 21.95 23. 26
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
.91
.74 1.62
1.47
(2)
1.63 3. 09
1 . 22 2. 82
.84 4. 12
.62 5.52
.09 .09
1.44 1.08
.96 . 96
1.17 1.96
i .66 4. 69
3. 66 37. 99
.90 3.24
1. 75
(S)
3 .23 1.14
.43 2. 79
Car-pets
1925
N ew J e r s e y ..,
N ew Y o rk ___
P ennsylvan ia .
T o ta l. . . .
1926
N ew Y ork
P e n n sy lv an ia .
T o ta l____
3
857
2 5, 571
14 4, 571
19 10, 999
3
2
5
3
27
3
33
127
1 67
0
94
30
97
5
132
1.17 110.50 11.67
0.18 1. 62 14. 01 5.81
.37
.15 .22 0
.15 1.00 4. 87 6.02
3 1,482
3
905
5 7,799
11 2,440
22 12,626
1
19
3 * 38
17 i 105
4 0
24
162
19
41
123
4
187
.04
1
4. 31 4.31
1.11 114. 07 15.18
.73 14. 49 5.26
.55 0
.55
.03 .63 4. 01 4.67
3.23 10. 29 3.52
1.08 2. 31 i . 13 3.52
.88 .08 0
.96
.91 1.45
.15 2. 51
.26
.16
.33
.64
.41
.50
.08 .08
1.29 .62
1.28 1. 18
.41
0
.21 .87
C arriages a n d wagons
1926
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
1
2
1
3
1
2
i
1
1
1
2
3
1
20
56
94
17
263
47
96
10
27
18
17
53
118
32
848
3
10
1
1
2
17
0
i3
8
2
35
15
6
11
7
12
6
8
2
45
16
6
1
8
2
15. 00 i 15.00 30.00
26.67 26. 67
40. 00 40. 00
12. .50 43. 75 56. 25
10. 00 150.00 160.00
20. 00 20. 00
133.00 33.00
10.00 70.00 80.00
1 20.00 20.00
6
11
86
8
1
103
0
5. 00 15.00 20.00
1 10.00 10.00
6. 80 34.40 41.20
1D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first week no t available.
2D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities n o t available.
3D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 day s not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1019 ]
17.75 >0. 28 18.03
.58 .58
1.37 1.37
14.00 1.00 15.00
12. 82 1.31 14. 13
.04 .04
1.56 .56
3.68 2. 35 6.03
1 1.30 1.30
1. 69
6.58
0
.35 2.04
1 .23 .23
.71 7.29
70
MONTHLY LABOE KEVIEW
T a b l e 2 .—A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y
A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
C hem icals
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b e r of eases
State
1925
N ew Jersey__
N ew Y o rk ----PennsylvaniaT o ta l.........
1926
Illinois........ .
M ichigan____
N ew Y o rk ___
P en n sy lv an ia.
Virginia..........
T o ta l.........
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
ers
m ents
D eath
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
Per
manent
disa
bili
ty
1, 330
6, 778
3,236
266
1
2
1
12
22
44
1 89
159
(2)
45
102
83
31 11,609
3
35
192
230
.09 1.00
1,527
1, 300
1, 768
2, 528
3, 302
4,152
1,166
49
851
14
1
3
i
1
1 89
57
67
172
i 80
1141
(2)
93
57
69
78
95
168
2
.22
2
2
15
26
1
2
9
8 78
89
5
17
7
2
4
1
8
2
17
10
4
2
1
1
16, 657
50
4
A ccident severity rates
(per .1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
0. 25 11.03 1 1 . 28
0.05 .59 14. 38 5. 02
.2 1 2.27 1 6. 08 8.56
<2)
5. 63
6. 72
.65 119.35
14. 62
.37 12. 64
.53 .26 i 9. 47
1. 52 i 8. 08
.08 2.08 111.28
.29 .29 (2)
20. 22
14. 62
13. 01
10. 26
9. 60
13.44
.58
.77 3.46 3 30.00 34.23
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
Tem
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
0.08 0. 25 0.32
0.30 .65 1.13 1.08
1.24 3. 96 1.26 5.46
(2)
.52 1.49
1.31
.29
. 11
3.16 .28
1.57
.48 3.22
1.72 .09
.18 2.19
1.56
. 18
. 30
1.27
1.18
1 .71
(2)
2.16
.18
.41
3. 71
1 . 75
4.41
1.81
4. 70 7.28 3 1.08 13.06
1
9
58
584
651
.18 1.16 11.68 13. 02
1.08
1.57
.41 3.06
Cotton goods
1926
N ew
9 5,917
12 19' 369
2
'515
2
536
6 6, 046
30 22, 577
5 4 62
24 1 290
1
18
1
24
7
279
5
366
67
314
19
25
286
371
1
3
7
4
3
6
10
376
30
41
3
117
87
1
1
76 1,660 1,737
H am p-
N ew Y o rk ___
T o ta l.........
5 11,345
3 3, 558
2 1, 413
6 2, 539
3 3 ,175
3 5, 999
1
20
84 83,009
373
1 23
»36
(2)
111
8 77
i1
.24
(5)
0.28
. 41
.67
.63
.39
.07
4 3.48 3. 76
1 4. 99 5. 40
12.00 12. 67
15.00 15. 63
15.41 15. 80
5.41 5.48
.09
.65
.95
.39
.63
.56
10.97 11.06
i 2. 15 2.80
18.57 9. 76
.39
(2)
11. 68 12. 31
3 4. 28 4. 84
>10. 00 10. 00
.31
6. 67
1 D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first week no t available.
2 D a ta for tem porary disabilities no t available.
8 D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first 10 days not available.
4 D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first tw o weeks no t available.
4 Less th a n 0.005.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1020 ]
6.98
0.2S 4 0.12 0.41
.25 1 .1 2 .37
.39
. 13 .52
.47
.24 .71
.52
.26 .78
.07
. 13 .20
.03
.34
1.42 1.03
.20
.27
.87
.02
.26
.23 .26
1.05 .39
1.52 2.97
.20
(2)
. 11 .38
3 . 13 1.00
i .27 .27
.15
.43
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
T a b l e 2 .— A C C ID E N T
71
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, BY S T A T E S —C ontinued
E lectrical m a ch in ery
A c c id e n t fr e q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
S tate
N um
ber of FullPer Tem
estab wyear
ork
lish
ma po
ers
m ents
rary T o D eath
nent
D eath
disa disa tal
bili bili
ty
ty
1925
I llin o is ............
I n d ia n a ..........
M ary lan d ___
M inneso ta___
N ew J e r s e y ...
New Y o rk ___
O hio___ ____
P ennsylv an ia.
13 4, 944
3 3, 080
2
851
1
8
13 8, 329
9 20, 454
17 3, 560
13 19, 441
7
T o ta l.........
71 60, 667
13
1926
Illin o is.............
I n d ia n a ..........
M arylan d____
M assachusetts
M ichigan____
New Jersey __
New Y o rk ___
O hio___ _ . . .
VVisconsin____
20 6,908
5 3,904
3 1,045
11 9, 551
1
113
13 8,090
10 20, 800
12 3,637
14 21,146
3
195
T o ta l____
92 75, 389
P e n n s y lv a n ia .
1
14
3
1
4
62
74
7
69
2
1
4
4
11
i 54
184
30
1
1 140
1 456
305
(2)
69
187
30
1
203
634
312
76
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
Tem
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
0. 07 0.94 13.64 4.65
.32 19. 91 20. 23
11.75 11. 75
43.17 43. 17
.04 2. 48 1 5.60 8. 12
.07 1. 21 17.43 8. 71
. 66 28 56 29 22
. 12 1. 18 0
1. 30
229 1,170 1,412
.07 1.26
36 ! 147
23
275
7
41
18
589
i1
48 1 134
104 1 711
8
190
21 0 )
14
1. 74
1. 97
2.26
.07 .63
183
298
48
609
1
183
819
198
25
4
.04 1.98
.06 1. 67
.73
.06 .33
265 2,092 2, 368
.05 1. 17
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours' ex
posure)
9. 46 10. 79
i 7.10
23. 50
13. 23
20. 52
i . 33
15.51
>11. 39
17. 43
(2)
1 6. 67
8.84
25. 47
15. 49
21.22
. 33
7.53
13. 12
18. 16
.39
6.67
9.25 10.47
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary To
disa tal
bili
ty
0.40 0.54 10.07
17
. 10
. 24
2. 37
.24 2. 47 1.15
.39 1.29 1.33
. 81
22
.72 .80 (2)
.43 1. 12
1.01
27
. 24
2. 37
2.86
2. 01
1 03
1. 52
.24 1. 79
1. 34 i 0 19 1 53
„ 35 1 74
1. 39
1. 09
. 28 1. 37
.42 .38
.45 1.25
1 08
08
.25 1. 74 1 .1 2 2. Ü
.38 1. 89 1.73 3.00
„ 40
. 23
63
.38 .22 (2)
.60
i 15 . 15
.29 1. 05
.32 1.66
F ertilizers
1926
Illinois.............
In d ia n a ______
Iow a. . . ___
M ary lan d ____
M ichigan........
New Y o rk ___
O hio_______
P ennsylv an ia.
Tennessee __
Virginia_____
3
1
3
1
5
1
2
3
2
3
3
27
639
68
105
17
714
249
131 —
255
142
218
517
3,055
i
1
i 18
10
23
1
4
1
112
i 10
i8
27
(2)
12
3 39
6
5
259
i
1
1
20
10
23
0.53 0.53 19. 47 10. 53
1.50. 00 50.00
76.67 76. 67
114
.48 .48 53. 33
10
U4.29
9—
2. .50 120. 00
28
1. 25 33. 75
(2)
12
17. 14
44
2. 50 .63 324. 38
270
.65
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10211
54.29
2.80 .23 1.18 4.21
14.29
1 .57 .57
22.50 —
10. 14 1 1. 25 11. 39
35. 00
.78
.55 1.33
(2)
17. 14
.36 .36
27. 51 15. 48 . 19 L 8 5 16.52
. 54Î 28.15 29. 34
1 D ata for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first w eek n o t available.
2 D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities n o t available.
3 D ata for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first 10 days n o t available.
3.13 2.09 1 0.22 5.44
.62 .62
.80 .80
3. 93 1.03
.68 5.64
72
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 2 .—A C C ID E N T
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, BY S T A T E S —C ontinued
F lour
A c c id e n t fr e q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
ho u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of eases
State
1925
M inneso ta___
T o ta l____
1926
Illinois. . . .
M inneso ta___
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
m ents ers D eath
6
2
19
27
143
29
3,443
3, 616
2
6
4
4
5
22
2
8
4
2
1
4
2
3
2
1
72
244
185
329
76
468
2,596
121
218
1,312
34
38
93
44
248
78
18
6,102
4
4
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
1
6
7
1
3
2
4
2
7
2
8
1
1
4
27
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
S
3
191
203
9
4
201
214
U2
12
33
14
l 24
156
13
43
i 58
4
8
(2)
5
22
34
i9
417
13
15
35
14
26
167
13
45
66
4
8
5
23
5
9
448
0.39
.37
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity ratas
(per 1,000 h ours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
20. 86
11. 31 33. 94
.58 18.49
.65 18. 71
20. 86
45. 25
19. 46
19.73
2.32
2. 21
1. 43 117. 14 18. 57
5. 00 20. 00 25.00
2. 00 33. 00 35. 00
70.00 70.00
1.43 117.14 18. 57
.51 .90 20.00 21.41
3.08
32. 50 32. 50
2. 86 61.43 64.29
2.05 114. 87 16. 92
40. 00 40. 00
80.00 80.00
(2)
50. 00 50.00
1. 4.3 31. 43 32.86
5.00 320. 00 25. 00
190.00 90.00 ............
.22 L 48 22. 79 . 24. 49
1.31
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
8.48
.52
.57
.41
a 49
.61
.43
.98
13. 79
2.74
2.42
2. 57
1. 91
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
0. 57
.90
.25
.27
0. 57
9. 38
3.09
3.05
1.31 0.72
.31 6. 80
.36 .97
1.19 1. 19
i. 48 .91
.52 4.58
. 14 . 14
.85 14.64
1. 83 3. 57
.26 .26
. 70 .70
( 2)
1. 15 Í. 15
.23 2. 65
3. 96 3. 53
16.83 6.83
.58 3.80
F o u n d ry a n d m a chine-shop products
1925
Illinois______
I n d i a n a . - ___
Iowa___............
M a ry la n d ... .
M ichigan____
M innesota.
N ew J e rs e y .. .
N ew Y o rk ___
O hio________
P en n sy lv an ia.
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
1926
A labam a_____
C alifornia____
G eorgia______
Illinois______
In d ia n a ______
Iow a________
K e n tu ck y ___
M ain e ___ _ _
M ary lan d ___
M assachusetts
M inneso ta___
N eb rask a____
N ew H am psh ire_____
N ew Jersey
N ew Y o rk ___
N o rth D akota.
O hio________
P e n n sy lv an ia .
Tennessee. . V irginia_____
W est Virginia.
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
1 D a ta
2 D a ta
3 D a ta
4 D a ta
20
15
10
10
5
9
21
15
29
109
14
257
10, 293
1,889
2,785
1,317
4,078
1,282
5, 672
10,104
7,629
27,121
3,232
75,404
3
17
6
26
12
10
2
2
1
21
26
5
3
2,092
1,936
1,300
7, 203
2, 250
2, 557
64C
288
165
6,504
6, 375
897
207
3 1, 046
20 4,833
22 16,425
2
45
40 11, 829
85 28, 547
2
298
3
717
1
343
17 8,796
329 105, 293
for tem porary
for tem porary
for tem porary
for tem porary
disabilities
disabilities
disabilities
disabilities
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
2
5
1
18
1
1
3
2
1
1
2
8
i
26
3
15
6
15
4
55
128
17
47
8
324
i 239 266
415 418
316 332
155 162
i 133 149
75
70
1 234 291
i 322 453
1,326 1, 345
52
(2>
1211 220
3,421 3, 763
6 4 102
14 P)
12
1 84
55 1 328
11
399
5
120
10
87
3
86
1
17
5
206
15 1 489
5
104
48
108
15
97
386
412
126
97
90
18
213
lio
48
0.03 0 .
17. 74
.53 73.23
. 12 1 . 80 37.82
.25 1.52 39. 22
.08 1.23 110.87
.26 1.04 18. 20
. 12 3. 23 1 3. 75
.10 4. 22 1 10. 62
.09 .74 57.93
.06 .58 (2)
. 10 .82 '21.76
.08 1.43 23. 62
848.61
73.76
39.74
40.99
12. 18
19. 50
17. 10
14.94
58.76
.64
22.68
25.13
.95 416. 19 17.14
2.41 (2)
2. 58
3.08 121. 54 24.88
2. 55 115. 19 17.88
1. 62 58. 68 60. 59
.65 15. 59 16. 37
5. 26 45. 79 51.05
Ï. 11 3.33 95. 56 100.00
2. 00 34. 00 36.00
.10 .26 10. 56 10.92
7Q
.37 l! 85 3k 52 40. 74
80. 00 80. 00
.17
.26
. 14
.29
.13
1
78
79
.32 25. 16 25. 48
82 i 243 325
5. 66 116. 76 22. 42
199 1 844 1,057
.28 4.04 117.12 21.44
26
26
192. 59 192.59
10
40 1,897 1,947
.28 1. 13 53. 44 54. 85
16 109 (2)
125
. 19 1. 27 (2)
1.46
39
39
43. 33 43. 33
1
6 3 80
87
.45 2.73 336.36 39. 54
4
86
90
4. 00 86. 00 90. 00
3
55 1 864 922
. 1 1 2.08 132. 73 34.92
64 638 6,220 6, 922
.20 2.02 19. 69 21.91
ending in first week n o t available.
no t available.
ending in first 10 days not available.
ending in first tw o weeks no t available.
14
[ 1022 ]
0.19 a 78 40.26
.78
. 16
.72 1. 38
.52
1.52 3. 35
.64
.49 .94 1.26
.41
1.56 1. 25
.71 2.31 1.41
.59 3.90 i. 58
.52 .46
.43
.37 .53 (2)
.62 .32 1.43
.48 1. 24
.43
1.23
.94
2.62
5.53
1. 69
3.22
3.43
5.07
1.41
.90
1. 37
2.15
. 84
2. 91
2. 49
1.82
1. 71
.29
5. 60
6.94 2.49
.61
.62 .14
4 .45 1.29
(2) 3.94
i. 48 4. 51
1.36 3. 01
.82 4.31
.35 1.42
. 78 6. 38
.78 10.21
. 56 1.17
.27 1.03
2.23 2.27
i 18 5.68
2. 71 2. 71
1.03
1.54
.83
1. 78
.78
. 29
. 57
4.85 1.27
1.70 3.71 1 1. 16
2.98
1.69 1. 12
.67
1.12 .98 (2)
. 47
2.79 4.65 3. 90
7. 67 1.1 1
.68 1. 71 1. 59
1.22 1. 77
.48
. 86
5. 12
6.57
2. 98
3.48
2. 10
.47
8.34
8. 78
2.98
3.47
73
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OP SELECTED IN DU STRIES
T a b l e 2 .—A C C ID E N T
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
Furniture
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
ho u rs’ exposure)
N u m b e r of cases
State
1925
Illinois______
In d ia n a _____
Iow a ___ ____
M ary lan d ___
M ichigan ____
M innesota___
N ew Y o rk ,.
O hio______ .
P e n n sy lv an ia .
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
1926
California........
Georgia............
Illinois..............
In d ia n a ______
I o w a ...............
K entucky ____
M aine ______
M aryland __ .
M assachusetts
M ichigan, . . .
M innesota___
N ew H am psh ire _______
New Y ork __
O hio_____
P ennsylvan ia.
Tennessee, .
V irginia,,........
W est Virginia.
W isconsin__
T o ta l____
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
Per Tem
ork
lish
m a po
ers
m ents
D eath nent rary T o D eath
disa disa ta l
bili bili
ty
ty
16
50
5
10
11
2,828
6,086
'504
422
2,013
634
2,930
1,821
4,393
2,888
8
23
8
17
3
165 24, 519
80
7
916
3
500
25 4,356
52 0,418
4
559
3
324
1
156
10
649
624
5
37 9, 052
9 1,002
7
5
8
14
15
32
13
1
18
8
25
5
2
4
13
3
103
3,621
496
2,923
910
559
485
3,216
232 36,869
3
i 97
458
36
30
1 32
38
1 53
77
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
12 61
25 69
23 79
23. 72
5. 30
24.17
8. 65
16 66
1 29
9.81
0 71
.26
1.18 111 43
. 60 25 09
23 79
23. 72
1 5. 30
4. 20 19. 97
2.62 1 6. 03
1. 46 14 09
1. 29 (2)
.35 1 9. 46
107
469
36
30
32
46
76
i 82
85
17
85
903
983
2 (2)
3
19
22 1 168
40
453
1
34
1
6
6
3
34
11
48 l 229
4
93
2
12
190
493
35
6
37
11
280
97
. 74 (2)
2.00 l 6 00
1.68 '1 2 82
2 07 23 47
. 59 20 on
1.00
1 2. 00
1. 58 17. 89
5. 79
. 1 1 1.76 ¡8.42
1.33 31.00
19
39 1129
15
10 0
102
5 3 14
4
22
11
* 78
19
168
15
10
109
19
26
89
63.33
3.58 >11.83
10. 00
1.14 (2)
2. 59 37 78
2. 94 3 8 24
2.67 14. 67
1.15 18.13
(*)
T
200 1,422 1,625
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
19
2 76
2 70
.79
.
1 .17
.31
.25 1.04
{2)
V)
74
00
50
54
59
12.00
19. 47
5.79
10. 29
32.33
19
58
58
1 20
36 3 12
1 27 2 97
(2)
. 14
1.09 14.96 16.05
8
14
25
20
Tem
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
.31
16
15
.85
.66 1.28
1.76
19
19
i. 27 2.21
.60 2.36
27
63.33
15. 41
10 00
1.14
40 37
27
4.09
63
m
63
17.34
9.28
1 86
.92
23 2 09
1.20 1 .1 2
.03 1.81 12.86 14.70
.16 1.51
.30 1.97
Glass
1925
M ary lan d ____
N ew J e r s e y ,..
O hio_____ __
P ennsylvan ia,
T o ta l,.
1926
California____
M aryland____
O h io ____ .
P ennsylvan ia,
Tennessee........
W est VirginiaT o tal____
4
6
5
25
1,051
4,632
1,552
4,903
1
2
7
2
7
65
1 50
414
0
67*
58
416
7
0.07
40 12,138
1
18
529
548
.03
2
4
6
20
1
5
171
1,012
2,249
4,662
210
3,246
1
4
1
6
14
10
78
358
0
10
351
79
365
18
10
361
0
.33 26.33 26.66
.15 .90 53.43 54.48
.29 1.00 0
1.29
16.67 16. 67
1.03 36.19 37. 22
38 11, 550
5
31
797
833
.14
0
0.63 20.61 21.24
.50 >3.60 4.71
.43 88. 93 89.36
.48 0
.48
0.43
0.19
.76
.77
.59
0.31 0.50
>.10 1.29
.75 1.52
.59
0
.49 24.37 24.89
.16
.65
.27 1.08
.89 22.97 24.00
1 D ate for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first w eek n o t available
I D ate for tem porary disabilities n o t available.
8 D ate for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first 10 days not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1023]
.79
.89 ...7 3
1.72 1.07
1.39
.87 1.01
0
.56
.62
0
.22
.41
1.35
2.24
2. 79
.22
1.80
.29 2.17
74
M ONTHLY LABOE EE VIEW
T a b l e 3 . —A C C ID E N T
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, BY S T A T E S —C ontinued
H ardw are
A c c id e n t fr e q u e n c y
rates (per 1 ,000,000
ho u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
1926
Illinois_______
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
m ents ers D eath
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
P er
m a
n ent
disa
bili
ty
i 8.97
23. 33
114. 29
1 5. 56
28.33
(2)
2. 32 i 0.18 2. 50
2. 51
. 59 3.10
1.82 l. 49 2.31
. 68 1.66 1.34
.58 1.09
. 51
.53 (2)
.53
O hio. ..............
P ennsylvania.
6
1
3
1
3
5
2,250
100
476
297
786
2,337
24
1
9
2
4
11
1 61
7
» 20
15
68
(2)
85
8
29
7
72
11
3.53
3.33
6.43
2.22
1.67
1.57
T o tal.........
19
6,246
51
161
212
2.73
8. 61 11.34
1.69
3.43
0.44 1.31
.17
.18 .55
114.03 15.72
i 7. 56 10. 99
i 7. 43 9.18
.17
(2)
113.44 14.17
M ichigan ___
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
12. 50
26.66
20. 72
7. 78
30.00
1.57
1.31
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
.22 1.53
Leather
1925
Illin o is ______
New Jersey__
New Y o rk ___
Pennsylvania .
W isconsin____
5
7
6
14
4
1,378
1,455
763
3,870
1,835
1
T o tal------
26
9,301
5
1
7
1
4
13
2
10
8
1
17
1
2
5
544
451
1,594
105
569
4,251
560
2,286
1,849
' 295
3,966
113
310
3,035
1
1926
California____
G eorgia______
Illinois _____
M a r y la n d ___
M assachusetts
M ichigan____
N ew Jersey__
New York . . .
O hio .. _____
P enn sy lv an ia.
Virginia ___
W est Virginia.
W isconsin........
T otal ___
77 19,928
1
7
15
3
2
3
‘ 58
i 33
i 17
(2)
1 74
65
48
21
2
78
2
30
182
214
.07 1.08 11.17 12.32
1
29
96
5
16
129
43
76
119
17
10
11
29
103
.63
(2)
.71 1 20.00
3. 54 1 16.46
16. 67
L 18 8. 23
.16 . 16 9. 77
1.76 1 23.53
2. 32 1 8. 70
3. 09 1 18.55
1 .1 1 17. 78
.08 .76 (2)
236. 67
2. 22 30. 00
.22 .44 1 10.66
684
.10 1.24 10.10 11.44
1
2
2
3
16
17
1
9
2
2
4
(2)
» 28
1 79
5
14
125
i 40
i 60
1 102
16
(2)
3 11
27
>97
6
74
604
2
Ï
17
1 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first week not available.
2 D ata for tem porary disabilities not available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 days no t available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ri0241
.63
20. 71
20. 00
16. 67
9. 41
10. 09
25. 29
11. 02
21. 64
18. 89
.84
36. 67
32. 22
11.32
1.91 10.34 2.25
2 .11 1.23 2.34
2. 62 1.84 1.35 4.81
.05 (2)
.05
1.09 .16 1.28 1.53
.43
3.68
.82
2. 66
3.14
3. 05
.05
. 89
1. 36
3. 75
1. 36
.50 .59
.94
*
1.32
3. 55
.65
.60 1.23
.29 1.54
3.68
3. 05
3. 75
. 22
3.35
1.22
2 36
1. 65
4. 48
1. 70
1.09
1. 30
4. 10
1.51 2.48
(2)
>.39
l. 61
. 22
. 30
.23
i 1 47
i. 29
i. 73
. 34
(2)
3 1 30
.36 2.19
75
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
T a b l e 2 .— A C C ID E N T
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
L u m b er— P la n in g m ills
A c c id e n t fr e q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
hours’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
1925
Illinois___. . . .
In d ia n a _____
Io w a .___ ____
M ary lan d ___
M ichigan____
M inneso ta___
New Y o rk ___
O hio________
P en n sy lv an ia.
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
1926
C alifornia___
Georgia_____
Illinois______
I n d ia n a .,____
Iow a________
K entuck y___
M aine..............
M arylan d___
M ichigan-----M inneso ta---New Y o rk ___
O hio________
P enn sy lv an ia.
Tennessee___
V irginia_____
W isconsin___
T o tal.........
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
ments ers D eath
8
8
7
5
1
4
14
3
5
9
64
667
624
1,770
' 272
260
458
2,682
438
735
1,946
9, 852
17
2
17
10
8
2
1
8
16
5
20
5
2, 266
177
1,802
711
1,820
823
52
607
1,893
523
2,928
368
772
338
480
1, 663
17, 223
2
2
9
131
2
1
1
1
1
6
1
3
2
1
2
3
1
2
15
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
Tem
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
Accident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary To
disa tal
bili
ty
33
95
49
39
42
2
116
31
2
196
605
1.00 1. 50 i 14.00
1. 07 49. 71
.94 8. 29
1. 23 46. 55
1.28 2.56 1 49.99
I. 45
. 12 3. 85 110. 44
.76 2. 28 20. 53
.91 (2)
. 17 1. 54 ‘ 31.86
.20 1. 96 19. 78
16. 50
50. 78
9.23
47.78
53.83
1. 45
14.41
23. 57
. 91
33. 57
21.94
6.00 2.40 >0. 48 8.88
.32
.35 .67
1.24
.20 1.44
3.68 1.15 4.83
7. 69 2. 50 i 1.04 11.23
.01 .01
.75 6. 03 1.51 7.29
4. 56 2. 28
.33 7.17
1.91 (2)
1.91
1.03 .80 i . 70 2.59
1. 22 2. 62
4.
33
.49
15 (2)
15
1
11
19
16 i 126 145
13
83
96
12
75
89
14
198 212
2
2
3
50l 54
16 i 159 177
30
5
25
40 i 248 291
16
16
(2)
18
18
35
4 3 30
5 i 153 160
144 1,192 1, 351
2. 21 (2)
2. 00 2.00 i 18.00
. 58 2. 96 i 23.33
6.19 39. 52
.36 2.18 13. 64
5. 60 79. 20
10. 00
.55 1. 78 27. 78
.35 2. 81 1 27.89
3.13 15. 63
.34 4. 55 i 28.18
14. 55
(2)
18. 00
.71 2. 86 3 21.43
.40 1.00 1 30.60
.30 2. 89 23.94
2.21
22.00
26. 85
45. 71
16. 18
84. 80
10. 00
30.11
31.05
18. 76
33. 07
14. 55
1. 33 (2)
1. 33
11. 30 1. 16 1.57 13.03
3.33 4. 36 i. 62 8.31
7.10
.53 7.63
2.19 1.36
.33 3.88
1. 94 1.87 3.81
. 19 . 19
.79 4.84
3. 29 . 76
2. 11 2.67 i. 77 5. 55
3. 15
.36 3. 51
2.04 5. 48 i 1.60 9.12
.20 .20
0
.36 .36
4.16 3. 22 3.48 7. 86
2.40 .93 i. 92 4. 25
1.81 2. 80
.76 5. 37
3
2
5
1
2
31
3
2
9
58
i 28
93
44
38
i 39
2
i 84
27
(2)
i 186
541
18. 00
25. 00
32. 00
27.13
L u m b er— S a w m ills
1925
M ichigan-----M in n e s o ta ...
W isconsin___
T o ta l-----1926
A la b a m a ____
California____
M ic h ig a n ___
M inneso ta----O hio........... . .
P enn sy lv an ia.
Tennessee____
V irginia_____
W est Virginia.
W isconsin___
T otal . . .
1
20
5 5,455
5 2,228
11 2, 520
22 10, 223
5 2, 312
21 12,136
1
62
2
309
1
95
4
209
17 2,394
5 1,988
2
813
1
37
2 1,384
2
861
5 3,288
4 1,299
18 4, 356
90 31, 543
4
1
6
11
2
7 i 120
123
5
12 i 322
24
567
1
25
4
84
5
2
9
2
1
2
1
2
2
7
54
13
25
4
1
17
7
16
176
2
131
129
340
602
4 48
53
109
0
5
15
41
1 36
21
21
38
38
i 344 359
756 790
51
53
4
5
6
0
44
46
3 195 214
98 107
i 482 505
2,122 2,352
33.17
0. 24 0. 43 i 7. 33
. 15 .75 18. 40
.79 1. 59 l 42.59
.36 .78 18. 49
1.18
33.17
8. 00
1.47 0. 47 i. 23
19. 30
.90 .96
.50
44. 97 ' 4.76 .79 1 1. 01
19. 63
2. 15 . 66
.48
.14 .58 4 6. 96 7. 68
3. 00
.69 2.31 0
i 25.00 25. 00
5. 56 i 40.00 45. 56
70. 00 70. 00
63. 33 63. 33
.28 1.81 i 47.78 49. 87
1.50 4. 17 126. 00 131. 67
21. 25 22. 08
.83
35. 78 44.72
8. 94
1.43
.48 .95 0
.38 .38 16. 92 17.68
.20 1. 72 3 19.70 21. 62
.51 1. 79 25. 13 27. 43
.53 1.22 i 36.79 38. 54
.57 1.86 22. 43 24. 86
1 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first week no t available.
2 D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities no t available.
a D a ta for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first 10 days no t available.
4 D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first tw o weeks no t available.
68404°—-27-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
6
[1025 ]
.86 .43
4. 12 1. 75
4. 37
1. 67
9.05
4. 92
53.66
2.89
2. 32
1.21
3.09
3. 21
3. 42
Ì. 62
6. 81
1. 22
. 11
1. 22
2. 92
1.45
1.80
1. 18
2. 17
2. 36
6. 56
3.29
4. 14 1.43
.5. 87
0
i. 91 .91
h 78 5.15
1. 35 1. 35
.96 .96
1 2. 07 5. 36
3. 29 19.15
.40 5. 32
.67 54. 33
4. 11
0
. 29 2. 72
3. 69 3. 12
.74 6. 75
1 1.03 5.69
.66 5.88
76
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 3 .—A C C ID E N T
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
M a c h in e tools
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
1925
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
ers
m ents
D eath
W isconsin........
5
3
5
6
19
7
2
1,197
'124
477
551
1,763
1- 119
802
T o ta l____
48
6,033
11
3
15
7
7
9
25
3
5
1,933
'248
4,917
574
729
1,282
4 138
196
1,117
N ew Y o rk ___
1926
M assachusetts
M ichigan____
O hio________
P ennsylv an ia.
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
85 15*. 134
Per T em
m a po
nent rary T o D eath
disa :disa tal
bili bili
ty
ty
3
I
6
3
2
i 20
15
1 19
i 10
238
23
15
25
14
24C
3
130
33
1
17
332
350
11
i 66
24
70
i 36
1 IS
1 83
529
1
1
ft
1
4
Ci)48
77
25
73
40
26
106
543
2
52
5
64
875
944
1
1
1
2
3
7
23
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
Per T em
m a po
nent rary T o
disa . disa ta l D eath
bili bili
ty
ty
0.84 1 5.57 6.41
40. 32 40.32
4.19 113. 28 17. 47
0.61 1.82 1 6.05 8.48
.38 44.99 45.37
.94 21.09 22.09
1.89 111.38
34. 28
1.43
.07 .14 4. 73
.59 1. 76 121.18
3.18 i 8. 63
6.05 1 21.84
.08 1.04 42. 66
1.67 1.67
1. 21 i 14.54
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
0.25 10.19 0.44
.60 .60
3.78 i .29 4.07
3.63 2.18 1.27 6.08
.48
.37 .85
1. 25 i 12.47 131 72
.06
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
.62
.33
.77 :
1 .22 ; .84
.27 I 1.37
13. 27
35. 71
4.94
23.53
11.81
27.89
43.78
3. 33
15. 75
.06
.69
5.57
5.46
.48 .65
10.18 .50
.98
1.48 1.65
.29 8.35
.09 .55
i .56 4.72
i . 16 5. 73:
i .97 6.43
.42 1. 55
<2) 10. 68
i .23 1.21
.11 1.41 19. 27 20.79
. 66 1.18
.34 2.18
O
1.17
8.06
.40
3.48
P a p e r a n d p u lp
1925
M ichigan____
M inneso ta___
N ew Y o rk ___
P enn sy lv an ia.
W isconsin........
T o t a l . .. .. .
1926
Illinois ............
In d ia n a ______
M ain e _______
M a ry la n d ... .
M assachusetts
M inneso ta___
N ew H a m p N ow Y o rk ___
O hio________
P en n sy lv an ia.
W isconsin........
T o ta l____
378
560
122
1,179
1,132
4, 597
1,532
1,642
1
34 11,142
5
3
1
1
3
12
4
5
7
3
1
5
1
13
8
3
523
307
113
3,745
1,083
A 008
3,902
1,072
1
19
4
6
1
2
2
9
367
8,163
3,501
2, 501
98
388
476
5,061
85 37, 308
1
1
1
1
l 14
3
50
1
18
3 1 73
7
149
58 i 235
3 (-')
5 i 51
15
53
19
76
157
294
4
57
5
80
590
675
1 i 16
3
40
1
14
9
522
2
56
5
208
15 1 369
267
17
45
15
531
58
213
387
276
.63 U0.00
2. 22 3. 33 44.44
3 33 46. 67
. 80 46. 61
. 63 17. 50
. 28 11. 56
. 25 1 28 1 31 54
.63 2.19 83.44
10. 63
49. 99
50 00
47. 41
18.13
11. 84
33 08
86. 26
i
76
92 i 692
4
251
4 0)
1
20
3 14
3
108
18 1186
77
792
258
6
21
14
111
205
.91 69.09
.33 3: 76 i 28.24
.29 .38 23.90
.27 .53 n
3. 33 66. 67
311.67
2.14 77.14
.07 1.18 i 12.24
70.00
32.33
24. 57
.80
70.0Ü
11. 67
79. 28
13. 49
.27
1. 95 4.30
1. 71 .92
1.59 .24
1.01
.19 1.53 26.03 27.75
1.16 1.66
2
3
2
8
3
2
1
21
166 2, 839 3,026
0.88
.29
.07
.22
.20
112.34
1.79 29. 78
2. 73 49.11
l 20.63
2.06 43.89
4.21 117. 04
.65 C)
1.01 110.35
. 15 2. 39 20. 47 23.01
1 D ata for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first week not available.
2 D ata for tem p o rary disabilities not available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 days n o t available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1026]
13. 22
31. 57
51. 84
21.48
46.24
21.32
.87
11.56
5; 29
1. 77
.44
1.31
1.22
i 0. 21 5. 50
0.80 3.63 4. 43
2.05 1.36 3. 41
. 25 1 .54 .79
2.12
.78 4.67
6.77 -1.67 7.88
.30 C)
1.61
.40 i . 23 1. 85
.90 3.20
.75 4.85
1. 91 1 .31 2. 22
13.00 8.13
.36 21. 49
7.09
. 70 7. 79
.84 1.36
. 52
.59 . 77
. 18
.34
.24 .58
1 53 . 83 1 1 03 3 39
3.73 1.07 1.03 5.83
3.85
,39 1.29
.93
1.93
.27
(2)
.05
3 .33
1. 30
1.34
1.20
7. 18
2.90
1.83
1.06
.33
5.15
2.02
.61 3. 43
77
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
T
ìb l e
2 —A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
P etroleum refin in g
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
1926
California____
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
ers
m ents
D eath
Pennsylvan ia.
3 4,460
1
228
2 1, 710
1 3, 614
2 101208
2 1,174
1
169
6 1, 612
T o ta l.........
18 23,175
Illinois______
N ew Jersey__
N ew Y o rk ___
7
1
6
2
5
21
P e r
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
Tem
po
rary T o D eath
disa tal
bili
ty
7
0
»7
2 1 16
5
70
66 1 126
24 1 144
1
29
2 0
107
392
14
8
24
75
192
170
30
7
520
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
1.04
0. 52 0.52 0
1 10.00 11.43
1.43
1.18 .39 1 3. 14 4. 71
.46 6.48 6.94
2. 16 1 4. 12 6.28
.57 6.86 1 41.14 48.57
2.00 58. 00 60.00
1.04 .42 (2)
1.46
.30 1.54
5.64
7.48
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
Tem
po
rary To
disa tal
bili
ty
3.34
3.12 0. 22 0
8.78
• 0. 22 9.00
6.97 .41 » . 12 7.50
.30
. 14 .44
2.88 1 .10 2.98
3.40 8.26 » 2.01 13. 67
. 59 1. 32 1.91
6.18 .21 0
6.39
1.81 1.83
. 19 3.83
P ottery
1925
N ew Jersey__
i 76
80
79
81
1
3
156
160
.11
303
189
2, 720
1,228
1,027
277
212
167
2,215
1
1
1
12
12
5 i 114
3 1 18
46
(2)
7
32
1
65
13
12
119
22
47
1.11 13.33
20.00
.61 113. 90
.27 .81 » 4.86
.32
14.84
(2)
11.67
3 4.00
. 15 9.85
8,338
2
1,943
1,206
1
13
3,148
W est Virginia.
2
2
8
2
6
1
1
1
3
T o ta l____
26
T o ta l____
1926
N ew Y o rk ___
O h io ..______
0.17 0.34 113.04 13.55
.28 22.12 22.4C
2
1
6
7
10
276
7
2
66
288
.08
1.03 1.10 »0.41 2. 54
.50
.31 .81
............
.32 16. 52 16. 95
.64
14.44
20.00
14. 51
5.94
15. 16
1.62
1.95
11.67
4.00
10.00
.41 11.31 11.80
.49
.87
.37 1.88
.33
.60
.23 .56
.51 .51
».36 1.21
1.29 2.15
. 15 2.10
(2)
.05 .05
3 .05 .05
.30 .90
.49
.29 1.27
.85
.24
S h ip b u ild in g : steel
1926
California........
M ichigan____
N ew Jersey__
N ew Y o rk ___
Pennsylvania Virginia_____
T o tal____
2
1
2
2
1
4
1
1
2
2
2,154
87
546
807
316
3,044
1,409
4,233
199
942
2
1
1
2
1
2
18 13, 737
9
7
2
1
4
2
24
5
31
1
77
»2
36
» 39
1 10
» 62
0
3112
87
» 74
9
4
37
44
13
88
6
145
88
74
422
508
0
1.39
0.31 1.08 0
6. 67 » 6. 67 13.34
.63 22. 50 23.13
.42 1.67 »16. 25 18.34
1. 11 2. 22 »11. 11 14.44
.22 2. 64 »6. 81 9. 67
.24 1.19 0
1.43
.16 2. 44 3 8.82 11.42
1.67 145.00 146.67
»26. 43 26.43
.16 1.39
1 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first week no t available.
2 D ata for tem porary disabilities no t available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 days not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1027 ]
9.30 10.85
1.86 0.51 0
2.37
2.31 » 0 .10 2.41
. 18
.68 .86
2.48 1.24 » .42 4.14
6.33 1.27 ».43 8.03
1.31 1.95 ».73 3.99
1.42 .43 (»)
1.85
.94 2. 12 3. 22 3.28
6. 71 1. 71 8.42
».36 . 36
.96 1.06
.36 2.38
78
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 2 .— A C C ID E N T
v
F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
S la u g h terin g a n d m eat ■packing
A c c id e n t fr e q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
N u m Fullber of
P er T em
estab wyear
ork
lish
m a po
ments ers D eath nent rary T o D eath
disa disa tal
bili bili
ty
ty
1925
Illin o is ...........
Iow a________
M innesota___
7 16,412
4 4, 252
2 3, 236
12
T o ta l____
13 23,900
15
1926
A labam a_____
G e o rg ia ____ _
Illin o is ...........
In d ia n a ______
Iow a...... ...........
K entucky___
M ichigan. __ _
M innesota___
N ebraska . . .
Pennsylvania _
South D akota.
Tennessee____
Virginia_____
W est Virginia.
W isconsin___
T o ta l____
1
47
218
1
11 22, 228
8 3, 393
8 5,816
3
216
4
930
5 3,902
5 5,098
6 1,102
1 1,023
319
3
1
53
1
42
2 1, 712
60 46.099
3
7
1
3
3
1
15
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary To
disa tal
bili
ty
820
363
558
0.24 0.83 >15.58 16.65
1.41 27. 04 28.45
.31 2.27 54.91 57.49
81 1, 645 1,741
.21 1.13 22. 94 24.28
1
*1
2
i8
10
105 ■1,142 1, 254
17
349 367
15
625 643
1
64
65
3 1 64
67
35 1, 077 1,112
13
525 541
(2)
248 259
10
44
2
42
(3)
5
5
11 1 78
89
NO. 00 10.00
2.86 >11.43 14. 29
.10 1.57 >17.12 18.79
.10 1.67 34.22 35. 99
.17 .86 35.92 36.95
1.67 106. 67 108.34
1.07 >22. 86 23. 93
2. 99 92. 05 95. 04
.20 .85 34. 31 35. 36
(2)
.32 3. 23 80.00 83. 55
2. 00 42 00 44 00
50. 00 50. 00
2.16 >15. 29 17.45
.88
. 35 .35
1.33 1.21
214 4,228 4,457
.11 1.55 30. 57 32. 23
.65 1.51
.44 2.65
0.14 0.14
.54
.28 1.28
41
18
22
i 767
345
533
( 3)
1.46 0.50 >0. 33 2.29
1.11
.40 1.51
1.85 2.94
.91 5.70
1.26
.94
5. 49
.63 1.61
.59 1.96
1.03 .52
6.17
1 08
2 86
1. 18 1.00
1.95 1.07
4.49
.42 2.62
4 .15
>. 23
1.38
.48
.61
1 11
l 57
1 15
.36
(2)
1.05
53
( 3)
. 15
5 72
2.62
3.03
2.16
7 28
1 65
4. 01
2.54
4.07
5.02
S ta m p e d a n d enam eled ware
1925
I n d ia n a _____
M arylan d ____
O h io ........... .
2
1
4
588
187
698
1
2
51
24
1
53
13. 61 13. 61
1. 79
1. 79
.95 24.34 25.29
0. 54
1.00
T o ta l____
7
1,473
3
75
78
16. 97 17. 65
.54
. 19
.73
1926
California____
Illinois______
Indian a ..........
M arylan d____
M ichigan____
New Jersey__
N ew Y ork . . .
O hio_____ ___
W est Virginia
W isconsin___
2
2
2
3
1
2
3
4
2
1
108
5,462
654
947
314
485
1,170
853
606
2, 773
3
1
4
3
5
11
8
18
7
10
12
(2)
1 29
43
6
i 13
i 14
i 79
77
49
i 45
1
33
46
11
24
22
97
8Ï
59
60
5.33
5.14
2. 85
5. 55
0. 36 1.44
.33
2. 01
23.00
3. 93
26.66
14.66
27.71
32. 45
32. 77
7. 22
2.31
. 19
2. 34
2.11
3.82
2.47
4. 12
1. 56
2.39
2.16 1.00
(2)
l .04
.23
.05
i .26
> .35
i 1.45
.46
.26
1.16
2.31
.23
2.57
2.16
4.08
2.82
5.57
2.02
2. 65
3. 32
22 13,372
3
79
355
437
.08 2.18
8.14 10.40
.45 1.31
T o tal__
24
.33
.25
1. 50
1.79
12. 22
>D a ta for tem porary disabilities ending in first week n o t available.
2 D ata for tem porary disabilities no t available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 d a y s not available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first two weeks not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1028]
.24 2.00
79
ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE OF SELECTED INDUSTRIES
T able: 2 .—A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
Steam, fittin g s , a p p a ra tu s, a n d su p p lie s
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
ho u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
S tate
N u m Fullber of
estab wyear
Per T em
ork
lish
ma po
ers
m ents
D eath nent rary T o D eath
disa disa tal
bili bili
ty
ty
1925
In d ia n a ______
M inneso ta___
N ew J e rse y .. .
N ew Y o rk ___
O hio________
P en n sy lv an ia.
T o ta l.........
244
26
1.149
1,458
1 100
120
666
2,669
44
1926
C alifornia........
Illinois______
In d ian a __........
K en tu ck y ____
M assachusetts
M ichig an ___
M in n e s o ta ...
N ew J e rse y ..
New Y o r k ...
Ohio_______
Pennsylvania
T o ta l___
43
2
1 70
38
76
2,085
235
3, 257
1,500
1,003
27
968
1,757
878
2,097
335
( 2)
1 153
44
718
57
1 33
2
1 30
‘ 164
145
(2)
43 13,883
2
79
121
122
7
(2)
6,212
43
374
172
47!
721:
57
36
2
37
184
146;
3
57 1,346 1,405i
P er
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
58. 71
25. 55
2.61 «20. 30
4. 80
1.00 60. 10
0.12 .75 ( 2)
‘22.
58.71
25.55
22.91
27. 66
61. 10
.87
.05 2.04 31.52; 33.61
P er
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
4. 23
4.00
.53
.26
0. 55 0.55
.40 .40
>. 56 4.79
1.88 4.88
.82 1.35
1.01
(2)
.32 l. i
(2)
3.02 ‘ 24.28 27. 30
4.29 62.
67.15
.31 73. 26 73. 57
2.43
12.32
.32
12. 66 12.66
.67 ‘ 11. 00 12.00
2.41
3.77
.38
. 16 .32
.20
1.99
.20
. 19
.74 2. 95
( 2)
‘. 63
.41
.71
.23
1.26
.47
‘.28
1 1.87
.67
(2)
3.07
12.73
1.03
.23
2.44
.47
1.28
6.04
1.35
‘ 10. 34 12. 75
130. 94 34.71
55.05 55.43
.48
' (2)
4. 17
. 05 1.37 32.36 33.78
.29 1.33
.61 2.23
0. 58 41. 90 42.54
4. 18 4.18
.38 52. 30 52.68
0.26
.26
(2)
0.17
.48
0.54 0. 71
.14 3.14
.49 .97
1. 58
(2)
.24
.45 1.19
1.00
.68
. 17
1.12
Stoves
1925
Pennsylvania -
9
3
8
9
572
399
1,753
1, 264
Î
T o ta l____
29
3,988
1
6
8
1
2
]
3
2
2
1
3
8
5
4
1
1
1,387
612
54
151
380
943
723
304
747
303
1,028
' 821
879
73
28
48
8,433
1926
Illinois
___
Io w a .. ______
M arylan d _
M assach u setts
P en n sy lv an ia_
T ennessee... _
Virginia ____
W est Virginia.
T o ta l____
1
1
1
2
2
72
5
275
(2)
73
5
277
1
3
352
356
.08
2
2
1 16
77
1
27
6
64
1 45
32
‘ 66
1 19
79
0)
245
87
1
18
79
1
27
7
67
46
39
72
23
84
2
248
7
1
.48 1 3. 80
1. 11 42. 77
5. 00
54. 00
.91 5. 45
1. 07 22. 86
.45
120. 45
7. 77 35. 55
2. 72 ‘ 30. 00
4.44 ‘ 21.11
1. 61 25. 48
.40 .40 (2)
1. 15 94. 23
335. 00
10.00
685
721
.08 1.43 28.90 30.41
1
3
7
6
4
5
1
3
34
.25 43.08 43.41
‘ D ata for tem p o rary disabilities ending in first w eek no t available.
2 D ata for tem porary disabilities n o t available.
8 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 days no t available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1029]
4. 28
43.88
5. 00
54. 00
6. 36
23.93
20. 90
43. 33
32. 72
25. 55
27.09
.80
95. 38
35. 00
10. 00
1. 58
.50
. 14
3. 59
. 66
1.17
2. 76
7.84
2. 41
5. 50
1. 65
2.43 .30
. 91
.51 1. 56
1.13
. 68
. 17
.98
. 21
.34
i. 53
.81
‘.83
‘1. 46
.38
(2)
1. 22
3. 62
. 65
. 27
4. 27
. 17
.98
.87
1. 51
3. 3d
8. 65
3. 24
6. 90
2.03
2.73
2. 13
. 62
.65
.56 2.63
80
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T able 3 .—A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D S E V E R IT Y R A T E S IN S P E C IF I E D IN D U S
T R IE S , 1925 A N D 1926, B Y S T A T E S —C ontinued
S tru c tu ra l-iro n work
A c c id e n t fre q u e n c y
rates (per 1,000,000
h o u rs’ exposure)
N u m b er of cases
State
N um Fullber of
estab wyear
ork
lish
m ents ers
Per
m a
nent
D eath disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
Per
m a
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal D eath
bili
ty
1925
Illinois..............
In d ia n a ............
Iow a________
M ichigan........
M innesota___
N ew J e r s e y ...
New, Y o rk ___
O h io .......... .
P ennsylvaniaWisconsin____
3
5
1
2
2
2
7
16
20
2
296
153
66
313
354
100
929
1,419
2,681
212
1
8
1
i 29
35
38
36
1.13 9.02 i 32.69 42.84
2.17 76.07 78.24
2
4
1
21
9
1.88
1
1
1
11
5
10
2
1 17
6
(2)
i 32
424
0)
i 16
T o ta l.........
60
6, 524
6
42
559
2
1
2
3
7
3
2
2
1926
California____
Illinois_______
In d ia n a ______
Iow a________
M aryland____
M assach u s e tts ............ .
M ic h ig a n ... .
M innesota___
N ebraska____
N ew J e r s e y ...
N ew Y o rk ___
O hio.................
P en n sy lv an ia.
V irginia_____
W isconsin........
4
4
5
1
1
466
434
287
53
235
2
3
2
2
1
6
8
14
1
4
246
537
372
166
8
821
378
2,908
43
628
T o ta l.........
58
7,582
i
1
1
5
9
2
23
15
4
18
1
6
62
A ccident severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ ex
posure)
Per
ma
nent
disa
bili
ty
T em
po
rary T o
disa tal
bili
ty
6.76 9.58 1 1 . 1 1 17. 45
1.30
.52 1.82
22 85
8.47
7 Q8
11.29 l! 13
15.79
100. 97
1.36
28.32
2.15 3.78
1.41 1.20
.75 .45
1.65
. 27 12.69
(2)
1.45 6.38
1.15 3.76
1.20
(2)
1.57 2.22
607
.31 2.15 48.49 50.95
1.84 1.95
.75 4.54
(2)
5
53
91
12
14
1.42 2.14 ( 2)
3.56
.76 5.38 i 34.61 40.75
2. 22 3.33 95. 55 101.10
10 00 20 no 8n on
1.43 2.86 15.71 20.00
9
1 37
32
25
(2)
l 44
185
9
38
33
25
12. 86 12 86
i 45
86
10
11
4. 26 1 18 09
.94 5.65
(2)
44
.36 3.95 1 11.48
43C
.23 1.17 99. 57
11
.12 1.24 (2)
18 ....... 3.15 125.17
.62
• 89
64
198
20
9
95
"".91 29 09 30 00
50 00 50.00
( 2)
2. 66 6.00 117.60 25. 60
8.18 3.64 168.18 180.00
.23 2. 07 ( 2)
2. 30
10 no 3 8f) no
3.16 1 46.84 50.00
581
666
1. 01 2.62 26.41 30.04
(2)
38
8.59 .96 (2)
9.55
4. 60 4.14 1 1.02 9.76
13.92 13.69 1.54 29.15
8. 51
.85
.31 9.68
3. 72
'".'53
(2)
.91
12.17 4.83 1 1. 27 18.27
47. 59 2. 12 2.86 52. 57
1.37 1.10 ( 2)
2.47
1.83 ‘ l! 28 3.11
6.06 2.35
.72 9.13
W oolen goods
1925
N ew J e r s e y ...
P en n sy lv an ia.
T o ta l-----1926
C alifornia........
G eorgia............
M ain e..............
M ary lan d ____
Massachus e t t s . ............
M ichigan ____
N ew H am pshire..............
N ew J e r s e y ...
N ew Y o rk ___
O h io ...............
P e n n sy lv an ia .
Tennessee____
V irg in ia ..........
W isconsin........
T o ta l____
4
21
6, 910
5, 772
1
9
4
133
(2)
42
5
0.06
25 12,682
1
13
33
47
.03
(2)
» 13
50
20
14
50
21
(2)
.90 111 81
9 61
.91 18.18 19.09
61
13
63
3
.24
2
2
3
2
191
378
1, 746
377
2
4
2,777
694
5
6
4
1
13
1
2
2
2,392
3,403
1,092
213
3,850
252
446
155
1
49 17,966
1
1
1
2
6
164
120
» 31
4
(2)
13
33
18
37
36
4
6
13
3
8
32
330
363
17
5
0.43 1 1. 59
.23 (2)
.34
1. 59
7 85
1 1 42
[1030]
0. 35
1.96
.16
1. 66 1 1 96 8 62
L51 1 9 39 10 90
6 66 6 66
.52 (2)
! 52
16. 25 16 25
3 2. 30 2 30
1 1.60 1.60
.02
.61
6.25
6.88
0.22 10.06 0.27
.26 (2)
.61
.24
.05
.45
----
(2)
1.59
.66
.28
.94
1.06
j /-
.06
.07
l! 42
.14
1 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first week not available.
2 D a ta for tem porary disabilities no t available.
3 D ata for tem porary disabilities ending in first 10 days not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
2.02
.29
.83
1.67
.69
.11
.67
(2)
1.32
.32
.20
.98
MONTHLY LABOB REVIEW
81
Desirability of More Detailed Reports on Electrical Accidents
HE inadequacy of details in industrial accident reports has made
difficult the assembling of statistical data which are necessary
in order to determine the real cause of accidents so that
possible remedies may be suggested which will result in the saving of
many lives now perhaps unnecessarily sacrificed in industry. Much
valuable information from a safety engineering standpoint is being
withheld in the interests of brevity and because of a disinclination to
take the time necessary to compile a report that might be useful in
furthering safety work. The United States Bureau of Mines has
recognized this situation and suggests methods of correcting it, in
so far as the electrical industry is concerned, in its Information Cir
cular No. 6046, entitled “ Wanted: More detailed reports on electrical
accidents,” prepared by L. C. Ilsley, electrical engineer connected
with the bureau.
The author suggests that it is not sufficient merely to state that a
worker killed by electricity was “ electrocuted” ; information as to
the voltage of the circuit, whether direct or alternating current was
used, whether the man touched a live wire, etc., is essential if ade
quate preventive measures are to be undertaken. The British
and United States methods of reporting these accidents are con
trasted, much to the disadvantage of the latter; and examples are
given to point out the differences in these methods of reporting
accidents, showing how complete the British reports are.
In addition to these, a number of hypothetical accident reports
are included, “ not to be considered as strict guides, but merely as
suggestions and reminders of the many points that should be inincluded.” The following is one of these sample reports in detail,
with a summary of the information covered. It is typical of the
others, and gives a very good idea of the author’s thought in urging
greater detail in reports pertaining to the electrical branch of industry.
It may, however, be readily applied to all kinds of industrial accidents,
and it is believed that those plants which adopt this suggestion will
profit materially in their accident prevention work because their
efforts will then be directed along more effective lines.
S a m p le report
Trolly-wire accident: At 9 a. m., M ay 16, 1927, a fatal accident occurred in
a room entry a t the Blank mine of th e Blank Co., th e victim being John Doe.
D eath was caused by electric shock. The victim, who was a tim berm an, in
replacing a tim ber touched th e trolley wire w ith his bare hand. H e was standing
in w ater a t th e tim e. He wore leather shoes w ith nailed soles. His companion
saw him fall and a t once w ent for help. A bout 15 m inutes later, first-aid men
reached him and applied resuscitation for 1 hour w ithout any sign of returning
life. As far as could be learned he was in good health on th e day of th e accident.
The trolley circuit was 250-volt, d. c. No guard rails were used except a t
crossing points. The trolley in this particular entry was controlled by a section
switch which could have been opened and th u s render th e trolley “ d e a d ” while
th e repair work was being done.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10311
82
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The author then summarizes the information that has been given
as covering the following points:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
F atal accident.
Name of person killed.
Name of mine.
Name of operator.
Time of accident.
Place of accident.
N ature of electrical contact.
Where he was standing (grounded by
w ater; also grounded through nails
in shoes).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
11032]
Fell free from wire.
Helper w ent for aid.
Aid arrived in about 15 minutes.
Resuscitation given for 1 hour.
No sign of returning life.
Voltage of current.
Wdiere guards are used.
Circuit controlled by switch.
Sw itch could have been opened.
Person in good health.
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
Lead P o iso n in g in an E n a m elin g P la n t 1
RECENT study of the health problems of Nashville, Term.,
included a survey of the health measures and the medical
service provided in industries of the city. Thirty-five indus
trial and commercial establishments were visited and processes which
involved the use of dangerous substances were found in four instances.
In only one case, however (that of a stove enameling plant), was the
protection by inclosure or by exhaust ventilation considered in
adequate.
A case which was diagnosed as lead poisoning in one of the local
hospitals occurring shortly after this factory was first visited, it was
decided to make a thorough investigation of the health conditions
among employees and of working conditions in this plant. It was
found that 45 men were engaged in the different operations under
practically the same conditions of exposure to the lead hazard, and
that both men and management were in ignorance of the dangerous
conditions.
The men were advised of the danger under which they were work
ing, with the approval of the management, and arrangements were
made for them to come voluntarily to the outpatient department of
the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine for examination.
All but six of the employees reported for examination at the time
specified.
The physical examinations, which included all the routine labora
tory tests and such other special tests as were indicated by the symp
toms, showed a very high incidence of poisoning. Fifteen, or 39 per
cent, of the men were found to be suffering from lead poisoning in
various stages; 11, or 28 per cent, were diagnosed as “ probable lead
poisoning” ; and only 13 failed to show any evidence of the disease.
The average age of the men having unquestionable cases of lead
poisoning was 27.6 years, the range being from 18 to 45 years; and
the minimum time of employment was two and one-half months and
the maximum time about four years.
The symptoms presented by those having definite cases of poisoning
were: Colic and constipation, 13 cases; secondary anemia, 11; motor
disturbance, 8; lead line, 5; weakness of the extensors of fingers or
of both wrists and fingers, 4; diffuse arteriosclerosis, 3; inequality of
diameter of the pupils, 2; and diminished knee jerk, cardiac dilatation
and hypertrophy, and sclerosis of the retinal arteries, each one case.
Examination of the blood showed stippling of the red blood cells in
all of the 15 men.
A
i Journ al of th e A m erican M edical Association, Oct. 1, 1927, pp. 1107-1112: “ The stu d y of lead poisoning
in an enam eling p la n t,” b y W. S. Leathers, M . D ., and H ugh J. M organ, M . D.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1033]
83
84
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
A point of interest brought out by the examination and one showing
the great need for physical examinations generally in industry was
the fact that not one of the 39 men could be given a “ clean bill of
health.” A total of 60 defects, many of them serious, were found,
although, with the exception of those suffering from lead poisoning,
the men generally considered themselves in good health.
The paint used in spraying the stoves was a mixture of ground glass
and lead with some cadmium applied under a pressure of 80 pounds.
It was so heavy that the exhaust equipment provided for the booths
was entirely inadequate to remove it. In addition to the poor veil til aing and exhaust systems there was general disregard of the most
elementary sanitary precautions. The men smoked while at work and
ate their lunches in the workroom, and the washing and locker facili
ties were insufficient. As a result of the findings of the investigators
the various unhygienic conditions of the plant were corrected—a new
exhaust system was installed with its efficiency increased from 2,200
cubic feet of air removed per minute to about 7,300 cubic feet; the
workers were instructed in personal hygiene; and adequate medical
supervision was instituted.
This report is of interest not only because of the shocking conditions
described in this one plant but because the situation might be dupli
cated in almost any industrial center. Dr. A. J. Lanza, in his discus
sion of the paper which was read before the section on preventive and
industrial medicine and public health of the 1927 session of the
American Medical Association, said that although statistics indicate
that deaths from lead poisoning have decreased about one-half in the
last 10 years there has not been a corresponding drop in the incidence
oh lead poisoning. These cases do not develop so much hi places
where lead is manufactured, such as lead or paint works where the
lead hazard is recognized and guarded against, but in plants where
lead is used incidentally in only one process in a general manufacturing
plant.
Doctor Lanza says:
A great m any employers tak e on a lead process in their p la n t w ithout any
realization a t all of its dangers. In other plants, th e risk of lead poisoning is n o t
sufficiently brought to th e atten tio n of th e industrial workers who are continually
exposed w ithout being aw are of th e fact. I t is not unusual to see lead handled as
if it were a perfectly innocuous substance. I had occasion recently to visit an
establishm ent in which there was a very pronounced lead hazard. Two hundred
men were engaged in lead soldering in one room. The fumes from th e solder
came through th e room and leaded th e other workers who were near them . The
am o unt of sickness from gastro-intestinal diseases in th is group was four tim es
th a t of respiratory disease, whereas in th e ordinary population th a t ratio is
transposed. Workers frequently consulted th e ir own physicians in th is small
tow n; yet there has not been a single case of lead poisoning certified to th e S tate
authorities or diagnosed on an insurance disability certificate. Nevertheless,
lead poisoning had been occurring there for a num ber of years to my certain
knowledge. T his indicates a failure to appreciate how widespread lead poison
ing is in m any an industrial com m unity. Physicians who tre a t industrial workers
complaining of gastro-intestinal sym ptom s, combined w ith anem ia, w ithout
apparently any definite surgical condition, should keep th e possibility of lead
poisoning in m ind and m ake blood smears to determ ine th e presence of stippled
cells.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1034 ]
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
85
C h ron ic B en zol P o iso n in g A m o n g W om en 1
CUTE and chronic poisoning resulting from exposure to the fumes
of benzol was the subject of an exhaustive study and rep o rt2
by a special committee appointed in 1922 by the National
Safety Council. In view of the seriousness of the hazard as revealed
by this report, and because more information as to the early effect of
benzol upon women was needed, a studjr was made during the
summer and fall of 1926 by the New York Bureau of Women in
Industry to secure data relative to the prevalence of unrecognized
chronic "benzol poisoning among woman workers and to the earliest
symptoms of such poisoning.
’ The production figures for benzol published by the United States
Tariff Commission show the extent to which the use of benzol for
industrial purposes has increased in recent years. In 1922 the output
was 13,071,288 gallons and in 1925 it had increased to 22,811,576
gallons. In the chemical industries, including the manufacture of
dyes and paints, and in the blending of motor fuels benzol is handled
in closed systems so that there is comparatively little danger of
the development of chronic poisoning through the inhalation of
fumes, but in processes in which it is used as a solvent there is con
stant risk of poisoning. Benzol has a direct destructive action on
the blood and on the blood-forming centers. It attacks and destroys
the white blood cells causing the condition known as leukopenia and
secondarily destroys the red blood cells, resulting in a corresponding
decrease in hemoglobin. The anemia resulting from the action of
the benzol is called “ aplastic anemia” as there is little effort on the
part of the blood-forming organs to produce new cells. It also
destroys the parent cells of the blood platelets, causing a tendency to
hemorrhage because of the interference with the normal clotting
mechanism. This is the most serious symptom in the advanced cases.
The effects upon the blood do not give rise to symptoms usually
until considerable damage has been done, and the condition may
remain practically stationary in a mild chronic form for some time.
The development of serious symptoms comes suddenly and the
disease then tends to progress even with withdrawal from exposure to
the poison. It appears that susceptibility varies in individuals, as
the length of exposure before symptoms developed in various recorded
cases ranges from less than a week to several years.
The characteristic sign of benzol poisoning, if there is a history of
exposure to benzol fumes, is the presence of leukopenia, and it is
necessary, therefore, in all suspected cases to examine the blood.
In early cases it is often enough to remove the patient from ex
posure to the fumes, but if there is anemia, rest, fresh air, sunlight, a
nourishing diet, and proper medical care are required, though even
with proper care recovery is usually slow. If serious symptoms such
as purpuric spots and bleeding from the mucous membranes have
occurred, hospital care is necessary and blood transfusions offer the
best hope of recovery.
A
1 N ew Y ork. D ep artm en t of Labor. Bureau of Women in In d u stry . Special bulletin No. 150: Chronic
benzol poisoning among w omen industrial workers. A lbany, 1927.
2 See Labor Review, issue of Septem ber, 1926, for digest of th e final report of this com m ittee issued m
M ay, 1926 (pp. 39-44).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1035]
86
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
The study was carried out in six factories in New York State
located in large industrial centers. The industries investigated
included three factories in which sanitary tin cans were manufac
tured and one each manufacturing tires and rubber goods, cameras,
and shoes. Seventy-nine women who in the course of their work were
exposed to the fumes of benzol from the cements or lacquers used
were given physical examinations. Forty-four were exposed directly
to the fumes, through actual use or handling objects to which the
substance had been applied and 35 were indirectly exposed through
working in the same room where it was used. Of the first group 17,
or 38.6 per cent, and of the second, 8, or 22.8 per cent, showed evidence
of poisoning. In addition there were five suspected cases.
The shortest length of exposure among the women showing positive
or suspicious signs of poisoning was 2 months, while one woman
who was one of the suspected cases had been exposed for 11 years.
Practically all of the women exposed had a look of fatigue and in
the majority there was a striking degree of pallor. There were no
cases with purpuric spots or bleeding from the mucous membranes,
but less serious symptoms, such as headache, nausea, excessive
fatigue, etc., were present in practically all of the women even when
there was no positive sign of poisoning. The blood changes in the
30 cases showed unmistakably that the blood was seriously affected
and the hemoglobin was moderately reduced in all but four cases.
The severe anemia seems to develop only in the later stages after
bleeding has commenced.
The conclusions reached as a result of the study were as follows:
Benzol as used in the industries investigated results in chronic poi
soning of practically one out of every three women; exposure to the
fumes in the workroom even for those not working directly with
the benzol is accompanied by risk; more than one-third of those who
did not show definite signs of poisoning had symptoms which were
probably caused by exposure to benzol; there did not seem to be
any difference in the susceptibility to benzol poisoning between
young and older workers; the most frequent symptoms accompanying
blood changes which show early chronic poisoning are headache,
excessive fatigue, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness,
and disturbances of sensation such as numbness and tingling in the
extremities; and the blood changes in addition to the leukopenia,
the most characteristic sign of chronic benzol poisoning, include
various other changes in different blood cells.
As a result of the study it is recommended that there should be a
franker attitude on the part of employers toward the risk involved
in its use and that workers should be warned of the possible danger
to their health; that benzol should be used only in connection with
efficient systems of local exhaust ventilation; that whenever possible
substitutes for benzol, such as xylol, toluol, and Hiflash naphtha
should be used; and that exposed workers should be under thorough
and persistent medical supervision.
In connection with this report an account of a fatal case of benzol
poisoning reported in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal,
September 29, 1927 (pp. 521-524), is of interest. The patient, who
was treated in the Massachusetts General Hospital, was a Canadian
girl 20 years old, who had been employed for eight months cementing
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1036]
TRAINING IN INDUSTRIAL M EDICINE
87
rubber heels in a rubber-shoe factory. For four months before
admission to the hospital she had felt very exhausted. She had also
had dizziness and had felt nauseated by the smell of the cement.
For two months before admission there had been bleeding from
mucous membranes. The immediate cause of admission to the hospi
tal was profuse hemorrhage from the nose. Hemorrhages from
various membranes, for which she was given eight blood transfusions,
occurred at intervals during the 20 days which elapsed before her
death. She had other symptoms of benzol poisoning, such as pur
puric spots, and the blood tests showed changes in the various cells
characteristic of this form of poisoning. The case was diagnosed
by the different physicians concerned in the treatment as benzol
poisoning. I t was learned that the cement used by this patient in
her work contained 80 per cent of benzol and also that there had
been seven almost exactly similar cases reported from this factory.
P lan for a D e p a r tm e n t of In d u stria l M ed icin e in S tan ford
U n iversity
STUDY of the present facilities and methods of training
physicians for industrial medical service1 has been made by
Dr. R. W. Wilcox, of Long Beach, Calif., for the purpose
of formulating a plan for a department of preventive medicine and
surgery as applied to industry in the Stanford University Medical
School.
In the foreword to the plan Doctor Wilcox says:
A
Tlie rapid progress in American industry during th e last decade has of neces
sity resulted in an excessive w aste and loss of effort which has greatly reduced
production. The whole economic structure of industry has n ot been grounded
upon a sufficiently old experience to obtain maximum production from minimum
effort; however, as industrial com petition has become stronger and mass produc
tion more extensive, there has been unified endeavor to elim inate every possible
factor of waste. One of th e m ost im portant factors, th e conservation of m an
power, has received th e least attention. The yearly preventable loss of life
and disability resulting from either sickness or accident among th e 42,000,000
gainfully employed in th e U nited States, if estim ated in dollars and cents, would
am ount to an astounding figure.
I t is estim ated th a t there are yearly 2,500,000 industrial accidents in America
resulting in tem porary and perm anent disability, representing th e staggering
loss of 227,000,000 days of labor. At an average wage of $4 per day th is repre
sents a financial loss of $908,000,000 per year. Besides th is loss there is th e
added expense of medical care and attention w ith hospitalization, and th e p ay
m ent of w orkm en’s com pensation, which would increase th e to ta l to nearly
one and one-half billion dollars. This calculation does not account for th e loss
to in d ustry due to decreased production which takes place in th e slowing up of
w ork when an accident occurs and the lessening of efficiency brought about by
replacem ent and retraining the new man. Lost tim e by an employee from any
cause is estim ated to be a financial loss to th e employer approxim ately^equal to
th e em ployee’s wage per day. Accordingly the to ta l yearly economic loss is
doubled.
Experience indicates and authorities agree th a t a t least 50 per cent of these
losses can be avoided by proper application of safety m ethods and safety education.
Available statistics show th a t th e approxim ate ratio of lost tim e from illness
as com pared to accident is 8 to 1; for example, an employee on an average
loses eight days per year on account of sickness as com pared to one day per
* Wilcox, R. W . In term ed iate report to Stanford U niversity regarding a departm ent of preventive
medicine a n d surgery as applied to in d u stry . 1927. 25 p p ., chart. M im eographed.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1037 ]
88
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
year on account of accident. This again shows a trem endous financial loss to
industry and to th e workingman, to say nothing of th e physical suffering and
distress to both th e worker and his family. M any industrial organizations w ith
adequate medical facilities have reduced th is average loss of tim e from sickness
by 50 p er cent, through th e application of preventive measures and th e early
diagnosis and treatm en t of disease. A possible reduction from eight to four days’
lost tim e per employee, thereby saving four days a t th e average wage of '$4
p er day would represent for th e 42,000,000 workers an increased earning of
$672,000,000 per year. Likewise, a similar am ount would be gained by industry
in increased production.
These figures although n o t absolutely accurate show th a t annually in th e
U nited S tates there is a trem endous w aste in industry due to sickness and
accident, 50 per cent of which is preventable. W ith th e ad v en t of compensation
laws in nearly all of th e States of th e Union, disability from accidents and occu
pational diseases has rightly become a definite charge against industry and added
to production costs. Accordingly industry was quick to recognize th e fact th a t 50
per cent of this charge could be elim inated and this resulted in th e organization
of th e N ational Safety Council, Probably the m ost farsighted and far-reaching
effort of this organization is th e extension of th e safety-first idea and accident
prevention m ovem ent into th e curriculum of th e public schools.
On th e other hand, industrial disability from sickness, representing a far
greater economic w aste and likewise preventable to th e same extent, has not
received, from industry th e same organized endeavor of prevention, due probably
to th e fact th a t no laws, S tate or National, have been developed to force such
disability as an added obligation upon production costs. However, m any em
ployers have recognized th a t reduction of sickness am ong employees is good
business in lessening labor turnover, reducing absenteeism, and increasing labor
efficiency.
T he burden of responsibility for elim inating this economic waste caused by
sickness and accident falls prim arily upon th e medical profession, th e medical
departm ents of industry, and th e industrial physician. The scope of th e field
is very large and th e essential factor behind th e entire endeavor is th e prevention
of health and accident hazards. A properly trained medical profession, ade
quately financed by industry, can accomplish th e desired result. This has been
proven by larger concerns employing 500 or over who have been able to afford
th e m aintenance of th e ir own medical departm ents. However, em ploym ents of
500 or more represent probably less th a n 10 per cent of th e to ta l wage earners.
The medical care of th e rem aining 90 per cent falls upon physicians engaged in
general practice who can not be fully qualified for such service unless th ey have
received definite and specific training in preventive medicine and surgery as
applied to industry. In order to bring about th e elim ination of w aste by th e
conservation of m an power, industry is dem anding b etter trained physicians who
view disability from an economic standpoint.
The writer believes that the work of the industrial medical depart
ments of those colleges giving such training has lacked proper indus
trial contact, and that the courses given do not create the proper
incentive for the medical student to become interested in this type of
work. In order to arrange the work of the new department to cover
the field as comprehensively as possible the various agencies concerned
in such work were visited or consulted. These included the univer
sities where courses are given in the medical school which have any
bearing on the subject; medical directors of a number of large indus
trial establishments maintaining full-time medical departments;
various individuals, both lay and professional, who are interested in
the subject; and governmental and other organizations concerned in
the care and prevention of industrial accidents and diseases.
The plan as decided upon covers courses in industrial hygiene and
medicine and traumatic surgery, which would be linked up with the
special divisions in the medical school, and also training in service
administration. The entire course is planned to work in as close
cooperation as possible with the industries of the State, part of the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1038]
C H ILE D EFINES OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
89
plan being to furnish the services of the university to industrial organi
zations for special research or investigation, and to supply for small
industries unable to provide medical care for their employees the
medical service so urgently needed.
As a result of the study the writer reached the following conclusions:
1. The idea m ust be fundam entally sound because w ithout exception it met
w ith apparently unqualified approval.
2. The idea is not new, however; it has not been successfully p u t into practical
application by any university.
3. The medical schools have segregated courses which have not attracted th e
medical students because their curricula have not been correlated w ith and
designed to m eet th e requirem ents of industry. M any of these courses are post
graduate w ith insufficient preliminary training to stim ulate interest, resulting in
th e enrollment of few post-graduate students.
4. Medical schools have not adequately established industrial contact so th a t
th e teaching of medical and surgical care of industrial workers comes up to the
standard required by industry, whose aim is th e conservation of m an power by
th e prevention of sickness and accident.
5. Physicians in charge of industrial medical departm ents, in th e m ajority of
cases, are doing good and constructive work; however, their knowledge and train
ing has been acquired, not from their medical school b u t from actual practice.
These physicians are doing a great deal of scientific work th a t is n ot published
and therefore is not avilable as a source of general inform ation, th e result being
th a t there has been a failure to properly standardize practices and procedures.
6. Physicians, as a whole, who are not associated directly w ith industry, are
uninterested in industrial medical problems because th e field has been greatly com
mercialized by insurance companies, and by physicians inadequately trained in
general medicine and surgery. This has resulted in a lower standard of industrial
practice.
7. In dustry is eager to aid and assist in the better training of physicians both
from th e econom ic a n d h u m a n ita ria n sta n d p o in t.
If a n estab lish ed m edical
departm ent of a large industry could be transferred to th e medical school, and the
curriculum correlated w ith established departm ents, a very effective and interest
ing training could be given th e medical student.
Therefore, in order to obtain the desired objective for th e proper training of
medical students th e following recommendations are made:
1. T h at Stanford University establish in the medical school a departm ent of
preventive medicine and surgery as applied to industry;
2. T h at established medical school departm ents said courses, also allied d epart
m ents and courses in th e university proper having a bearing on public health,
hygiene, engineering, psychology, economics, business adm inistration, etc., be so
correlated w ith th e proposed departm ent th a t industry may receive th e medical
service it dem ands and a t th e same tim e provide the medical stu d en t w ith th e
training he should have; and
3. T h at th e medical school be developed into a center for th e form ulation and
dissemination of minimum standards of practices and procedures.
Chile Defines Occupational Diseases 1
HE workmen’s compensation law of Chile (No. 405’5) which was
passed on September 8, 1924,2 included provisions concerning
compensation for occupational diseases, subject to the pub
lication of special regulations. On April 22, 1927, these regulations
were published in the Diario Oficial, “ occupational diseases” being
defined as follows:
T
(1)
Poisoning due to lead, mercury, arsenic, toxic gases, copper, zinc, antim ony,
chromium, barium, manganese, bronze, gold, silver, tin, carbon disulphide and
hydrocarbons.
1 Chile, D iario Oficial, Santiago, A pr. 22, 1927; and International L abor Office, Industrial and Labor
Inform ation, Geneva, Sept. 19, 1927, p. 366.
a For a resume of this law see the Jan u ary , 1926, issue of the Labor Review, pp. 206-209.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10391
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
90
(2) Diseases caused by infectious bodies (ulcers, anthrax, actinomicosis,
glanders, ankylostomiasis), inhalation of dust, gases and fumes (pneumonoconiosis), irritating gases and fumes and compressed air.
(3) Poisoning caused by gases, fum es from essences and resins, and toxic
fum es from tar and its derivatives; inflamm ation of th e subcutaneous cellular
tissues of the hand or knee; acute synovitis of th e elbow; inflamm ation of
the synovia and tendons of th e wrist; glassworkers’ cataract; telegraphers’
cramp; m iners’ nystagm us; occupational diseases of th e bones, muscles and
tendons; occupational neurosis; occupational skin diseases; alcohol and nico
tine poisoning of workers in the alcohol and tobacco industries.
In d u stria l P o iso n in g an d D isea ses in B ritish F actories, 1926
HE report of the chief inspector of factories and workshops in
Great Britain for the year 1926 contains the report of Dr. John
C. Bridge, senior medical inspector of factories, showing the
causes and extent of industrial diseases and poisoning among British
factory workers.
Table 1 shows the number of cases of diseases resulting from the
use of some of the more important industrial poisons from 1906 to
1926:
T
T a bl e 1 . — N U M B E R O F O A SES O F P O IS O N IN G A N D O T H E R IN D U S T R IA L D IS E A S E S
A M O N G F A C T O R Y W O R K E R S IN G R E A T B R IT A IN , 1906 TO 1926
Average
Disease
1906
to
1908
1909
to
1911
1912
to
1914
1915
to
1917
1918
to
1920
1921
to
1923
1924
1925
619
30
1
576
35
1
522
33
349
21
3
198
20
1
271
26
486
32
326
13
242
28
12
1
7
4
11
2
3
6
1
6
5
3
5
5
4
1
1
1926
Lead poisoning:
Arsenic poisoning:
M ercury poisoning:
7
10
14
14
7
3
3
A nilin poisoning:
Toxic jaundice:
132
34
Epitheliom atous ulceration:
31
1
33
1
1
14
5
4
1
3
2
1
2
45
1
126
41
3
43
123
24
45
160
55
54
187
49
55
59
9
39
5
43
4
45
9
38
3
A nthrax:
D e a th s .._______ ____ _______ ___________
57
13
57
11
57
7
83
12
Several special inquiries wTere made by the medical inspectors
during the year. These included a preliminary survey of the stone
working industries for the purpose of outlining a scheme for a medical
inquiry into the incidence of silicosis. The survey, which w^as limited
to stone-working industries in which the stone contained a consider
able proportion of silica, included visits to 82 quarries and 33 fac
tories. It was found that mechanical methods tend more and more
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1040]
POISONING AND DISEASES IN BRITISH FACTORIES
91
to replace manual work on stone and that at some of the crushing
plants very large amounts of dust were produced; also that in the
use of pneumatic tools in the process of dry drilling the worker is
exposed to a considerable amount of harmful dust. Other studies
included one on conditions of employment as they affect women and
young persons, and one on industrial dermatitis both generally and
with special reference to certain trades. Included in the latter study
was a brief inquiry into the possibility of the spread of infection by
the use of the common towel and a special inquiry into the occurrence
of skin lesions in the manufacture of bread, cakes, candies, and in the
engineering trades.
Lead poisoning.—The number of cases of lead poisoning had de
creased considerably in 1926 over the number reported in 1925,
although there were more than twice as many deaths as in the
preceding year. The decline in the total number of cases was con
sidered to be due in part to the adverse conditions of trade, but in
electric storage battery works, which had furnished the largest number
of cases of any single industry in the past two years, the improvement
seemed to be the result of better regulation of working conditions in
the industry. Overtime is believed to be partly responsible for the
number of cases. I t is pointed out in the report that overtime in
work exposing the worker to lead or any other toxic substance should
be discouraged as it means an increase in the inevitable daily dose of
lead dust or other harmful material. Constant supervision of the
exhaust plant for the removal of dust and fumes both in plants
using lead and in other factories is essential if the system is to be
effective. A case is cited of a plant manufacturing lithotransfers,
which had a good exhaust system installed several years ago. Three
cases of lead poisoning occurred in rapid succession in 1926, however,
and it was found that the exhaust plant and the inclosed machines
had become ineffective and allowed the escape of the lead dust,
generated in fine powder during the process, into the air of the
workroom. One case of lead poisoning was reported from a ship
building yard as a result of applying paint containing a high pro
portion of lead by the spray method. Owing to the difficulty of
providing exhaust apparatus when painting large articles by this
process it is recommended that until a more satisfactory method is
devised a breathing apparatus supplying the worker with fresh air
should be provided.
Ninety cases of lead poisoning with 18 deaths among house painters
came to the knowledge of the department. Notification of cases of
poisoning among painters and plumbers has not been compulsory,
but under the lead-paints act which became effective January 1, 1927,
poisoning affecting any person engaged in the painting of buildings
becomes notifiable to the chief inspector of factories, and it is hoped
in the future to secure a more complete record of cases affecting house
painters.
Arsenic.—Five cases of poisoning with three deaths were reported
among men employed in the manufacture of arsenical sheep dip.
There was definite cancer of the skin, with secondary growths in two
cases, and there were two slight cases of arsenical dermatitis.
Mercury.—There were four cases of mercurial poisoning with one
fatality. Two of these cases occurred in the repair of electric meters.
68404°—27----- 7
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1041]
92
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The fatal case was of a somewhat unusual character, as the worker
died after an acute illness lasting eight days, although there was a
previous history of ill health for about two months. Chemical ex
amination of some of the organs of the body showed that the amount
of mercury present in them was about 0.38 grain of mercury per
pound.
Anilin.—Anilin poisoning was not among the notifiable diseases
until 1925. During the two years, 1925 and 1926, there was a total
of 64 cases and 2 deaths. Tumors of the bladder were the cause of
notification in 4 cases, including the 2 fatalities, while the remaining
60 were cases showing the typical symptoms of anilism. The effect
of hot weather on the incidence of poisoning was shown by the fact
that half of these cases occurred in the four summer months, May to
August.
Anthrax.—There were three deaths from anthrax during the year and
35 nonfatal cases. Fifteen cases, two of which were fatal, were caused
by wool; 8, one of which was fatal, was due to horsehair; 12 to hides
and skins; and 3 occurred in other industries. In connection with
these cases 176 samples of wool and hair were examined, from 20 of
which anthrax was cultivated. I t is extremely difficult to disinfect
horsehair effectively, and during the past five years examination of
several lots of Russian and Siberian and Chinese horsehair which had
been responsible for 23 cases of anthrax showed that the disinfection
had not been successful in several cases, although the disinfection in
all but two cases was carried out according to the regulations.
Chrome and epitheliomatous ulceration.—The cases of chrome ulcer
ation occurred, principally in dyeing and finishing, in the manufacture
of bichromate and chrome dyes, and in chrome tanning. The report
points out the importance of slight injuries in the development of
chrome ulceration and cites the case of a young man who burned
his finger slightly while lighting a cigarette and who developed an
ulceration on the site of the burn which rapidly became gangrenous,
necessitating the removal of part of the finger.
Of the 187 cases of epitheliomatous ulceration, 78 (with 14 deaths)
were due to pitch, tar, and paraffin, and 109 (with 35 deaths) were
caused by oil. Although there were 49 deaths, not all occurred
among persons who contracted the disease during 1926, as the disease
is slow in developing, and it may be several years from the time it
begins before death occurs. The fact that the disease progresses
slowly is an argument for the periodic medical examination in in
dustries using these substances, as the cancerous condition can be
successfully treated if discovered early enough. During 1926 there
were 88 cases of epithelioma reported among mule spinners.
Poisoning from gases and fumes.-—The number of cases of poisoning
from carbon monoxide was 101 with 6 deaths, a decrease of 17 cases
from those reported the preceding year. The closing down of a great
number of blastfurnaces is responsible for this reduction, as the number
of cases of poisoning from blast furnace gas fell from 25 with 6 deaths
in 1925 to 9 cases with no fatalities in 1926. There were 32 cases
witn 2 deaths from producer gas, 26 cases of poisoning from coal gas
with 1 death, and 34 cases with 3 deaths were due to various causes,
such as fumes from coke stoves or fires, exhaust gas from motor
cars, fumes from smoldering coke, coal, or ashes, and to fumes or
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1042]
93
PROHIBITION OF T H E USE OF W H IT E LEAD IN POLAND
back draught from choked flues. Of the remaining fatalities 1
was caused by inhalation of fumes from strong nitric acid used in
cleaning a lavatory floor, 1 by inhaling ammonia in refilling a tank,
and 1 by the escape of fumes in a benzol still house.
Table 2 shows the number of cases of poisoning from gases and
fumes for the years 1917 to 1926, by years:
T a bl e 2 .—N U M B E R O F CA SES OF IN D U S T R IA L P O IS O N IN G F R O M G A SES A N D F U M E S ,
1917 TO 1926, BY Y E A R S
Gas or fume
Carbon monoxide:
Cases__________________ ______ ___
D e a th s __________________________
C arbon dioxide:
Sulphuretted hydrogen:
Cases________________ _____ ______
D eath s_____________ ______________
Sulphur dioxide: *
Cases____________________________
D eaths _________________________
Chlorine: Cases.............................................
N itrous fumes:
Ammonia:
D e a th s .......................... .........................
Benzol nap h th a:
Cases__________ _________________
A rseniureted h y d ro g e n :1
Cases____________________________
M iscellaneous:8
Cases_____________ _____________ _
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
99
18
54
13
85
12
56
9
77
14
111
14
134
7
107
10
118
10
101
6
]
5
5
3
1
5
4
1
10
2
5
2
10
2
4
7
3
3
12
3
8
11
4
4
3
13
11
4
1
13
4
1920
2
1
7
2
5
7
10
10
3
4
9
8
3
11
16
20
3
1
12
62
5
27
5
2
9
8
7
10
1
10
2
5
4
1
6
1
8
9
1
8
1
5
1
1
5
5
1
4
2
7
4
9
3
12
1
10
25
1
55
3
26
3
1
4
I
12
3
2
3
5
3
1
1
1
4
2
3
2
1
1
4
1
3
9
3
10
1
35
2
28
4
35
8
17
1
7
3
!
2
i
1
1 Included also un d er “ Toxic jau n d ice” in Table 1.
2 Includes ether, acetone, nickel carbonyl, etc.
Prohibition of the Use of White Lead in Poland 1
LEGISLATIVE decree dated January 30, 1927, promulgated
by the president of the Polish Republic, provides for the regu
lation of the production, importation, and use of white lead
and other lead products. By the terms of the decree no new white
lead factories may be set up, nor may white lead, lead sulphate, and
other lead products be imported without special governmental
authorization. The use of white lead, lead sulphate, and other
products containing these pigments is forbidden in painting the
interior of buildings with the exception of railway stations and indus
trial establishments where the factory inspector has specially author
ized their use. Pigments which contain not more than 2 per cent of
metallic lead may be used, and the use of white lead is permitted in
artistic and decorative painting. White lead, and other lead products
may not be used in painting except in the form of prepared paste or
paint. Spraying may be carried on only in establishments having
special equipment, and dry rubbing down of surfaces painted with lead
products is prohibited. The employment of minors and of women
in work involving the use of lead products is also prohibited. Penal
ties are provided for infringement of the decree.
A
1 International L abor Office.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
In d u strial and L abor Inform ation.
[1043]
Geneva, Sept. 19, 1927, p. 365.
HOUSING
A verage C o n str u c tio n C ost of D w e llin g s in V ariou s C ities
HE Bureau of Labor Sta tistics annually collects data concerning
building permits in cities having a population from 25,000 to
100,000
and semiannually in cities of over 100,000. Articles
based on such data are published in the Labor Review and a bulletin
containing the full-year figures is published annually.
An interesting feature of these figures is the building cost of new
houses or apartments reduced to a per family basis. The cost stated
in building permits applies to the building only, the cost of the land
not being included. Further, the cost figures are those stated by the
builder in his application for a permit to build. There may be a
profit or loss between the cost to a builder and the cost to a later
home purchaser. Also, as between different cities there may be a
varying degree of deviation between the cost stated in the permit
and the actual final cost of the structure.
Unfortunately, data are not available from which to determine
the cost per room or per square foot. It would be of service to know
such figures, especially for multi-family dwellings.
Table 1 shows the average cost each year, 1921 to 1926, of dwelling
accommodations per family in each of the different kinds of dwellings
for which permits were issued in 257 cities from which reports were
obtained every year. The table also shows index numbers of the
cost of accommodations per family in each of the different kinds of
dwellings, index numbers of union wage rates in the building trades,
and index numbers of wholesale prices of building materials. - The
building trades are so largely organized that the union wage rate is
generally the prevailing rate.
T
T able 1. — A V E R A G E C O ST O F D W E L L IN G A C C O M M O D A T IO N S P E R F A M IL Y IN T H E
D IF F E R E N T K IN D S O F D W E L L IN G S IN 257 ID E N T IC A L C IT IE S , 1921 TO 1926
Index num bers of-
Average cost of dwellings 1 per
family in—
Y ear
Onefamily
dwell
ings
1921............................... $3, 972
1922_______________ 4,134
1923________ ____
4,203
1924_______________ 4, 317
1925________ ____
4,618
1926_______________ 4,725
Cost of dwellings per family in— U nion Whole
sale
wage
rates
prices
All
All
Two- M u lti classes
Two- M u lti classes
Oneof
per
family family
family family family
hour in build
of
of
dwell dwell dwell
ing
build
dwell dwell dw ell dwell
ings 2 ings 3 ings
ing
ings
ings 2 ings 3 ings
m ate
trades
rial
$3, 762
3,801
4,159
4, 336
4, 421
4,480
$4, 019
3,880
4, 001
4, 418
4,289
4,095
$3, 947
4, 005
4,127
4, 352
4,464
4,422
100.0
104.1
105.8
108. 7
116.3
119.0
100.0
101.0
110. 6
115. 3
117.5
119.1
100.0
96. 5
99.0
109.9
106. 7
101.9
100.0
101.5
104. 6
110.3
113. 1
112.0
100.0
93.4
103.6
112.2
116. 3
124.0
100.0
102.2
114. 5
106.1
106.7
105.0
1Buildings only. See text above.
2Includes one and tw o family dwellings w ith stores.
3Includes m ulti-fam ily dwellings w ith stores.
In 1921 the average expenditure for the erection of a one-family
dwelling was S3,972. Since 1921 there has been an increase each
year in the cost of one-family dwellings until in 1926 this cost was
$4,725, or 19 per cent higher than in 1921. There has been a steady
increase also in the average cost of two-family dwellings. In 1921
the average expenditure per family for this class of dwelling was
$3,762. By 1926 this had risen to $4,480, an increase of 19.1 per cent.
94
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1044]
CONSTRUCTION COST OF DW ELLINGS
95
In contrast, the average cost per family unit in multi-family
dwellings during the period has been irregular. In 1921 the cost per
family for dwelling accommodations in this class of structure was
$4,019; in 1922 it decreased to $3,880, or 96.5 per cent of the 1921
cost; in 1924 a peak of $4,418 was reached. This was 9.9 per cent
above the 1921 cost. By 1926 the average cost had receded to
$4,095, which was only 1.9 per cent above the 1921 cost.
In the period from 1921 to 1926 wage rates in the building trades
advanced 24 per cent. During the same period wholesale prices of
building material advanced 5 per cent.
Table 2 shows the number of families provided for and the average
cost of dwelling accommodations per family in the different kinds of
dwellings, in each of the 14 cities of the United States having a
population of 500,000 or over, in the first half of 1927.
T able 2 — A V E R A G E C O ST O F D W E L L IN G A C C O M M O D A T IO N S P E R F A M IL Y IN T H E
D IF F E R E N T K IN D S O F D W E L L IN G S IN C IT IE S H A V IN G A P O P U L A T IO N OF 500,000
O R O V E R IN T H E F IR S T S IX M O N T H S O F 1927
N um
ber of
fami
lies
pro
vided
for
Aver
age
cost
per
family
St. L ouis.....................................
Los Angeles...............................
B altim ore.................. .............. .
Buffalo____________ _______
San Francisco............ ..............
Borough of R ichm ond L ........
P hiladelphia........................ .
D e tr o it....................................
C levelan d ..................................
M ilw au k ee......... .....................
Borough of Queens i ................
B oston......................................
New York (all boroughs)___
P ittsb u rg h . ...............................
W ashington...............................
C h ic a g o .._______ _________
Borough of B rooklyn >______
Borough of th e Bronx 1_____
Borough of M an h a tta n 1........
838
4,224
2,115
666
1,586
731
4, 771
3,087
859
765
6,197
265
10,135
1,030
1,069
3, 325
2,529
676
2
$3,540
3,895
3,942
3,986
4,497
4,649
4,758
5,277
5,400
5,571
6,013
6,177
6,184
6,189
6,337
6,440
6, 652
7, 567
37,750
T o tal (14 cities)............... .
34,735
5,306
City
C ity
O n e -fa m ily d w e llin g s
T w o -fa m ily d w e llin g s 1
Buffalo...... ........................................
607
St. Louis............ ................................
420
D etro it_______________ _________ 2,412
San Francisco_____ ____________
327
Los Angeles........................... ............
970
Philadelphia___________________
177
Borough of R ichm ond *______ . . - 159
B altim ore......................... ..................
6
Borough of Queens 1........................
3,164
B o sto n .________ _______________
810
M ilw au k ee.___________ ____ ___
622
P ittsb u rg h _____________________
93
Cleveland_________ ___________
627
N ew Y ork (all boroughs)........ ....... 8, 615
W ashington____ ____ _____ _____
16
Borough of th e Bronx 1. ................. 1, 534
Borough of B rooklyn 1__________ 3,754
Chicago__________________ ____ _ 2,714
4
Borough of M an h a tta n 1___ ____
T o tal (14 cities)___ ____ ____
$3,078
3,465
3,644
3,772
3,839
4,057
4,331
4,333
4,339
4,593
4,691
4,780
4,893
4,989
5,050
5,284
5,443
6,351
7,125
18,416
4,793
2,709
10, 637
5,177
1,837
2,224
9, 236
2,525
18,415
7,077
2,153
17, 566
899
18, 011
59,203
1,960
2,583
23, 729
1,425
4,312
$2,991
2,993
3,323
3,726
3,995
4,105
4,264
4,364
4,467
4,476
4,483
4,579
4,673
4,723
4,811
4,962
5,545
5,808
7, 478
T o tal (14 cities)...................... .. 132,475
4,563
M u lt i- fa m il y d w e llin g s 3
A l l classes o f d w e llin g s
Los Angeles...............................
St. Louis.................................
San Francisco___ ____ _____
M ilw aukee____ ________ . . . .
Borough of R ichm ond i . . . . . .
Borough of Queens *................
D etro it...... .................. ..............
C leveland.............. ...................
B oston.......... ..............................
Philadelphia..............................
W ashington_______________
Borough of Brooklyn 1_____
Buffalo........................................
Borough of th e B ro n x 1_____
New Y ork (all boroughs)___
P itts b u r g h ...............................
B altim ore_______ _____ ____
C hicago.....................................
Borough of M a n h a tta n 1........
5,443
1,451
3,264
766
9
8,205
3, 737
474
1,450
2,129
1,498
11,728
564
16,205
40,453
302
103
17, 690
4,306
$2, 143
2,541
2,708
3,208
3,333
3,382
3, 434
3,634
3,730
3,849
3, 981
4,000
4,116
4,143
4,300
4,825
5,049
5,253
7, 464
T o tal (14 cities).................
79,324
4,185
St. L o u is.............................................
Los Angeles........................................
San Francisco............ .......................
Buffalo................................................
B altim ore............................................
D e tro it.................. .............................
B oston__________________ _____
Borough of th e B ronx >.. ______
Philadelphia___________________
M ilw au k ee.__________ __________
Borough of Queens 1...... ..................
Borough of R ichm ond 1_________
Borough of B rooklyn L . . . . . .
New Y ork (all boroughs)...............
C leveland________ . __________
W ashington____________________
Chicago...............................................
P ittsb u rg h _______________ ___
Borough of M a n h a tta n 1________
i Borough of “ G reater New Y ork.’’
3 Includes one-family and two-family dwellings w ith stores.
* Includes m ulti-fam ily dwellings w ith stores.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
N um
ber of Aver
fami
age
lies
cost
pro
per
vided family
for
[1045]
96
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
I t must be remembered that the costs shown in Table 2 are com
piled from estimated costs given by the prospective builder when
filing his application for a permit to build. These costs may be over
estimated or underestimated—probably more often the latter. They
may be underestimated more in one city than in another city as some
cities check up more closely than other cities on the costs as stated
by the builder. I t is not thought, however, that the deviation in
underestimation between cities is enough to affect materially the
comparative value of the figures presented.
Also, it must be borne in mind that the size and quality of the
dwellings are not necessarily the same in the several cities. The
cities with the lower average costs may be building smaller or lower
quality dwellings than the cities with the higher costs.
There is a great difference in the average costs in the different cities.
The lowest average cost for one-family dwellings was shown in St.
Louis, where the cost per family for all new one-family dwellings
built during the first half of 1927 was only $3,540. This contrasts
with $6,440 in. Chicago. While Chicago showed the highest expendi
ture per dwelling for one-family dwellings of any city taken as a
whole, it was surpassed by three boroughs of Newr York City. The
average cost of one-family dwellings in New York (all boroughs) was
$6,184. <
Washington and Baltimore are but 40 miles apart, yet the average
cost of the one-family dwellings built in Baltimore in the first half
of 1927 was only $3,942, while the average cost of those built in Wash
ington during the same period was $6,337.
The average cost of the 34,735 one-family dwellings for which
permits were issued in these 14 cities was $5,306.
The cost per family of two-family dwellings ranged from $3,078
in Buffalo to $7,125 in the Borough of Manhattan. There were
18,416 families accommodated in two-family dwellings for which
permits were issued in these 14 cities, and the average cost per family
of these dwellings was $4,793.
The cost per family for dwelling accommodations in apartment houses
reached the high level of $7,464 in the Borough of Manhattan. The
next most expensive unit cost in this class of structure was in Chicago,
where 17,690 families were accommodated at a cost of $5,253 per
family. The lowest per family cost for multi-family dwellings was
in Los Angeles, where only $2,143 was spent per family provided for.
In the 14 cities having a population of 500,000 or over 79,324
families were provided for in apartment houses. The average cost
of these multi-family dwellings per family accommodated was $4,185.
In these cities all classes of dwellings provided for 132,475 families
during this six-month period, and the amount expended per family
was $4,563. There were 4,312 families housed during this period on
M anhattan Island, and it cost $7,478 per family to house them. The
next most expensive housing was provided in Pittsburgh, where 1,425
families were provided with dwelling places at a cost of $5,808 per
family. I t cost only $2,991 per family to house the 2,709 families
provided for in St. Louis, but it cost $4,962 each to house the 2,583
families accommodated in Washington. In New York (all boroughs)
59,203 families were provided with residences in new buildings at a
cost of $4,723 per family.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1046 ]
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
97
Modern Houses for Workers in Cali, Colombia
SOCIETY composed of prominent business men of Cali,
Colombia, has undertaken, with the aid of an American
company which has a contract with that city, to erect modern
sanitary homes for the exclusive use of the poorer working classes,
according to a report from Vice Consul R. Hudson Fetner, at Buena
ventura, Colombia, dated August 15, 1927.
Cali has a population of 80,000, and in addition to being the leading
commercial city, it is also the railroad center of the Cauca Valley.
Twelve city blocks have been selected as the site for the new buildings.
Each house is to have three bedrooms, a living room, dining room,
and kitchen, and will be equipped with sanitary toilets, baths, and
running water. Between each two houses there will be sufficient
space for a garden or a children’s playground.
By the middle of October seven of these houses will be ready for
occupancy. The rents are to be low, and are to count as part pay
ments toward final ownership of the houses if the tenants reside
therein for 20 years and pay their rent promptly.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1047J
LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS
D ecisio n s of C ou rts an d O p in ion s A ffectin g Labor, 1926
BULLETIN (No. 444) entitled “ Decisions of courts and opinions
affecting labor, 1926,” has just been issued by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics. This bulletin is in continuation of the
bureau’s policy of preparing annual compilations of the principal legal
decisions regarding labor. The subject matter of the present bulletin
as of the previous ones, is such decisions by the State and Federal
courts as are adjudged to be of definite interest to students of the
relations of employer and employee and the conditions of industry,
including opinions of the Attorney General of the United States
construing and applying the Federal labor laws. It would be neither
practicable nor desirable, from any standpoint, to reproduce all the
decisions,, or to present those selected in all their details. Abridged
statements of the facts, attempting particularly to bring out such
items as are of special interest from the standpoints indicated, are
followed by the conclusions reached by the courts, expressed either
in the language of the courts or in that of the editors.
For the most part decisions appearing in the sources used—i. e.,
the National Reporter System and the Washington Law Reporter—
for the calendar year 1926 are reproduced, though in a few cases
later decisions have been noted on account of their application to
points involved in cases presented, or for other reasons.
Workmen’s compensation continues to afford the most fruitful
source of material, the courts being still called upon in numerous
instances to give construction to this recently adopted form of legis
lation. That employers’ liability is not entirely superseded thereby
is evident from the considerable number of cases that still arise under
this system, though many of them relate to railroad employments
to which the compensation laws do not, in the main, apply. An
outstanding decision in admiralty completely reverses the previously
accepted position as to the status of longshoremen under the sea
men’s acts; however, the effect of this decision is greatly minified, if
not destroyed entirely, by reason of the enactment of the longshore
men’s compensation act of March 4, 1927. The development of a
harmonious and intelligible body of laws with regard to labor organ
izations continues, even though the line can not be regarded as a
straight one nor the progress steady. Nevertheless, it is only from
a study of such decisions as are presented in this bulletin and in pre
ceding bulletins that the student of the legal aspects of the labor
problem (in so far as judicial activities are concerned) can discover
the trends of growth and the tendencies toward a recognition of legal
personality that seems to be manifested.
A
98
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1048 ]
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
99
T ext of th e E n glish T rade D isp u tes and T ra d e-U n io n s A ct
HE Labor Review for October (p. 18) contained a summary of
the provisions of the English trade disputes and trade-unions
bill which became law in July, 1927. The text of the act has
since been received, and is as follows:
T
1. (1) I t is hereby declared—
(a)
T h a t any strike is illegal if it (I) has any object other th a n or in addition
to th e furtherance of a trad e dispute w ithin th e trad e or industry in which the
strikers are engaged; and (2) is a strike designed or calculated to coerce the
Governm ent either directly or by inflicting hardship upon th e com m unity; and
(b)
T h a t any lockout is illegal if it (1) has any object other th a n or in addition
to th e furtherance of a trad e dispute w ithin the trad e or industry in which the
employers locking-out are engaged; and (2) is a lockout designed or calculated
to coerce the G overnm ent either directly or by inflicting hardship upon the
com m unity:
And it is further declared th a t it is illegal to commence, or continue, or to apply
any sums in furtherance or support of, any such illegal strike or lockout.
For th e purposes of the foregoing provisions—
(a)
A trade dispute shall not be deemed to be within a trad e or industry unless
it is a dispute between employers and workmen, or between workmen and work
men, in th a t trade or industry, which is connected w ith th e em ploym ent or non
em ploym ent or the term s of the em ployment, or w ith th e conditions of labor, of
persons in th a t trad e or industry; and
(b )
W ithout prejudice to th e generality of the expression “ trad e or in d u stry ”
workmen shall be deemed to be w ithin the same trad e or industry if th eir wages
or conditions of em ploym ent are determ ined in accordance w ith th e conclusions
of th e same joint industrial council, conciliation board or other similar body, or
in accordance w ith agreem ents m ade w ith the same employer or group of em
ployers.
(2)
If any person declares, instigates, i n c i t e s others to tak e p a rt in or otherwise
acts in furtherance of a strike or lockout, declared by this ac t to be illegal, he
shall be liable on sum m ary conviction to a fine not exceeding 10 pounds or to
im prisonm ent for a term not exceeding three m onths, or on conviction on indict
m ent to im prisonm ent for a term not exceeding two y ears: P rovided, T h a t no
person shall be deemed to have com m itted an offense under this section or a t
common law by reason only of his having ceased work or refused to continue to
work or to accept em ployment.
(3)
Where any person is charged before any court w ith an offense under this
section, no further proceedings in respect thereof shall be taken against him
w ithout th e consent of th e A ttorney General except such as th e court m ay think
necessary by rem and (whether in custody or on bail) or otherwise to secure the
safe custody of the person charged, b u t this subsection shall not apply to Scotland
or to any prosecution instituted by or on behalf of th e director of public prose
cutions.
(4)
The provisions of th e trad e disputes act, 1906, shall not, nor shall th e
second proviso to subsection (1) of section 2 of the emergency powers act, 1920,
apply to any ac t done in contem plation or furtherance of a strike or lockout
which is by this act declared to be illegal, and any such ac t shall not be deemed
for the purposes of any enactm ent to be done in contem plation or furtherance of
a trad e dispute: P rovided, T h at no person shall be deemed to have com m itted
an offense under any regulations m ade under the emergency powers act, 1920,
by reason only of his having ceased work or having refused to continue to work
or to accept employment.
2.
(1) No person refusing to take p a rt or to continue to tak e p a rt in any strike
or lockout which is by this act declared to be illegal, shall be, by reason of such
refusal or by reason of any action taken by him under th is section, subject to
expulsion from any trade-union or society, or to any fine or penalty, or to depriva
tion of any right or benefit to which he or his legal personal representatives would
otherwise be entitled, or liable to be placed in any respect either directly or indi
rectly under any disability or a t any disadvantage as compared w ith other mem
bers of th e union or society, anything to the contrary in th e rules of a trade-union
or society notw ithstanding.
(2)
No provisions of the trade-union acts, 1871 to 1917, lim iting th e proceed
ings which m ay be entertained by any court, and nothing in the rules of a trade
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1049 ]
100
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
union or society requiring th e settlem ent of disputes in any m anner shall apply
to any proceeding for enforcing any right or exemption secured by this section,
and in any such proceeding th e court m ay, in lieu of ordering a person who has
been expelled from membership of a trade-union or society to be restored to m em
bership, order th a t he be paid out of the funds of th e trade-union or society such
sum by way of com pensation or dam ages as th e court thinks just.
(3)
As respects any strike or lockout before th e passing of this act b u t since
th e first day of May, 1926, which, according to th e law as declared by this act,
was illegal, this section shall have effect as if it had been in operation when th e
strike or lockout took place.
3 . (1) I t ish ereb y declared th a t it is unlawful for one or more persons (whether
acting on their own behalf or on behalf of a trade-union or of an individual em
ployer or firm, an d notw ithstanding th a t they m ay be acting in contem plation or
furtherance of a trad e dispute) to atten d a t or near a house or place where a per
s o n r e s i d e s or w o r k s or c a r r i e s o n b u s i n e s s or happens to be, for th e purpose of
obtaining or com m unicating inform ation or of persuading or inducing any
person to work or to abstain from working, if they so atten d in such num bers or
otherwise in such m anner as to be calculated to intim idate an y person in th a t
house or place, or to obstruct th e approach thereto or egress therefrom , or to
lead to a breach of th e peace; and attending a t or near any house or place in such
num bers or in such m anner as is by this subsection declared to be unlawful shall
be deemed to be a w atching or besetting of th a t house or place w ithin the meaning
of section 7 of the conspiracy, and protection of property act, 1875.
(2) In this section th e expression “ to in tim id a te” means to cause in th e mind
of a person a reasonable apprehension of injury to him or to any m em ber of his
fam ily or to any of his dependents or of violence or dam age to any person or
property, and th e expression “ in ju ry ” includes injury to a person in respect of
his business, occupation, em ploym ent or other source of income, and includes
an y actionable wrong.
(3) In section 7 of th e conspiracy, and protection of property act, 1875, th e
expression “ in tim id a te” shall be construed as having th e same m eaning as in
th is section.
(4) N otw ithstanding anything in any act, it shall n o t be lawful for one or more
persons, for the purpose of inducing any person to work or to abstain from working,
to w atch or beset a house or place where a person resides or th e approach to such
a house or place, and any person who acts in contravention of this subsection
shall be liable on sum m ary conviction to a fine n o t exceeding 20 pounds or to
im prisonm ent for a term not exceeding three m onths.
4 . (1) I t shall not be lawful to require any m em ber of a trade-union to m ake
any contribution to th e political fund of a trade-union unless he has a t some tim e
after th e com m encem ent of this ac t and before he is first after th e 31st day of
December, 1927, required to m ake such a contribution delivered a t th e head
office or some branch office of the trade-union, notice in writing in th e form set
o u t in th e first schedule to th is ac t of his willingness to contribute to th a t fund
an d h a s n o t w ithdraw n th e notice in m anner hereinafter provided; and every
m em ber of a trade-union who has no t delivered such a notice as aforesaid, or
who, having delivered such a notice, has w ithdraw n it in m anner hereinafter
provided, shall be deemed for th e purposes of the trade-union act, 1913, to be a
m em ber who is exem pt from th e obligation to contribute to th e political fund of
the, union, an d references in th a t ac t to a m em ber who is so exem pt shall be
construed accordingly : P rovided, T hat, if a t any tim e a m em ber of a trade-union
who has delivered such a notice as aforesaid gives notice of w ithdraw al thereof,
delivered a t th e head office or a t any branch office of th e trade-union, he shall
be deemed for th e purposes of this subsection to have w ithdraw n th e notice as
from th e first day of January next after the delivery of th e notice of withdraw al.
F o r th e purposes of this subsection, a notice m ay be delivered personally or
b y an y authorized agent and any notice shall be deemed to have been delivered
a t th e head or a branch office of a trade-union if it has been sent by post properly
addressed to th a t office.
(2)
All contributions to th e political fund of a trade-union from members of
th e trade-union who are liable to contribute to th a t fund shall be levied and
m ade separately from any contributions to th e other funds of th e trade-union
and no assets of th e trade-union, other th a n th e am ount raised by such a separate
levy as aforesaid, shall be carried to th a t fund, and no assets of a trade-union
other th a n those forming p a rt of th e political fund shall be directly or indirectly
applied or charged in furtherance of any political object to which section 3 of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1050]
EN G L ISH TRADES D ISPUTES AND TRADE-UNIONS ACT
101
th e trade-union act, 1913, applies; and any charge in contravention of this sub
section shall be void.
(3) All rules of a trade-union m ade and approved in accordance w ith th e
requirem ents of section 3 of th e trade-union act, 1913, shall be am ended so as to
conform to th e requirem ents of this act, and as so am ended shall be approved
by th e R egistrar of Friendly Societies (in this ac t referred to as “ th e R eg istrar” )
w ithin six m onths after th e com mencem ent of this a c t or w ithin such further
tim e as th e Registrar m ay in special circumstances allow, and if th e rules of
any trade-union are not so am ended and approved as aforesaid they shall be
deemed n o t to comply w ith th e requirem ents of th e said section.
(4) N otw ithstanding anything in this act, until th e 31st day of December,
1927, it shall be lawful to require any m em ber of a trade-union to contribute to
th e political fund of th e trade-union as if this act had not been passed.
(5) If th e Registrar is satisfied, and certifies, th a t rules for th e purpose of com
plying w ith the provisions of this section, or for th e purposes of th e trade-union
act, 1913, as am ended by th is act, which require approval by th e R egistrar have
been approved by a m ajority of the members of a trade-union voting for th e
purpose, by th e executive or other governing body of such a trade-union, or by
a m ajority of delegates of such a trade-union voting a t a m eeting called for the
purpose, th e R egistrar m ay approve those rules and those rules shall thereupon
have efFect as rules of the union notw ithstanding th a t the provisions of th e rules
of th e union as to the alteration of rules or the m aking of new rules have not
been complied with.
(6) Section 16 of th e trade-union act, 1871 (which provides for th e tran s
mission to th e R egistrar of annual returns by registered trade-unions), shall
apply to every unregistered trade-union so far as respects th e receipts, funds,
effects, expehditure, assets, and liabilities of the political fund thereof.
5.
(1) Amongst th e regulations as to th e conditions of service in His M ajesty’s
civil establishm ents there shall be included regulations prohibiting established
civil servants from being members, delegates, or representatives of any organiza
tion of which th e prim ary object is to influence or affect th e rem uneration and
conditions of em ploym ent of its members, unless th e organization is an organi
zation of which th e m embership is confined to persons employed by or under th e
Crown and is an organization which complies w ith such provisions as m ay be
contained in th e regulations for securing th a t it is in all respects independent of,
and n o t affiliated to, any such organization as aforesaid th e m embership of which
is n o t confined to persons employed by or under th e Crown or any federation
comprising such organizations, th a t its objects do not include political objects,
and th a t it is not associated directly or indirectly w ith any political p arty or
organization: P rovided, T h at th e regulations m ade in compliance w ith the pro
visions of this section shall not prevent—
(a) Any person who is a t th e commencement of this ac t an established civil
servant from rem aining a m em ber of any trade-union or organization n ot com
posed wholly or mainly of persons employed by or under th e Crown of which he
had, a t th e commencement of this act, been a member for more th an six m onths,
if under th e rules thereof there had on th e 4th day of April, 1927, accrued or
begun to accrue to him a right to any fu tu re paym ent during incapacity, or by
way of superannuation, or on th e death of himself or his wife, or as provision for
his children; or
(b) Any person employed a t th e commencement of this act by or under the
Crown who thereafter becomes an established civil servant from remaining, so
long as he is not appointed to a position of supervision or m anagem ent, a mem
ber of any trade-union or organization, not composed wholly or m ainly of persons
employed by or under th e Crown, of which he is a m ember a t th e d ate when he
so becomes an established civil servant, if under the rules thereof there has a t
th a t d ate accrued, or begun to accrue, to him a right to any fu tu re paym ent
during incapacity, or by way of superannuation, or on the death of himself or his
wife, or as provision for his children; or
(c) A person who in addition to being an established civil servant is, ap a rt
from his service as such, also engaged in some other em ploym ent or occupation
from being a member, delegate, or representative of any trade-union or organ
ization, of which the prim ary object is to influence or affect th e rem uneration or
conditions of em ploym ent of persons engaged in th a t em ploym ent or occupation.
(2) Subject as hereinafter provided, any established civil servant who con
travenes th e regulations m ade under this section shall be disqualified for being
a m em ber of th e civil service: P ro vid ed , T h at, in th e case of a first offense, a
civil servant shall forthw ith be warned by th e head of his departm ent, and th e
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1051 ]
102
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
said disqualification shall not take effect if w ithin one m onth after such warning
th e civil servant ceases to contravene the said regulations.
(3) In this section
na) T he expression “ established civil se rv a n t” means a person serving in an
established capacity in th e perm anent service of th e Crown, and includes any
person who, having been granted a certificate by th e civil service commissioners,
is serving a'probationary period prelim inary to establishm ent; and
(b) T he expression “ conditions of em ploym ent” m eans in relation to persons
other th an persons em ployed by or under th e Crown th e conditions of employ
m ent of persons employed under a contract of service.
6. (1) I t shall n o t be lawful for any local or other public authority to m ake it
a condition of th e em ploym ent or continuance in em ploym ent of any person
th a t he shall or shall n o t be a m em ber of a trade-union, or to impose any condi
tion upon persons em ployed by th e authority whereby employees who are or
who are n o t members of a trade-union are liable to be placed in any respect
either directly or indirectly under any disability or disadvantage as compared
w ith other employees.
(2) I t shall not be lawful for any local or other public authority to make it a
condition of any contract m ade or proposed to be m ade w ith the authority, or of
the consideration or acceptance of any tender in connection w ith such a contract,
th a t any person to be employed by any party to th e contract shall or shall not
be a m ember of a trade-union.
(3) Any condition imposed in contravention of this section shall be void.
(4) There shall be added to section 5 of the conspiracy, and protection of
property act, 1875, th e following provision, th a t is to say:
“ If any person employed by a local or other public au th o rity willfully breaks
a contract of service w ith th a t authority, knowing or having reasonable cause to
believe th a t th e probable consequence of his so doing, either alone or in com
bination w ith others, will be to cause injury or danger or grave inconvenience to
the com m unity, he shall be liable, on sum m ary conviction, to a fine not exceeding
10 pounds or to im prisonm ent for a term not exceeding three m onths.”
7. W ithout prejudice to th e right of any person having a sufficient interest in
th e relief sought to sue or apply for an injunction to restrain any application of
th e funds of "a trade-union in contravention of th e provisions of this act, an
injunction restraining any application of th e funds of a trade-union in contra
vention of the provisions of section 1 of this act may be granted a t th e suit or
upon the application of th e A ttorney General.
In the application of this section to Scotland, there shall be substituted therein
for references to an injunction references to an interdict, and for the reference
to the A ttorney General a reference to the Lord Advocate.
8. (1) This a c t m ay be cited as th e trad e disputes and trade-unions act, 1927,
and shall be construed as one with the trade-union acts, 1871 to 1917, and this act
and th e trade-union acts, 1871 to 1917, may be cited together as th e trade-union
acts, 1871 to 1927.
(2) For the purposes of this act—
(a) The expression “ strik e ” means the cessation of work by a body of persons
em ployed in any trad e or industry acting in com bination, or a concerted refusal,
or a refusal under a common understanding of any num ber of persons who are,
or have been so employed, to continue to work or to accept em ployment;
(b) The expression “ lock o u t” means the closing of a place of em ploym ent or
th e suspension of work, or th e refusal by an employer to continue to employ any
num ber of persons employed by him in consequence of a dispute, done w ith a
view to compelling those persons, or to aid another employer in compelling
persons employed by him, to accept term s or conditions of or affecting em
ploym ent; and
(c) A strike or lockout shall not be deemed to be calculated to coerce the
Governm ent unless such coercion ought reasonably to be expected as a conse
quence thereof.
(3) This act shall not extend to N orthern Ireland, except th a t th e provisions
of this ac t relating to civil servants shall apply to civil servants employed in
N orthern Ireland in th e adm inistration of services w ith respect to which the
P arliam ent of N orthern Ireland has not power to m ake laws.
(4) The enactm ents m entioned in the second schedule to this act are hereby
repealed to the extent specified in th e third column of th a t schedule.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1052]
E N G LISH TRADES D ISPUTES AND TRADE-UNIONS ACT
F
FORM
Schedu
ir s t
O F P O L IT IC A L F U N D
103
le
C O N T R IB U T IO N
N O T IC E
Name of trad e -u n io n --------N am e of m em ber’s branch (if any) --------P olitical f u n d (•contribution notice )
I hereby give notice th a t I am willing, and agree, to contribute to th e political
fund of t h e ------ union and I understand th a t I shall, in consequence, be liable
to contribute to th a t fund and shall continue to be so liable unless I deliver a t
th e head office, or some branch office, of th e union, a w ritten notice of withdraw al:
I also understand th a t after delivering such a notice of w ithdraw al I shall still
continue to be liable to contribute to the political fund until th e next following
first day of January.
A ---------- B --------A d d ress--------Membership num ber (if any) ----------------- day o f ---------- , 19—
Second
Schedu
le
ENACTM ENTS REPEA LED
Session and
chapter
2 & 3 Geo. 5.
c. 30.
Short title
E xten t of repeal
Trade-union act, 1913-_ In subsection (1) of section three the
words from “ and for th e exemptio n ” to “ objects to co n trib u te;”
subsection (2) of section four; sec
tion five; section six; th e schedule.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1053]
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION AND
SOCIAL INSURANCE
Meeting of the International Association of Industrial Accident
Boards and Commissions in 1927
HE fourteenth annual convention of the International Associa
tion of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions convened
in Atlanta, Ga., September 27, 1927. Persons attended from
23 States, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian Provinces.
After addresses of welcome by'Gov. L. G. Hardman and Mayor
I. N. Ragsdale, there was a brief address by the president of the
association, Mr. H. M. Stanley, of Georgia. Mr. L. W. Hatch, of
New York, reporting for the committee on statistics and compensa
tion insurance cost, gave the progress to date of the work of gathering
records of experience from which to compile an American remarriage
table, and the revision of the standardization of methods of record
ing and compiling accident statistics under the auspices of the
American Engineering Standards Committee.
The Boston plan of legal aid in compensation cases was described by
Mr. Samuel B. Horovitz, attorney for the Boston Legal Aid Society,
and cases cited in which the society had been of legal assistance to
workmen in obtaining the payment of their compensation.
A paper on “ Problems arising through accidents to employees
outside the State in which the employer is located/’ by Judge
ArthurG. Powell, of Atlanta, led to a resolution that a committee be
appointed to draft uniform provisions to eliminate jurisdictional
conflict in such cases.
Under the subject, “ Tendencies in workmen’s compensation
laws,” Mr. Hatch brought out some of the most significant develop
ments in workmen’s compensation legislation, such as extension in
employments and injuries covered, and of medical benefits, increases
in compensation benefits, and reduction of waiting period, and came
to the conclusion, “ All of this simply means that in examining our
compensation system to-day we have been studying an organism
that is alive and growing, still in its youth, and, who can doubt,
with much more of growth still ahead. ”
Mr. Charles PI. Verrill, member of the United States Employees’
Compensation Commission, read a paper on the recently enacted
Federal longshoremen’s and harbor workers’ compensation act,
which it was estimated covers upward of 300,000 employees.
Arguments on the right of the injured workman to select his own
physician were advanced by Mr. O. F. McShane, of Utah, with the
mention of five essential factors supplementary to the exercise of
such right in procuring the best possible medical care.
As usual, the sessions dealing with medical problems confronting
the administrators of workmen’s compensation laws evoked much
104
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1054 ]
CONVENTION OF I. A. I. A. E. C.
105
interest. Dr. Lawson Thornton, of Atlanta, presented a paper on
injuries to bone and joint tissues and gave suggestions for minimizing
the industrial handicap. Dr. Charles E. Dowman, of Atlanta, dealt
with brain, spinal cord, and nerve injuries, with special reference to
their industrial aspects. An attempt to clarify the question of dis
ability resulting from functional neuroses was made by Dr. Lewis
M. Gaines, of Atlanta, in a paper on “ The psychic factor in industrial
practice. ” Dr. H. H. Dorr, of Ohio, summed up the answer to his
paper on “ What compensation commissions want of the physicians”
in the two words, “ honest cooperation.” Dr. G. H. Gehrmann,
medical director of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., discussed
the problems of the physician for the self-insurer, and stated that
the problems confronting any industrial physician are founded on
three principles—prevention, cure, and rehabilitation. Dr. T. F.
Abercrombie, State Commissioner of Health of Georgia, stressed
the importance of physical examinations and the saving effected by
industrial health work. The outstanding medical paper was pre
sented by Dr. C. W. Roberts, medical director of the Georgia In
dustrial Commission, and chairman of the medical committee of
the association, who, under the subject, “ Factors influencing the
disability period following industrial injuries,” elaborated upon the
following conclusions:
1. Preexisting abnorm al states influence th e type and period of disability in
more th a n one out of three workmen.
2. The practice of considering disease activated by injury as a p a rt of the
results from injury appears to me to be sound, provided each case is settled
upon its own merits.
3. W orkmen should be employed w ithout prejudice, and their handicaps,
precipitated by industrial accidents, passed on to society as a p a rt of the
production costs.
4. D isability periods m ay be shortened by em ploym ent of physicians and
adjusters who are skilled in th e handling of industrial problem s and whose
vision is broad enough to recognize th e preferred atten tio n required by the
group of injured workmen falling in th e unusual class.
5. The unnecessary idle period should be elim inated by early retu rn to selected
work after injury.
Mr. Bolling H. Handy, of Virginia, outlined the method of his
commission in treating the problem of compensation for extrahazardous industries which insurance carriers refuse to cover, and
Mr. L. B. Kyle told how the difficulty is handled in Oklahoma.
Mr. Henry J. Halford stated that such a problem could not arise
under a State fund system such as that of Ontario.
The subject of court system of administration of workmen’s
compensation was opened by a paper by Mr. Harry J. Nelson, of
Tennessee, in which, referring to agreements in settlement of com
pensation cases in his State, he said, “ After over four years of check
ing these settlements, including those approved by the courts and
those not approved, I do not hesitate to state that, in my humble
opinion, court administration in Tennessee is a failure; that the
courts will approve in most cases any kind of settlement whatever
presented to them by the interested parties regardless of whether
said settlement is in line with the law.” Speaking of the court
system of administration of workmen’s compensation, Mr. F. W.
Wood, commissioner of labor of Louisiana, stated, “ I have been at
the head of the Department of Labor of Louisiana for practically
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1055]
106
MONTHLY LABOB BEVIEW
11 years, and from observation after assuming charge of the depart
ment it did not take me long to come to realize that court adminis
tration of this particular law was a joke.” He cited specific cases
to substantiate this conclusion. As reflecting the stand of the large
self-insurer on this point, a statement written by Mr. O. T. Fell,
solicitor for the Republic Iron & Steel Co., and expressing his personal
views upon the court system of administration, was read, to which
Mr. Abel Klaw, attorney for E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., replied.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
P resid en t. — Dr. Andrew F. McBride, commissioner D epartm ent of Labor of
New Jersey.
V ice P re sid e n t .—Jam es A. Ham ilton, industrial commissioner D epartm ent of
Labor of New York.
Secretary-treasurer .— E thelbert Stew art, U nited States Commissioner of Labor
Statistics.
E xecutive com m ittee. — H. M. Stanley, chairm an Industrial Commission of
Georgia; G. N. Livdahl, W orkmen’s Compensation Bureau of N orth D akota;
W. H. H orner, D epartm ent of Labor and Indu stry of Pennsylvania; William
W. K ennard, chairm an D epartm ent of In d ustrial Accidents of M assachusetts;
George A. K ingston, commissioner W orkmen’s Com pensation Board of O ntario;
and William M. Scanlan, chairm an Industrial Commission of Illinois.
The location and the date of the next annual meeting will be
decided by the executive committee.
The proceedings of the convention will be published as a bulletin
of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U n e m p lo y m e n t In su ra n ce in th e C h icago C lo th in g In d u stry 1
DISCUSSION by Bryce M. Stewart of the administration of
the unemployment insurance plan inaugurated in 1923 by the
men’s clothing industry of Chicago is published in the Bulletin
of the Taylor Society, August, 1927 (pp. 471-477).
Prior to the inauguration of this plan unemployment insurance
funds had been established in a few cases by individual employers,
unemployment benefits had been paid by a small number of tradeunions, and the Cleveland cloak and suit industry had put into effect
a plan guaranteeing employment, or pay therefor, for a period of
40 weeks each year. The Chicago plan was much more compre
hensive than any of these plans, however, as it covered about 350
establishments, employing approximately 25,000 workers.
Contributions to the fund, which is supported by a payment of
3 per cent of the actual weekly pay roll divided equally between
employers and employees, amounted to $3,250,000 for the period
from May 1, 1923, to October 31, 1926, and the benefits paid during
this period totaled $2,650,000.
The plan provides for the payment of benefits amounting to 30 per
cent of full-time wages, with a maximum of $15 per week, and for a
waiting period for workers on short time of 44 hours before the pay
ment of benefits. A waiting period of the same length, after register
ing at the employment exchange, is required for workers on lay offs,
the time on lay off in excess of the waiting period being counted as
A
1 For other articles relating to this plan see L abor Review, Ju ly, 1923 (pp. 129, 130), N ovem ber, 1923
(pp. 125-130), an d Ju ly , 1924 (pp. 23-25).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1056 ]
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE IN
CLOTHING INDUSTRY
10 7
unemployment. Every hour of overtime work, however, offsets
one of unemployment. Benefits may be paid for not more than
two and one-half weeks in either of the two seasons, May to October
and November to April, and a worker on short time may not be
credited in any week with wages and benefit in excess of $50. In
order to be eligible for benefits a worker must have been a member
of the union in good standing for one year. Applicants for benefits
must be registered at the employment exchange if wholly unemployed
and must not have refused to accept suitable employment. A
special fund is maintained for temporary cutters, who receive 25
instead of 30 per cent of their weekly wages as benefit and who may
receive benefits for six weeks in the year.
The size of the employment fund is limited to an amount equal to
the total maximum benefits payable during a period of two years.
When it reaches that amount contributions cease on both sides until
the fund is reduced to an amount less than the total maximum
benefits payable during a period of one year.
The plan is administered by five boards of trustees presided over
by an impartial chairman. These boards include one each from the
three largest manufacturers, one for the remaining large concerns,
and one for the contractors. On each of these boards there is equal
representation of employers and employees.
In planning the administration of the scheme it was decided, after
much discussion, to locate the administration of all the funds in a
central office. The management of the plan is rendered much more
complex, for example, than the British scheme of unemployment
insurance (in which there is a flat rate for both contributions and
benefits) by the fact that contributions and benefits are based on the
earnings of each worker. This necessitates keeping a record for
each employee covering his weekly hours of employment, earnings,
and insurance contributions. Account has to be taken in the record,
also, of the overtime worked as it has to be deducted in calculating
short time and lay off. Instead of requiring the larger firms to send
in a weekly report which would entail transcribing most of the infor
mation on the pay roll they are allowed to loan their pay rolls to the
unemployment insurance office one day each week. The smaller
firms find it more convenient to make their own reports.
There are three divisions in the unemployment insurance office—
records, benefits, and accounts. The records division collects the
pay rolls and pay-roll reports, copies the data, and returns the pay
rolls to the firms. The accounts division takes care of the accounts
of each firm, banks the money daily, and cooperates with treasurers
of the different boards in investing surplus funds in United States
securities.
A central benefit account is maintained by the trustees, from which
all benefits are paid except those to temporary cutters who have a
separate fund. When cash is needed for the payment of benefits
the treasurer notifies the trustee board concerned and they liquidate
securities and deposit the proceeds to the benefit accounts. The
benefits division passes upon each worker’s eligibility for benefit
and issues the benefit checks. The benefits are paid on April 30
and November 30 at the close of the half-yearly benefit periods.
This method of paying has been found to be preferable to the former
68404°—27----- 8
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1057 ]
108
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
plan of paying each month, as the checks are larger and therefore
more appreciated and it is also less expensive.
A report is sent once a month by the accounts division to each
firm, showing the total contributions received, the balance due on
contributions, if any, and the amount of cash available for benefits
remaining in the funds of the firm.
The cost of administering the plan, not including the cost of equip
ment, from May, 1923, to January, 1927, amounted to 6.2 per cent
of the contributions received.
Widows’, Orphans’, and Old-Age Contributory Pensions in
England
HE Review for September, 1927 (p. 87), contains an account
of the working of the contributory pension act in Scotland.
The eighth annual report of the English Ministry of Health,
which has recently appeared, gives data concerning the operation of
the same act in England up to March 31, 1927. It is to be noted that
the sections relating to pensions for widows and orphans became
effective January 4, 1926, those relating to unrestricted old-age
pensions for persons aged. 70 or over went into operation July 2,
1926, and those dealing with contributory pensions for persons
between 65 and 70 will not become effective till January 2, 1928.
T
•
Widows’ and Orphans’ Pensions
^ L A IM S under this section fall into two groups, those in which the
^
applicant’s husband or parents died before January 4, 1926, and
those in which the death has occurred since that date, the great
majority of claimants being, of course, in the first class. By March
31, 1927, pensions were being paid covering 135,271 widows, 195,369
children of widows, and 11,453 orphans. The total amount which
had been paid in pensions to these claimants was approximately
£6,614,000,1 and for the week ending March 26th the pension roll
amounted to £113,060. Claimants receiving pensions in respect of
husbands or parents who had died before January 4, 1926, formed 75
per cent of this group, and had received 84 per cent of the total
amount paid out.
Claims to the number of 47,206 had been disallowed or withdrawn,
the chief causes of rejection being either that the claimant had no
child or stepchild under 14 on January 4, 1926, or that the deceased
husband had not been insured under the health insurance plan during
the last two years of his life, or was not in an occupation which would
have qualified his dependents for a pension had the act been in
force during his life.
Methods of Pension Payments
"W/’HEN an application for a widow’s or an orphan’s pension is
allowed, the claimant is given a book containing a number
1 Pou n d a t par=$4.8665; exchange rate about par.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1058]
WIDOWS’, ORPHANS’, AND OLD-AGE PENSIONS
109
of orders covering a limited period, 50 weeks being the absolute
maximum, during which there is no ascertainable prospect of any
change in circumstances necessitating a revision of the award. These
orders are payable weekly at post offices. A short time before the
orders have been used up, the pensioner must present a certificate
from which it can be seen whether the conditions for receipt of the
pension still hold good. If they do, the order book is renewed after
the last order has been cashed, without any interruption in the receipt
of the pension.
Noncontributory Old-Age Pensions
'“THE act of 1925 provided for the extension or grant of pensions as
provided under the preceding acts, without the application of the
tests as to means, residence, and nationality, to insured men and
insured women who reach 70 on or after July 2, 1926, who can not
qualify for pensions under the contributory scheme because they will
be over 70 when such pensions begin on January 2, 1928. Under
these provisions a total of 169,753 claims have been received, of
which 18,097 have been rejected. Most of these were disallowed
either because the applicant had not the necessary insurance quali
fication or because he was unable to prove that he had reached 70.
Considerable difficulty has been encountered “ in establishing the
claimant’s correct age where no birth certificate is available,” and
unless it is established, the claim necessarily fails.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1059]
CHILD LABOR
S ta te m e n t of th e N a tio n a l A sso cia tio n of M a n u fa ctu rers on
C h ild Labor
HE National Association of Manufacturers has recently put forth
a statement of principles concerning the protection of young
workers, which was formulated
its committee on junior
education and employment and approved by its board of directors.
The statement issued by the association is as follows:
T
P r o g r a m of t h e N a tio n a l A sso c ia tio n of M a n u f a c tu re r s fo r th e f u r th e r p ro te c
tio n o f e m p lo y e d c h ild re n 14 a n d 15 y e a rs of a g e :
(a) A n e m p lo y m e n t c e rtific a te issu e d u n d e r S ta te a u th o r it y fo r e a c h jo b a p p lie d
fo r u n d e r a d iffe re n t e m p lo y e r.
( b) A p h y s ic a l e x a m in a tio n b y p h y s ic ia n s d e s ig n a te d b y th e S ta te , a n d a c e r
tific a te t h a t t h e in d iv id u a l is p h y s ic a lly fit to e n te r t h e e m p lo y m e n t a p p lie d fo r.
(c)
T h e c o m p le tio n o f t h e s ix th g ra d e , a f t e r a llo w in g tw o y e a rs fo r a d ju s tm e n t
a f te r t h e p a s s a g e or t h e s t a t u t e in S ta te s n o t a lr e a d y h a v in g a n e d u c a tio n a l q u a li
fic a tio n , w ith p ro p e r p ro v is io n fo r v a c a tio n p e rm its .
(cl) T h e r e q u ire m e n t of a m in im u m of fo u r h o u rs a w e e k of c o n tin u e d e d u c a tio n ,
e ith e r in c o n tin u a tio n sc h o o ls o r u n d e r sh o p p la n s a p p ro v e d b y p ro p e r ly c o n
s t it u te d S ta t e a u th o r it y w h ic h sh o u ld h a v e th e p o w e r to re le a se in d iv id u a ls in
c a p a b le o f f u r th e r e d u c a tio n o r to e x c u se a n y c h ild u n ti l p r o p e r c o n tin u a tio n
sch o o ls h a v e b e e n e s ta b lis h e d .
(e) T h e lim itin g of t h e h o u rs of la b o r of a ll c h ild re n u n d e r 16 y e a rs e m p lo y e d in
m a n u f a c tu r in g , m in in g , tr a n s p o r t a ti o n o r c o m m e rc ia l o c c u p a tio n s , of n o t to
exceed 48 h o u rs p e r w eek , w ith a p ro h ib itio n of n ig h t w o rk b e fo re 7 a . m . o r a f t e r
9 p. m .
(/) T h e s tre n g th e n in g of la w s fo rb id d in g th e e m p lo y m e n t of c h ild re n in h a z a r d
o u s o c c u p a tio n s b y m o re c a re fu lly d e fin in g th e specific h a z a rd s .
In discussing these principles, the association’s statement gives
emphasis to the importance of providing State supervision over cer
tification and physical examination. When the matter of certification
is left to local authorities, it is pointed out, the system must inevitably
be administered either by the police department, which is out of touch
with the educational problems involved, or by the school authorities.
“ In the latter case local certification almost inevitably leads to a
method under which the school relieves itself of its incompetents and
failures.”
T h e S ta t e su p e rv isio n of c e rtific a tio n c a n p e rfo rm a v e ry v a lu a b le se rv ic e fo r
t h e sch o o ls b y e s ta b lis h in g h ig h e r s ta n d a r d s of a c c o m p lis h m e n t a n d b y m e a s u rin g
th e sc h o o ls in re la tio n t o th e s e s ta n d a r d s . S u c h c e rtific a tio n is n o t o n ly of a s s is t
a n c e to t h e c h ild b u t t o t h e sc h o o l a n d t h e e m p lo y e r.
State supervision over physical examinations is desirable “ in order
that there may be uniform physical standards for entering the employ
ment applied for.”
110
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1060 ]
CHILD ENDOWMENT
Child Endowment in New Zealand
HE New Zealand child endowment act, which became effective
on April 1, 1926,1 provides for the granting of allowances to
ward the maintenance of children whose parents have very
limited incomes. R. M. Campbell, of Victoria University College,
Wellington, New Zealand, discusses the new legislation in the Eco
nomical Journal (London) of September, 1927. Excerpts from this
article are given below.
T
S u m m a r y o f the act
1.
O n a p p lic a tio n to th e c o m m issio n e r of p e n sio n s b y th e f a t h e r of th r e e o r
m o re c h ild re n , a n a llo w a n c e sh a ll b e p a y a b le a t th e r a t e of 2 sh illin g s a w e e k fo r
e v e ry c h ild in ex cess o f tw o , b u t so t h a t th e a v e ra g e w e e k ly in c o m e fr o m a ll so u rc e s
s h a ll n o t exceed £ 4 to g e th e r w ith 2 sh illin g s fo r e a c h c h ild in ex cess of tw o .
(N . B .— “ C h ild ” m e a n s a c h ild u n d e r th e a g e of 15 y e a rs , b e in g a so n , d a u g h te r ,
s te p s o n o r s te p d a u g h te r of th e a p p lic a n t, a n d in c lu d e s a c h ild le g a lly a d o p te d ,
b u t d o e s n o t in c lu d e a n ille g itim a te c h ild , o r a n y c h ild n o t m a in ta in e d a s a m e m
b e r of th e a p p li c a n t’s fa m ily , o r a n y c h ild re c e iv in g a p e n sio n o u t of p u b lic m o n
eys.)
2.
I n c o m p u tin g th e a v e ra g e w e e k ly in c o m e , a c c o u n t s h a ll b e ta k e n o f all
m o n e y o r m o n e y ’s w o rth re c e iv e d w ith in th e y e a r im m e d ia te ly p re c e d in g th e
d a te of th e a p p lic a tio n , a n d in te r e s t a t 5 p e r c e n t (o r su c h h ig h e r r a t e a s m a y
a c tu a lly b e re c e iv e d ) o n th e v a lu e o f t h e b e n e fic ia l in te r e s t of a n y m e m b e r of th e
fa m ily in a n y p r o p e r ty (o th e r th a n f u r n itu r e a n d p e rs o n a l e ffe c ts). T h e c o m
m issio n e r m a y , h o w e v e r, t a k e in to c o n s id e ra tio n a n y in c re a se of in c o m e w h ich
a n y m e m b e r of t h e fa m ily m a y b e e n title d to re c e iv e in th e e n s u in g y e a r, o r a n y
d e c re a s e of in c o m e to b e su ffered b y a n y m e m b e r of t h e fa m ily in t h a t y e a r.
3.
W h e re , b y re a s o n of p h y s ic a l o r m e n ta l d e fe c t, a ch ild is t o t a ll y in c a p a c i
t a t e d fro m e a rn in g a liv in g , th e a llo w a n c e m a y b e c o n tin u e d b e y o n d t h e a g e of
15 y e a rs .
4.
T h e m in is te r m a y a u th o riz e th e p a y m e n t of an a llo w a n c e in re s p e c t o f a n
ille g itim a te ch ild .
5.
G e n e ra lly , a llo w a n c e s sh a ll b e p a id to t h e w ife of th e a p p lic a n t. I f , h o w
e v e r, th e w ife is n o t liv in g w ith th e a p p lic a n t, o r if fo r a n y o th e r re a s o n t h e c o m
m issio n e r is of o p in io n t h a t p a y m e n t s h o u ld b e m a d e to th e a p p lic a n t p e rs o n a lly ,
th e a llo w a n c e m a y b e p a id to th e a p p lic a n t. S im ila rly th e c o m m is sio n e r m a y in
sp e c ia l ca se s p a y th e a llo w a n c e to a n y r e p u ta b le p e rso n .
6.
N o a llo w a n c e s h a ll b e p a y a b le u n le s s th e a p p lic a n t h a s b e e n p e rm a n e n tly
re s id e n t in N e w Z e a la n d fo r n o t less t h a n o n e y e a r, a n d th e c h ild re n in re s p e c t
of w h o m th e a llo w a n c e is p a y a b le h a v e b e e n re s id e n t in N e w Z e a la n d fo r n o t less
t h a n o n e y e a r, o r h a v e b e e n b o rn in N e w Z e a la n d .
7.
S a v e w ith th e d ire c tio n of t h e m in is te r, a n a llo w a n c e s h a ll n o t b e p a y a b le
in re s p e c t o f t h e c h ild re n of a n y p e rs o n w ho is a n a lie n o r a n A sia tic e v e n if he
(th e A sia tic ) is a B ritis h s u b je c t.
8.
T h e c o m m is sio n e r m a y re fu se to g r a n t a n a llo w a n c e if t h e a p p lic a n t o r h is
w ife is of n o to rio u s ly b a d c h a ra c te r, o r h a s b e e n g u ilty of a n y offense o r m isc o n
d u c t “ d is h o n o rin g h im o r h e r in t h e p u b lic e s tim a tio n ,” o r if e ith e r h a s fo re g o n e
a n y p r o p e r ty in o rd e r to o b ta in a n a llo w a n c e o r to a v o id it s r e d u c tio n .
The writer declares that the outstanding features of this legisla
tive innovation are that the whole expense of it is borne by the gen
eral taxpayer and that the measure provides for all families (with
1 See L abor Review, issue of M ay, 1927, pp. 120,121.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
( 1061 ]
111
112
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
two or more children) that have less than a stipulated income, regard
less of the parents’ employment.
Mr. Campbell confines his discussion mainly to two questions:
1. Whether it is a sound principle deliberately to base income to
some extent on number of children.
2. If such principle is admitted as sound, is a State-financed and
State-conducted scheme preferable to private or semiprivate systems
on occupational or regional lines?
The strongest argument for this remedial legislation was “ the
present plight of an immense number of children.” The quinquen
nial census was taken a short time before the Government’s family
allowances bill was introduced, and it was found that 50,000 children,
or not less than 12% per cent of the total child population of New
Zealand, were dangerously near destitution.
The minister in charge of the bill quoted figures showing that 32,762
breadwinners, with 80,265 dependent children, had incomes below
£4 2 a week and that 50,989 of these children belonged to families
which had three or more children.
The writer calls attention to the war-time disclosures regarding
the physical deficiencies of recruits and to school medical officers’
reports, the latter showing that some 10 per cent of children are vic
tims of “ subnormal nutrition.” While he admits that a considerable
amount of this child starvation is undoubtedly the result of the
ignorance of parents, he thinks that it is not easy to escape the con
clusion that in this prosperous young country an astoundingly high
percentage of the rising generation “ lack the bare physical minimum
of a decent existence.”
With reference to the contention that family allowances would en
courage the poor to have larger families, Mr. Campbell points out
that ‘fit is a statistical commonplace that a high birth rate, only
partially offset by a high death rate, prevails under poor social and
economic conditions.” Substantial evidence was found by the Cost of
Living Commission of New Zealand (Parliamentary paper, 1912:
H. 18, p. xlvii) that the improvement in material conditions over a
30-year period was attended by a higher marriage rate, less births
per marriage, a decrease in the size of the average family, and a de
cline in the bankruptcy rate. Income, however, Mr. Campbell de
clares, “ affects birth rate only indirectly and through the standard
of life, and allowances would require to be very substantial to in
fluence that standard.” He also thinks “ it is reasonable to hope”
that family allowances may reduce infant mortality in very poor
families. In brief, if child endowment is to be justified, “ it must
be simply as a measure of child welfare and not as an expedient de
signed to tinker with the birth rate.”
Effect on Industry
/ “■'TTING the objection to family allowances on the basis that
^
“ only increased wealth production and no system of mere
redistribution can rescue the mass of the people from poverty,”
Mr. Campbell acknowledges the plausibility of this contention and
states that “ it is desirable that society should remunerate its members
according to their efficiency in production, not in reproduction.”
2 P oun d a t par=$4.8665; exchange ra te ab o u t par.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1062]
CHILD ENDOWMENT IN NEW ZEALAND
113
In his judgment, “ it is vitally necessary to maintain a clear con
nection between wealth production and reward.’’ At the same time
he realizes the force of Tawney’s statement that “ the assumption
that the stimulus of imminent personal want is either the only spur
or a sufficient spur to productive effort is a relic of a crude psychology
which has little warrant either in past history or in present ex
perience.” 3
Mr. Campbell also calls attention to an interesting incongruity
in the New Zealand child endowment act which he illustrates by the
hypothetical case given below:
The parent of eight children, six of whom are beneficiaries under th e scheme,
has nothing to gain by any weekly wage increase between £ 4 and £ 4 12s., nor
will he suffer any n et reduction in income by a fall in his wage from th e larger to
th e smaller sum. W ith th e allowance a t its present low ra te th is is n ot serious,
b u t future increases in th e rate will expand th e “ doldrums ” in which th e individual
is liable to find himself. This should be remedied by th e adoption of some such
form ula as th e following (accepting present rates for illustration): T he “ basic
incom e” shall be £ 4 weekly plus 2s. per child in excess of two, and th e family
allowance shall be a t th e weekly rate of 2s. per child, th e to ta l allowance being
diminished by one-half of any excess of actual earnings and allowance combined
over th e “ basic incom e.”
Some advocates of child endowment argue that the greater sense of
security given under such a system to the fathers of families should
make for improved efficiency and consequently higher production.
Mr. Campbell thinks that the weight of this factor is likely to be
underrated in considering the wide adoption of family allowances.
influence on General Wage Levels
ACCORDING to Mr. Campbell, organized labor under family• allowance systems should be vigilant in maintaining at least
established wage standards. This is especially true in times when
instability in prices and perplexing money values “ expose those
standards to insidious influences not readily apprehended.” The
writer thinks this danger is a very grave one in New Zealand. Wages
there are arbitrarily fixed from time to time by court decrees, “ and
it is not inconceivable that the provision of children’s allowances
from a source other than wages may be taken to justify a smaller
wage.”
It may also be argued, however, that these allowances as granted
in New Zealand will increase labor’s bargaining power by taking
away some of “ the sting in the whip of starvation which now gives
employers such an advantage in a strike or lockout.”
The fact that the New Zealand child endowment act was backed
by an “ antisocialist government” is responsible, Mr. Campbell
maintains, for the measure’s having escaped being scored as “ so
cialistic.”
In connection with the practice of labeling family allowances
“ doles” he says:
To th e father of three children who happens to be in the highest income-group
th e S tate makes a tax reduction of £33 15s., or 13s. weekly. The m an receiving
less th a n £4 weekly and having three dependent children is allowed 2s. weekly,
and this can not unreasonably be regarded as a refund of a p a rt of his indirect
taxation. Of these tw o forms of S tate aid to th e family m an, why should the
2s. weekly and not th e 13s. weekly be stigm atized as a “ do le” ?
3 T aw ney, R ichard H enry: T h e Sickness of an A cquisitive Society.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1063]
L ondon, 1920, p. 78.
114
MONTHLY LABOR BEVIEW
Advantages of a National System
'T'H E author is apparently strongly in favor of “ one comprehensive
A national, State-financed system which he thinks has distinct
advantages because (1) it makes possible a completeness and
regularity which could not otherwise be secured; (2) it results in
economy of administration and facilitates the imposing of social
welfare provisions—for example, those in clauses 5 and 8 of the
above summary of the act—which might be vigorously objected to if
imposed by private employers; (3) child welfare, the essential ob
jective of child endowment is of “ paramount national concern”
and therefore justifies direct State action.
Mr. Campbell regards it as a “ most glaring” anomaly to exclude
from the benefits of the act families, no matter how poverty stricken,
which have only one or two children. “ I t may be,” he says, “ that
the basic income of £4 weekly covers the requirements of a 4-member
family, but this is not a strong reason for withholding even a pittance
from children whose parents are not in receipt of that basic wage.”
It is suggested that the first amendment to the act should be in
direction of the relief of children in these smaller families.
The author is aware of the dangers besetting the principle of
family allowances but he insists that against these dangers actual
present evils must be weighed.
As a comprehensive measure of child welfare, however, th ey [these allowances]
are to be approved, and their direct provision by means of taxation provides an
em inently satisfactory form of S tate activity, promising, w ithout diminishing
production, to improve th e distribution of w ealth by the transfer of purchasing
power to a m ost deserving quarter.
F a m ily E n d o w m en t A ct o f N ew S o u th W ales
HE Review for June, 1927 (pp. 127, 128), gave some account of
the legislative fight in New South Wales over the effort to
secure a family endowment scheme coupled with a basic wage.
A bill was finally passed providing that the endowment scheme should
not come into effect until the industrial commission had declared a
wage based on the needs of a man and wife without children, but that
such a declaration must be made before July 1, 1927. On June 27
the commission issued its findings, setting the basic wage at £4 5s.1
a week for men and £2 6s. for women. This was an increase for men
of Is. and for women of 3s. 6d. per week over the wage prevailing
up to that time. Thereupon the premier immediately issued an
announcement that the family endowment act should come into
effect on June 30, 1927.
The text of the family endowment act is not yet at hand, but the
Industrial Bulletin of New Zealand, the organ of the Employers’
Federation, contains a summary of its terms in the issue for August
10, 1927. The main purpose of the act is to insure allowances to
families for the benefit of children. Under the terms of the act the
allowance is made only for children under 14, and only to families
in which the income falls below a certain sum. The basic wage of
T
1 A t par p o u n d =$4.8665, shilling=24.3 cents, penny=2.03 cents; exchange ra te about par.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1064]
FAMILY ENDOWMENT IN NEW SOUTH WALES
115
£4 5s. is supposed to provide for the needs of a man and his wife, and
for each child under 14 an additional income of 5s. a week is to be
made sure. If the family income is over the basic wage, the allowance
is paid only to such an extent as may be necessary to bring the amount
up to the basic wage plus 5s. for each child under 14. Thus if a man
with three children under 14 earns precisely the basic wage, £4 5s. a
week, the allowance will be paid for all three of the children, bringing
the income up to £5 a week; if he earns £4 10s., the allowance will
be paid for two children; if he earns £4 15s., the allowance will be
paid for only one child, and if he earns £5, no allowance is made.
The allowance is in all cases to be paid to the mother, or the person
representing her, or the person who has legal custody and is respon
sible for the maintenance of the child or children.
The allowance is based on annual, not on weekly income.
I t is specifically provided th a t no certificate of endow m ent shall be issued in
any case where th e family income in th e 12 m onths imm ediately preceding th e
date of claim exceeds th e am ount of the living wage, plus £ 13 for each child in th e
family. This means th a t although the fam ily’s weekly earnings m ay exceed the
weekly basic wage, if through interm itten t em ploym ent or other cause th e annual
income does not exceed, or is less than th e basic wage, th e family is entitled to
claim for th e full am ount of endowment.
The act is to be administered by a commissioner, who is appointed
by the governor for seven years, a registrar of family endowment,
and other officers. Anyone wishing to claim the benefit of the act
must make out an application setting forth his qualifications, and
after the registrar has investigated the truth of the statements, the
claim is referred to a magistrate, who is empowered to recommend it
for payment, to postpone it or to recommend it for rejection. The
certificate of endowment, issued if the claim is approved, may not
be for more than one year, and application for continuance of the
allowance must be made in the same manner as the original claim.
The payment of endowments is to be made in fortnightly instalments,
which must be claimed within 21 days after becoming due or be
forfeited.
A fund for the payment of allowances is established by the act, the
principal source of income being an assessment of 3 per cent upon
the total amount of wages paid by private employers and statutory
authorities within the State. If employees are working under a Fed
eral award, the amount of this levy is reduced. Employers whose
total pay roll for the year does not exceed £150 are exempt from the
levy.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ri065]
LABOR ORGANIZATIONS AND
CONGRESSES
R eport of E x ecu tive C ou n cil of A m erica n F ed eration of Labor,
1927
HE Forty-Seventh Annual Convention of the American Federa
tion of Labor opened in Los Angeles, Calif., October 3, 1927.
The report of the executive council of the organization to this
meeting outlines in brief the record of the Federation’s work of the
past year and defines the policy of the council regarding the present
outstanding problems facing organized labor. Excerpts from this
document are given below:
T
Membership and Finance
federation includes 49 State federations and has 4 departments,
i06 national and international unions, 742 local department coun
cils, 794 city central bodies, 365 local trade and federal labor unions,
and 29,394 local unions. The total average paid-up membership
reported for 1927 is 2,812,407/ an advance of 8,441 over 1926.
The Federation has 1,795 general and district organizers and also
19 paid organizers and the officers of nearly 800 city central bodies
who are always ready to meet calls for assistance from members of
directly affiliated unions in the event of strikes or lockouts.
There was a balance on hand August 31, 1926, of $212,391.96 and
the receipts for the following 12 months amounted to $524,284.74,
making a total of $736,676.70. The total expenditures for the fiscal
year aggregated $485,033.96, leaving a balance of $251,642.74, of
which $217,839.56 was in the defense fund for local trade and Federal
labor unions.
Benefit payments by 24 national and international organizations
and 14 directly affiliated unions were reported as follows:
D eath benefits________________________________ 2$1, 861, 148. 35
D eath benefits to m em bers’ w ives______________
92, 002. 00
Sick benefits__________________________________ 3 1, 930, 660. 74
Tool insurance________________________________
2, 051. 00
U nem ploym ent benefits_____ ________ __________
75, 405. 05
Traveling benefits_____________________________
165, 108. 61
These sums are constituted largely of the disbursements of inter
nationals. The totals include but a small proportion of the aggregate
amounts paid out in trade-union benefits, as many of the local unions
provide out-of-work, sick, and death benefits.
1I t is estim ated th a t there were at least 500,000 m em bers for w hom the per capita tax was not p aid because
of strikes, lockouts, or unem ploym ent.
2 Includes some d isab ility benefits.
3 Includes some d isab ility benefits for boot and shoe workers, m aintenance of U nion P rin te rs’ Home,
old-age pensions, operation of trad e school for apprentices by p rinting pressm en’s union, and operating
tuberculous sanitarium , home for aged, and trad e schools for m em bers of typographical union.
116
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10661
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL A. F. OF L.
117
Achievements
toward mutual understanding.—Numerous employers
P ROGRESS
and a large proportion of the general public are beginning to realize
“ that in addition to its militant functions the union is the agency
through which the workers can make their fullest contribution to
industry and society.” This changed attitude is due in a considerable
degree “ to the new emphasis labor has put upon its constructive
work. By shifting attention from problems of defense or aggression
to those of constructive building, the relative importance of the sus
tained work of the union becomes more obvious.”
Five-day week.—In 1926 labor set for itself a new objective—the
5-day week. Some unions may make this a direct purpose, while
others still have an “ intermediate goal” to attain. A large propor
tion of the unorganized still have a long working-day.
Constructive work of trade-unions.—Practically every union has
some distinctive, constructive activity through which it is making the
union more valuable to its members and the industry. Practically all
establishments in which there are collective agreements have devel
oped some kind of continuous cooperation with their employees.
Among these schemes are:
An agency for th e interpretation of th e agreem ent and for th e adjustm ent of
difficulties and new problems arising out of th e contract. An agency of this type
becomes a controlling factor in the work experience of th e industry and enables
th e workers to participate in decisions of vital im portance to them.
A rbitration based upon research.
Joint determ ination of production standards.
Union control over work opportunities and supply of workers has changed
in term itten t work to stable em ployment under good conditions.
Jo in t undertakings for th e education of apprentices to assure standards of
craftsm anship.
Provisions to rew ard craftsm anship.
A union technical school which trains apprentices and furnishes technical aid to
union workers in industry so th a t craftsm en may get th e best possible results
from their labor.
Care for th e health of workers—various general undertakings, as well as sick
benefits, insurance, and such elaborate services as th e union health bureau.
Regular presentation of unsatisfactory work conditions and m ethod which
unremedied would result in waste and-losses.
Jo in t com mittees of m anagem ent and unions to consider and recommend
economical and improved work methods in railway shops.
Joint committees of union and m anagem ent to improve street railway service.
Joint committees in the paper industry to adjust.
Maintenance of union wage standards.—In the past year the unions
of the Federation have generally succeeded in preventing the reduc
tion of wages and a considerable number of organizations have nego
tiated wage increases.
The establishment of union rates has tended to raise wages even
among the unorganized. The council emphasizes, however, that
“ there are still thousands of unorganized workers working for wages
that are far below wages necessary to maintain American standards of
living. We regret the impression carried abroad by some reporters
and commissions that high wages generally prevail.” The council
invites unskilled unorganized workers whose wages are below the
decent living line to join the ranks of the Federation.
We have been publishing in th e American Federationist a series of studies on
wages, discussing th e relations of wages to prices and productivity. These studies
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11067]
118
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
indicate th a t wages have generally increased in am ount and w ith reference to
prices. W ith reference to productivity wage m ovem ents are n ot so regular and
it is evident th a t there is need of d a ta to show th e way to wages th a t will provide a
purchasing dem and proportionate to increases in production. Our present plan
is to utilize statistics of the m anufacturers census and to m ake th e results available
by industries. The studies will be published in th e American Federationist.
This undertaking we feel is a distinct step forward. For th e first tim e labor is
exploring the field of governm ent statistics to ascertain w hether its share in
national income is equitable and w hether wages paid to wage earners will enable
them to share in advances in m aterial civilization.
T hat th e idea of higher wages has gained in popular acceptance and th a t the
Federation has begun studies of wages, m ark a definite stage in progress tow ard
clearer understanding and discussion of wages.
(For details of policy see Labor Review for October, 1927, page 129.)
Progress in education.—Trade-unions are counseled to recognize
more and more fully that they must have recourse to educational
methods. Various kinds of educational work are already being
carried on by the union, special reference being made to the educa
tional activities of the national and international unions through their
official organs and trade training and to the discussion groups and
study classes of many labor organizations. The stimulating leader
ship of the workers’ education bureau receives cordial comment from
the council, the active affiliations of that bureau being reported as
including 52 national and international unions, 23 State federations of
labor, 68 central labor unions, and 360 local unions.
Among the educational conferences and institutes of the last 12
months under trade-union auspices, the council regards as particularly
important the conference on the elimination of waste, in Philadelphia,4
which resulted in another constructive meeting on the stabilization
of employment.5
Pan American congress.—The Pan American Federation of Labor
at its recent congress6 “ gave evidence that it had a definite rôle in
promoting peace and good will between the peoples of Pan America.”
The organization “ will be a power against imperialism and exploita
tion.”
No compromise with communists.—The council reports success in
the past year in defeating communistic schemes to secure control of
trade-unions and states its belief that “ there can be no compromise
with communists because their purpose is the destruction of tradeunions and the inculcation of class war.”
Subjects Upon Which Union Policies Should be Formulated
P R O V IS IO N for old age.—The old-age-pension policies of certain
*
unions affiliated with the Federation are heartily commended,
and the hope is expressed that other unions may adopt like policies.
Furthermore, a comprehensive study of all old-age-pension plans,
including the insurance system, is recommended in order that advice
and suggestions may be made available for the officers and members
of the Federation’s affiliated organizations.
Investment oj union fonds.—Trade-union assests are quite sub
stantial. A very incomplete summary in 1926 which included reports
of national and international organizations, but not of the funds of
numerous local unions, showed assets totaling $35,897,727.36.
4A report on th is congress is given in th e L abor Review for Ju ly , 1927, pp. 41-43.
{See pp. 122 of th is issue of th e Review .
‘For a résum é of th is congress, see L abor Review for Septem ber, 1927, pp. 90-95.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1068]
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL A. F . OF L.
119
The investment of union funds is stated to be “ a serious problem
for the labor movement.” The report states that repeated notes of
caution have been sounded by the Federation regarding experiments
in labor banking. Experience along this line is now sufficient “ to
make a solemn note of warning imperative.” In the council’s judg
ment, “ the time has come to stop expansion in the field of labor
banking until experience with those labor banks already organized
shall have been critically studied and evaluated.”
Important Problems
Among the problems now facing the labor movement the following
four are listed as “ outstanding:”
1. Legal status.—The interpretation of law and procedure in
equity courts are seriously hampering trade-union work, according
to the report of the council, which submits a list of cases to illustrate
the gravity of the situation.
In order to -g iv e th e trade-unions not only legal existence b u t th e right to
exercise their norm al functions, two legislative remedies m ust be enacted: Amend
m ent of a n titru st and anticom bination legislation to prevent restriction of
normal union activity, as is possible under present law, and definition of the
jurisdiction of equity courts.
We believe there should be freedom of association for economic agencies because
associated effort is essential for those experiences and economies necessary to most
efficient production results, and, on th e other hand, associated effort is necessary
for m ost constructive functioning of all groups connected w ith production.
We hold the right of labor to organize into trade-unions and th e exercise of their
norm al functions should n o t be questioned. We concede th e necessity for safe
guards to prevent monopolistic evils on th e p a rt of all other forms of associations.
We shall subm it to Congress legislative drafts and shall give these measures
priority in our legislative efforts. We shall seek the cooperation of other interested
groups.
Use of “ yellow dog c o n tra cts” has not decreased. Employers in m any States
have been compelling their employees to sign contracts not to belong to unions as
a condition of employment. In other instances we find employers requiring their
workers to belong to “ com pany unions.” We note th e efforts in some States to
secure legislation declaring yellow dog contracts contrary to public policy and we
hope these efforts will be helpful in reducing this evil.
2. Unionization oí highly machinized industries.-—Mass production
has brought about another industrial revolution with changes com
parable to those effected by the inauguration of the factory system.
In mass production individuals are assigned highly repetitive jobs,
the former task of the craftsman being subdivided into repetitive
operations carried on by a number of workers. “ For example, in
the automobile industry there are 34 job designations given work
previously called the work of one craft. This production technique
in quantity and mass production requires new kinds of skill and new
group bases for organization of the workers into unions. In practi
cally none of these industries are the workers organized.”
The problem of organizing them presents tw o aspects W hat shall be th e basis
of union organization and w hat agency shall be responsible for organizing them ?
The work organization in mass production industries is such th a t there m ust be a
new basis of appeal. The industry or the plant m ust be studied in order to find a
basis which would introduce elements of unity and joint interests. _ The responsi
bility m ust lie w ith a federated body—locally the central labor union and nation
ally, th e Federation. All unions would gain from such planning and foresight.
There is need for study of the mass production industries in order th a t we may
know the probability of industrial development in this direction.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1069]
120
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
3. How to sustain members’ interest in union activities.— First,
among union administrative problems is the maintenance of a per
manent, active, and efficient membership. Members must be made
to realize that the union is “ permanently necessary to them as a
business agency and as a medium to express their needs and wishes
as workers.” To bring about such a realization effective publicitjr is
required for the various trade organizations and the federated labor
movement.
Moreover, it is highly desirable that unions maintain activities
which will give every member an opportunity for personal service.
When a few do all the work, the inactive majority soon lose interest.
The importance of the unions’ providing means for educational
development and social features is also stressed.
As a further stimulus to loyalty and support unions should con
sider providing additional benefits and services such as investment
advice and opportunities, insurance, employment service, unemploy
ment aids, and old-age pensions.
4. Company unions.—The isolation of the company union makes
it incapable of setting standards for labor. Such an agency is for
the administration of a company’s affairs and “ is not an economic
and social force.”
Com pany unions do not sponsor great m oral or social issues; th ey do not
p articipate in com m unity or national affairs; they do n ot p articipate in funda
m ental decisions in th eir own industry affecting workers directly; th ey do not
even participate on an equal footing in th e decisions concerning them w ithin their
own com pany; they do not venture to give th e ir m anagem ent th e benefit of
th eir own work experiences which are invaluable in evaluating technical pro
cedure and in knowing when and how changes are necessary.
Some corporations which have organized com pany unions are spending consid
erable sum s of money on employee representation and welfare work. In addi
tion to these inducem ents they add group insurance, old age pension and employee
stock ownership plans. Obviously, th e purpose of these coi'porations is to con
tro l and influence th e w orker so th a t he will be bound to his position. In bind
ing him in this w ay he is compelled to forego th e exercise of fundam ental rights.
This is th e price th e workers m ust pay for th e p atern al care which corporations
exercise over them . Through such a process th e y are called upon to surrender
certain fundam ental rights such as freedom of decision and action. Such a
policy is contrary to the public welfare and to the advancem ent of individual
interest.
The council advocates union-management cooperation—the joint
activity of two equal groups, which “ is much more fundamental and
effective than employee representation plans for cooperating with
management.”
T he question a t issue here is not one th a t should be decided by conflict— unless
employers force th a t course. I t is a serious problem th a t m ust be m et by indi
vidual unions as well as th e labor m ovem ent as a whole.
P h ilo so p h y o f th e C a rp en ters’ U n io n
HE philosophy of the United Brotherhood of .Carpenters and
Joiners is discussed in an article in the Political Science Quar
terly for September, 1927 (pp. 397-418). As the attitude of
this union reflects that of the American Federation of Labor and as
it is the largest and strongest craft union affiliated with that body,
its official attitude is of importance.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1070]
PHILOSOPHY OF T H E CARPENTERS’ UNION
121
Attitude toward Legislation
'"THE attitude of the brotherhood toward legislative action as a
means of gaining labor’s ends has varied with circumstances,
though in the main “ legislation has been looked upon as a helpful
and necessary complement to trade-unionism in the fight for better
conditions among the workers.”
Although little is known of the attitude of the early local carpenters’
unions toward legislation, it is probable that many of them supported
the various legislative movements prior to the Civil War. When
the Knights of Labor was organized a large number of carpenters’
locals joined that organization.
In the early years after the formation of the brotherhood, that
body looked to legislation to secure not only measures which could
not be obtained by collective bargaining but also those which could.
The eight-hour day through legislation was advocated, although at
the same time the carpenters were also carrying on strikes to obtain
the same end. Other legislation favored included mechanics’ lien
laws (the carpenters’ support being largely responsible for the pas
sage of such a law in Pennsylvania), stringent immigration laws, the
bimetallic money standard, etc.
The faith in the possibilities of legislation has faded and the union
now depends largely upon collective bargaining “ for the attainment
of all that pertains to the standardization policy.” The brother
hood has never depended upon law for improving the wages of its
own members, but it does take an official stand as to wages of certain
groups handicapped in bargaining for themselves—as women, children
and public employees. In this way it has stood for the weekly pay
ment of wages, for equal pay for equal work in public employments,
and for the abolition of payment in scrip and in kind.
As regards hours of work, the brotherhood now relies solely upon
collective bargaining, backed up by strikes when necessary, but still
favors legislation for those who can not bargain effectively, and sup
ports laws providing for the eight-hour day on public works and in
public employment, and reducing the hours of employment of women
and children.
I t opposes compulsory arbitration of labor disputes, and the inter
vention of the Government to that end. “ The brotherhood itself
has never been confronted with this possibility, but it has scented
danger in the introduction of compulsory arbitration into other
industries.” It holds that compulsory arbitration strikes at the very
heart of unionism, for if the right to strike is taken away the union
ceases to be an important factor in improving the condition of the
wage earners. I t also opposes convict labor as being in competition
with free labor, and so in cutting down wages; opposes the sweating
system and child labor; and favors State laws providing for factory
and mine inspection.
In general the brotherhood has merely expressed approval of
proposed labor laws rather than actively to work for such measures.
The reason for this policy is that most of these measures have not
affected the brotherhood directly. In those in which this union has
had a direct concern—measures affecting the general status of tradeunions, of strikes, and of the boycott—it has been vigorous in its
action and has given generously both of time and money.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1071]
122
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Relations with the Courts
E brotherhood’s disillusionment as to the effectiveness of legislation is largely the result of its loss of faith in the administration
of the law. “ I t has learned by experience that even if after a long
and bitter fight a favorable piece of legislation is finally enacted/’
a court interpretation may render it useless as far as labor is con
cerned. Gains made by collective bargaining, however, can not
usually be taken away by the court.
The carpenters have especially denounced the use of the injunction
in labor disputes, having been “ often and seriously embarrassed by
that instrument.”
Attitude Toward Political Action
brotherhood has from the beginning maintained an official
policy of nonpartisan political activity. No union has been
more wholeheartedly in support of the American Federation of
Labor’s official attitude of “ supporting its friends and punishing
its enemies” than that of the carpenters. Though the union has
contained a minority favoring separate political action, the majority
has always been opposed to it, even during the campaign of 1924,
when the American Federation of Labor seemed to have departed
from its policy of neutrality.
Social Philosophy
A LTHOUGH the inside men in the union, the furniture workers,
have always been more or less socialistically inclined, this has
not been true of the outside workers to any extent. At the present
time the constitution of the brotherhood contains a clause favoring
Government ownership of public utilities and transportation facil
ities, but this clause is not being actively supported and it is stated
that the members generally appear to be unaware even that the
organization has taken this stand.
The article concludes as follows:
The brotherhood represents perhaps as well as any other union th e opportunist
philosophy of the Federation and is one of its staunchest defenders. There seems
to be no im m ediate prospect of any real change in th e brotherhood’s philosophy.
The organization has unquestionably been successful, and by its national officers
as well as by those members who analyze th e situation m uch of th a t success is
attrib u ted to th e opportunistic philosophy of th e union. As long as th e brother
hood continues to succeed, it will be loath to give th a t policy up, w hether or not
it has been as large a factor in the union’s success as th e carpenters themselves
believe.
Labor’s Unemployment Conference
S NOTED in the July, 1927, issue of the Labor Review (pp.
41-43) a conference on the elimination of waste was held early
in April, under the auspices of the trade-union movement of
Philadelphia. That conference developed the fact that the main
source of industrial waste is unemployment. It was, therefore,
decided to hold a second conference devoted to the subject of unem
ployment.
A
A m e ric a n Fed eratio n ist.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
W ashington, Septem ber, 1927, pp. 1050-1094.
[1072]
LABOB’S UNEM PLOYM ENT CONFEBENCE
12 3
The conference on unemployment took place July 30 and 31 at
Bryn Mawr College and like the previous conference was attended
not only by trade-unionists but also by economists, statisticians, and
others. I t is stated that “ the conference did not attempt to solve
the problem, but it at least made two things clear—first, that the
problem of unemployment is not insoluble, and second, that any
far-reaching solution involves not only advance planning but also
the cooperation of labor and management and the consumer in a
common task.”
Israel Mufson, secretary of the Philadelphia Labor College, under
whose auspices (jointly with the Central Labor Union of that city)
the conference was held, pointed out that all trade-unionists are
aware of the evils brought by unemployment, but labor does not
look upon unemployment as an irremediable condition. He empha
sized, however, that the elimination of unemployment will be a long
task, needing for its accomplishment those who do not insist upon
immediate results but who have the vision and faith to keep on
working for an end whose attainment they themselves ma37never see.
Labor’s Attempts Toward the Solution of Unemployment
'T H E point of view of organized labor toward the problem, was
1 presented by speakers representing, respectively, the glass
bottle blowers, the photo-engravers, and the ladies’ garment workers.
Harry Jenkins, secretary of the Glass Bottle Blowers’ Association,
reviewed the employment conditions brought about in the glass
industry by the introduction of machinery. Until 1898 practically
all the work was done by hand. From that time onward, one machine
after another was introduced, throwing the skilled hand workers out
of employment. The union met the situation constructively, how
ever, not opposing the machines but training the men to operate them,
suggesting the introduction of continuous operation in three 8-hour
shifts, etc. The union has, at the same time, endeavored to reduce
the cost of operation to the hand manufacturers, so as to enable
them to remain in business and compete with the machine plants.
Elias Reisberg, vice president of the International Ladies’ Garment
Workers’ Union, pointed out the special burden of unemployment
in the women’s wear industry, due to the enforced lay-offs summer
and winter resulting from the seasonal demand for the products of
the industry. Workers in the industry have employment only about
31 of the 52 weeks in each year.
As the union could not attempt the payment of unemployment
benefits such as are paid by unions in other industries, because of the
greatness of the problem, it looked about for other ways of meeting
the situation. Those adopted were: The securing of wages during
the period of employment high enough to tide the worker over the
slack season; reduction of the hours of work so as to provide jobs
for a greater number of workers; penalizing overtime by requiring
payment at the rate of time and a half or double time and prohibiting
it entirely during the slack season, also with the idea of spreading
the jobs among a greater number of workers; insisting on the practice
of equal division of work among the force; and prohibiting home
work.
08404°— 27----- 9
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1073 ]
12 4
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Notwithstanding all this, the union has not succeeded in doing
away with unemployment or even in diminishing it, because of certain
other factors with which the union can not cope—style changes,
shift of demand to fur instead of cloth coats, simplification of gar
ments’requiring less work, the practice of “ hand-to-mouth” buying
which always means rush orders and results in still further shortening
the season. The union has attempted to combat this by the introduc
tion of an unemployment fund, supported by union and employers
jointly. This has worked well in Cleveland, but due to internal
difficulties in the union organization in New York City the fund
which had been established there has been suspended until July,
1928. The unemployment fund does not diminish unemployment
but does alleviate the hardships of being out of work.
Warner D. Curry, business representative of the International
Photo-Engravers’ Union, emphasized the fact that labor must take
an active interest in finding the solution of the unemployment
problem. The time has passed when trade-unions could confine their
efforts to strictly organization matters, and every union should now
have its affairs so arranged that its officers will have time to devote
to the big economic and industrial issues, such as unemployment.
Suggested Remedial Measures
I_| E. BARTOW, secretary of the Peirce School of Business Adminio istration, pointed out that unemployment in and around
Philadelphia seems to be on the increase and that while in former
years only the less desirable workers were affected, now some of the
best workers find themselves out of work. He urged that labor
unions should gather and publish statistics of employment, that they
assist workers to get jobs, and that there be closer cooperation between
employers and employees.
Edward Eyre Hunt, secretary of the President’s Conference on
Unemployment, 1921, emphasized the need of sound statistics as a
basis for national planning to avoid unemployment, and noted that
since the holding of the President’s conference on unemployment
much has been learned about controlling the extremes of the business
cycle, and the Government is committed to the policy of using public
works to supply employment in slack times, but there is still a long
distance to go toward stabilizing employment in seasonal industries.
Charles H. Chase, of the Institute of Economics, was of the opinion
that too much emphasis has been placed on statistics of past un
employment, and that the budget method be used in planning for
future work. “ To the student of the budget method the statistics
that are of most interest are not statistics of past decades, but statis
tics of prospective economic requirements—statistics of available
resources, statistics of current industrial, commercial, and financial
projects, and statistics of actual and contemplated agreements and
arrangements for the carrying on of various types of economic activity,
the employment of labor, the distribution of to-morrow’s income,
and the purchase of the product of industry as it prospectively will
be coming to the markets. Budgeting means comprehensive balanc
ing of prospective wants and forward projects.”
Not only is such budgeting possible but it is actually being evolved
in American industry. No concentration of administrative power is
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 0 7 4 1
CANADIAN TEADES AND LABOE CONGEESS
125
necessary for such a system on a national scale but only that “ all
major contemplated and contracted activities’' be reported. This is
now being done in agriculture, road construction, on the railroads, etc.
The relation between security of employment and the whole
machinery of finance and credit should be steadily kept in mind, in
the opinion of Miss Mary Van Kleeck, director of the department of
industrial studies of the Russell Sage Foundation. Fluctuations in
buying power are intimately related to security of employment.
She urged, also, greater cooperation of unions with their State bureaus
of labor statistics in gathering employment data.
M e etin g of C an ad ian T rades and Labor C on gress, 1927 1
HE Trades and Labor Congress of Canada held its forty-third
annual convention at Edmonton, Alberta, August 22-26, 1927.
For the first time in several years an increase in paid-up mem
bership was reported, such increase being 11,325 or approximately 11
per cent.
The attitude of the congress on various matters is disclosed by
the following resume of adopted resolutions:
In favor of abolishing all private employment bureaus and extend
ing free government agencies.
In favor of the enactment of legislation compelling employers to
make known, in advertising for workers, whenever a trade dispute
exists.
Instructing the executive council to seek an amendment to the
immigration act, which would prohibit the importation of industrial
workers unless it was previously certified “ as being required by the
Government Employment Service.”
In favor of having “ the administration of the alien labor act placed
under a responsible minister of the Crown.”
For amendments to the immigration act, which would make those
who sought to bring immigrants to the Dominion financially responsi
ble for such immigrants for not less than 12 months.
Urging the extension of free education and free school books.
Pressing for the raising of the standards of teachers and for a mini
mum wage for school teachers in certain Provinces.
Seeking amendments to Dominion and Provincial fair wage
regulations.
Recommending that the convention go on record as indorsing the
principle of the 5-day, 40-hour, week and urging all affiliated bodies
to do their utmost to put it into effect.
Approving of legislation in the Province of Quebec allowing a rest
of 24 consecutive hours a week to employees in the mechanical
department of the theatrical industry.
Requesting that Federal office cleaners be compensated on an
annual salary basis with sick leave, holidays with pay, and old-age
pensions.
9
Favoring the reclassification of the letter-carrier service with a view
to more adequate salaries in such service.
T
i L abor G azette, O ttaw a, Septem ber, 1927, p p . 967-982, and C anadian Congress Journal, O ttaw a,
Septem ber, 1927, p p . 9-16.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11075]
126
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
For the taking away of the power of the civil service commission
to establish salary schedules.
Indorsing a request for an amendment to the bankruptcy and
winding-up act so that claimants for wages and salaries be given
priority over other creditors.
Requesting legislation to compel power companies to provide
safety for their employees and the public.
Approving various other proposals in the interest of health and
safety, including the proper protection of operators on spraying
machines, the wrapping of bread in wax paper, and the discontinuance
of the making or manufacturing of clothing for commercial purposes
in wage-earners’ homes.
In favor of the extension of minimum wage legislation.
For the extension of old-age-pension legislation to all Provinces.
In favor of securing amendments to the criminal code in order to
allow peaceful picketing.
Urging the organization of women and young workers.
Opposing “ the interference of all foreigners into the political,
economic, and industrial life of China.”
The congress refused to approve a resolution requesting “ that the
convention protest against the breaking off of trade relations between
Canada and the Union of Soviet Republics.”
A special committee appointed by the convention reported on
workmen’s compensation, making a number of recommendations
with a view to bringing about more equitable compensation for indus
trial accidents and greater uniformity in Canadian compensation
legislation.
Tom Moore, the president of the congress, and P. M. Draper, its
secretary-treasurer, were reelected by acclamation. The 1928 con
vention will meet in Toronto.
C o n fed era tio n of Labor of E cuador to H old Labor C ongress
HE national directorate of the Ecuadorian Confederation of
Labor has issued a call for a labor congress to be held at Quito
beginning October 9, 1927, according to a report from Consul
Harold D. Clum, at Guayaquil, dated August 13, 1927.
The purpose of this congress is to study and make recommenda
tions regarding laws which have been adopted and those which are
under consideration by the Government relating to the working
classes. The congress is to be composed of two delegates from each
provincial branch of the confederation.
T
M e etin g o f th e E n g lish T ra d es-U n io n C on gress, 1927
HE fifty-ninth annual meeting of the trades-union congress was
held in Edinburgh from September 5 to 10, inclusive. A
summary of its proceedings is given in the Ministry of Labor
Gazette (London) for September, 1927. There were 646 delegates in
attendance, or, present, representing 170 organizations with a member
ship of 4,163,994. This was a decrease of 201,625 from the member-
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1076 ]
E N G LISH TRADES-UNION CONGRESS
127
ship represented at the last annual meeting. The most serious
decreases were found in the trades dealing with metals, machines,
and conveyances, which had lost 78,335; in the paper and printing
trades, which showed a loss of 75,003 ; and in the railway service with
a decline of 20,983. The textile trades, building and public works
contracting, and the organizations of Government workers showed
increases in membership.
Important matters handled during the meeting were the attitude
of the congress toward the trade disputes and trade-unions act, which
had become law a few weeks earlier; the question of organization
by industry rather than by craft; the matter of unemployment; the
relation between the British trade-union movement and the Russian
movement; and a number of miscellaneous resolutions dealing with
various questions of fair wages, hours, the attitude of the Govern
ment, and the like.
On the question of the trades dispute act, the congress expressed
itself in no uncertain tones. A resolution was passed unanimously,
of which the first and the last two paragraphs are as follows:
This congress em phatically protests against th e action of th e G overnm ent in
its a tta c k upon th e labor m ovem ent by forcing th e trades disputes and tradeunions bill through th e House of Commons w ithout any attem p t a t im partial
prelim inary inquiry or m andate from th e people.
This congress hereby affirms its determ ination to m aintain in their entirety the
rights and liberties which th e p ast efforts of th e organized workers have secured,
including th e full right of com bination by all workers and th e application of th e
strike, to be used as and when and in w hat m anner m ay be found necessary,
either to secure im provem ents in th eir working conditions, to establish a rightful
status of labor in th e economic life of th e country, or to resist any attem p ts to
depress th e workers’ economic conditions.
This congress pledges itself to wmrk steadfastly for th e repeal of this iniquitous
measure, and calls upon th e working class of G reat B ritain to exercise its fullest
political power to remove from office th e present G overnm ent, which, dom inated
by organized capital and hereditary class privilege and prejudice, has so unscrupu
lously used its position to injure th e industrial and political organization of th e
workers.
Indicative of the same kind of feeling w as the official answer which
the congress made to the Prime Minister’s appeal for fuller coopera
tion between employers and workers. No other group could be more
desirous of industrial peace, it stated, than the congress, representing
the views of the workers.
I t is compelled, however, to inform Mr. Baldwin th a t th e greatest hindrance to
a response to these appeals is th e legislative and industrial policy pursued by him
and his G overnm ent, and especially th eir attacks on th e wage standards and
liberties of th e workers, th e ir action in lengthening th e m iners’ hours, an d the
deliberate class bias displayed in th e trad e disputes an d trade-unions act.
The im m ediate repeal of such repressive legislation would be th e best evidence
of th e sincerity and honesty of Mr. Baldwin and his Governm ent. Failing this,
th e congress declares th a t th e country should be given an im m ediate opportunity
of pronouncing a verdict upon th e present G overnm ent’s policy.
The question of organization by industry was decided adversely,
one of the main objections being the impossibility of fixing any pre
cise boundaries of an industry. A resolution on unemployment was
carried, deploring the inaction of the present Government, declaring
that the problem can be satisfactorily dealt with only on the lines
laid down by the labor movement, and demanding a full recognition
of the principle of wrnrk or maintenance.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1077 ]
128
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Relations with Russia were discussed at length. The Russian
labor representatives were criticized for their apparent inability to
understand the democratic basis of English trade-unionism, and for
their tendency to indulge in abuse when the British representatives
differed from them. Under the circumstances it was decided “ that
no useful purpose will be served by continuing negotiations with the
All Russian Council of Trade-Unions so long as their attitude and
policy are maintained/’ At the same time a resolution was passed
unanimously deploring the termination of the trade agreement with
Russia and the breaking off of diplomatic relations.
The action of the labor representatives on the Blanesburgh com
mittee in signing the Blanesburgh report on unemployment insurance
(see Labor Review, issue of April, 1927, p. 47) was censured in a
resolution passed by a vote of 1,836,000 to 1,419,000. The failure of
the Government to ratify the Washington hours convention was
condemned, and the general council was called upon to do its best to
secure, in the proposed new factories bill, a maximum working week
of 48 hours.
O ther resolutions dealt w ith the observance of th e fair wage clause in contracts
for public bodies; th e establishm ent of m unicipal banks; th e proposed abolition
of th e M inistry of T ransport; th e underm anning of trailers attach ed to mechani
cally propelled vehicles; th e admission of trades councils to congress; employ
m ent of blind persons; proposed deputation to In d ia to report on labor conditions;
codification of factory legislation; extension of workm en’s com pensation act;
health research; repeal of coal mines act, 1926; im provem ent of young workers’
conditions; shop hours; abolition of night baking; continuance of th e ren t act;
encouragem ent of building of houses to let; and th e am endm ent of th e theatrical
em ployers’ registration act.
B om b ay T ex tile Labor U n io n
HE Bombay textile labor union, formed in 1926, has recently
issued its first report, giving an account of its organization and
its work. This, which is the second largest textile union in
India, came into existence as a direct result of the Bombay cotton
strike of 1925. (See Labor Review for February, 1926, pp. 226228.) Previous to this there had been a few small unions in the
Bombay mills, but they had been scattered and ineffective. During
the strike period, however, the employees in general came to realize
the desirability of having one strong union catering to the needs of all
the textile unions. Also, the help which came to the strikers from
the English trade-unions and from the international movement gave
them a new idea of what strong and well-organized unions could
accomplish, and the success of the strike roused great enthusiasm and
fired the workers with the idea of a newTorganization on a sound basis .
through which they could make further progress.
The new body was formed on January 1, 1926, by the amalgamation
of nine unions already existing and in its first month enrolled 5,000
members. Since then the membership has fluctuated, reaching a
little over 9,000 at its highest point. The average membership for
the year, counting only those who paid dues, was nearly 6,000, of
whom the majority came from 15 of the 60 mills represented.
Like many of the other Indian trade associations, this is an indus
trial rather than a craft union. The mills are grouped into centers,
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1078]
BOMBAY TEXTILE LABOR UNION
12 9
each mill being attached to the center nearest it, having its own mill
committee and electing representatives to the center committee.
The functions of th e mill and center com mittees are purely advisory; they
consider questions affecting th e centers and mills concerned, th eir growth and
developm ent and th e arrangem ent for collections, th e com plaints and th e like.
B ut th eir m ain obj ect is to create interest in th e m inds of th e workers themselves
in th e work of th e union and sustain it as far as possible.
The affairs of the union as a whole are conducted by a managing
committee, which consists of representatives of the workers elected
in the ratio of one representative for each 200 members in a mill,
together with the officers of the central body. The managing com
mittee has at present a membership of 50, of which only 8, the officials,
are nonworkers.
During the first year the union directed its attention mainly to
secure redress of its members’ grievances. From 54 out of about 80
mills in Bombay the union received 260 complaints. The largest
group of complaints, numbering 66, dealt with dismissals which the
workers affected considered unjustified, the second, largest, 63, with
the holding back of wages, and the third, 37, with fines. As to the
disposition of the complaints, the union prosecuted 89 successfully,
compromised 22, and had 22 pending when the report was issued.
I t had been unsuccessful with 50, and 77 had been dropped orcanceled. I t had been most successful in regard to claims for wages
withheld, having succeeded in collecting the full amount claimed in
33 cases, while 16 cases were pending at the close of the year, and
only 3 had been lost.
The union has also taken an active part in presenting the workers’
views on two questions which the Government has under consider
ation—the prompt payment of wages, and the deductions from
wages and payments under the name of fines.
Financially, the year’s record is striking, as it shows that less than
half of the total receipts have been devoted to meeting current
expenses, the remainder, 9,222 rupees,1 having been put aside as the
nucleus of a fund from which it is hoped in the future to pay benefits.
1 Average exchange ra te of rupee in 1926=36.3 cents.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10791
LABOR TURNOVER
Labor T urnover in A m e rica n F a cto ries in F irst N in e M o n th s
of 1927
HE accompanying table shows the recent figures of labor turn
over experience among American manufacturers reporting to
the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. About 300 manufac
turers, employing about 550,000 wage earners, are now covered in
this monthly survey.
Associated with the Metropolitan are several agencies which
now carry on periodic local investigations along the general lines
established by the company. These local organizations include the
University of Michigan Bureau of Business Research, Ohio State
University Bureau of Business Research, Brown University Bureau
of Business Research, University of Denver, University of Pennsyl
vania, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Manufacturers'
Association of Bridgeport, Conn. Similar local surveys are contem
plated in Connecticut by the Connecticut Industrial Council of the
Manufacturers’ Association of Connecticut and in Illinois by the
State Bureau of Labor Statistics.
T
A V E R A G E T U R N O V E R R A T E S P E R 100 E M P L O Y E E S O N P A Y R O L L . IN M O N T H S
S P E C IF I E D , IN S E L E C T E D A M E R IC A N F A C T O R IE S
[M o n th ly rate stated on equivalent annual basis]
M o n th
V olun
T otal
Accession separation
ta ry quit
rate
rate
rate 1
1927
36.3
41. 7
43.2
47. 5
48.0
45.0
37.8
39. 6
52.6
1 A rithm etical sum of last 3 columns.
40.8
36.9
42. 5
48.3
44. 7
43.9
35. 7
36. 4
51.3
Lay-oil
rate
23.1
21.8
29.8
32.4
31.9
29. 1
24. 4
23.0
38.0
12.3
9. 6
6.4
9.7
7.6
8.0
6.0
8.5
6.0
D is
charge
rate
5.4
5. 5
6.3
6. 2
5.2
6.8
5.3
4.9
7.3
2 Prelim inary.
This table indicates that the 300 manufacturing establishments
covered by the returns took on more new employees during the month
of September than in an}^ former month during the year, the Septem
ber rate, computed on an annual basis, being 52.6 per cent. On the
other hand, the total separations were greater than for any other
month during the year, these separations being at the rate of 51.3 per
cent per year. The voluntary quit rate, which is probably pure turn
over, was the highest of any month of the year. The lay-off rate,
which is due to reduction of force, was low. The discharge rate,
which may be due to reduction of force or to turnover, was high.
These two combined—that is lay-off and discharge—were higher than
for the month of July or August, but lower than for several other
months.
130
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1080]
131
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T h e P ro b lem of Labor T urnover in H o sp ita ls 1
HE high rate of labor turnover in industry is equaled, if not
exceeded, by the labor turnover in hospitals, according to an
article in the September issue of the Modern Hospital in which
data collected from a study of 54 hospitals in Greater New York are
presented.
The 54 institutions studied had a total bed capacity of 34,810, or
an average of 645 beds each, and the number of unskilled workers
included in the study was 6,411, or an average of 120 in each hospital.
The distribution of these workers according to occupation was as
follows: Orderlies, 1,520; porters, 1,076; pantrymen, 398; kitchenmen,
643; waiters, 494; maids, 1,388; and laborers, 892.
Great variation was found between the different hospitals in the
wages paid for similar positions. The range for orderlies, who had
the highest rate of turnover, was from $35 to $55 per month with
full maintenance, with an average of $47 per month when living in the
hospital, while the rates for those living out of the institution ranged
from $60 to $75 per month. The rate of turnover among the first
group was 37 per cent per month and among the second only 12 per
cent. The lower turnover rate among those who were furnished no
maintenance other than the noon meal is considered to account for
the growing tendency to employ these workers on this basis.
The second highest turnover rate, 34 per cent per month, was found
among waiters. Their average wage was $42 per month, with main
tenance, while porters received an average wage of $47 per month and
maintenance. The rate of turnover among the latter group was 28
per cent. In institutions employing waitresses the turnover rate
was lower for this class of labor than in those employing waiters and
the rate among ward maids whose wages averaged $45 per month was
only 17 per cent.
The following figures show the annual rate of turnover in three
groups of hospitals of varying bed capacities:
T
A N N U A L R A T E O P T U R N O V E R A M O N G U N S K IL L E D L A B O R IN H O S P IT A L S “
Per cent of turnover for year in hos
pitals of—
O ccupation
150 beds
and less
300 to
400 beds
1,000 beds
or over
120
192
144
240
228
96
228
264
288
204
156
156
624
420
516
624
660
264
168
216
516
« The tu rn o v er rates which are given on a m o n th ly basis in the report have been recom puted on an annual
basis by m u ltip ly in g th e m o n th ly rate by 12.
The fact that there is more opportunity for personal supervision
by the executives in the smaller institutions and for a more personal
interest in the employees makes for a lower rate of turnover in these
establishments, it is said, than in the large hospitals.
1 M odern H ospital, Chicago, Septem ber, 1927, pp. 57-60: H ow can th e labor flux be bro u g h t to an irreducible m inim um ?, b y Jacob Goodfriend, assistant general superintendent, M ontefiore H ospital, New
York.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10811
13 2
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
The principal causes of the large number of changes in hospital
personnel were found to be the wages, unsuitable living conditions,
length of the. working-day, holidays and vacations, location of the
hospital, and unsatisfactory working conditions and food. In
addition to these definite causes for dissatisfaction many of these
employees come within the class of “ drifters” and others leave out of
sympathy for friends who have left either on account of discharge or
for other reasons.
Wages appear to be on a generally unsatisfactory basis as there does
not seem to be enough opportunity for advancement for these workers,
and the writer states that every effort should be made to work out
definite lines of promotion so that employees will realize they have
an opportunity to increase their income and advance in position.
In dealing with the question of turnover in hospitals it is not enough
to remedy conditions which make for dissatisfaction but it is also
necessary to keep out undesirable employees. Theft, either of hos
pital property or the property of patients or employees, is usually
accepted as one of the necessary hospital evils and is often traceable
to the class of employees who drift from place to place. One of the
essentials in reducing turnover^ therefore, is keeping out these
undesirables and a careful interview before employment, requiring
references from former employers, and careful record keeping help
to attain this object. Of a total of 190 employees leaving a large
hospital in the Middle West in 1923 who were questioned as to the
cause for giving up their employment, 39.5 per cent gave no reason
for leaving; 14.5 per cent left for higher wages; 14.5 per cent left
because the work was too hard; 14 per cent were shifters; 10.5 per
cent were dissatisfied with working conditions; and 6.5 per cent left
on account of marriage, sickness, or death. Of the 39.5 per cent who
gave no reason for leaving it is considered probable that a large pro
portion were shifters.
Steps to remedy the situation were taken at a recent meeting of
hospital executives, representing 45 of the leading institutions in
New York City, which was held for the special purpose of devising
ways and means of reducing the labor turnover. At this meeting
a committee was appointed to create a referehce bureau or clearing
house of the hospital help in the city. Under this plan employees
will be hired directly by the individual institutions but will be regis
tered at a central office, so that records of the services of the employees
in all the hospitals will be available. It was also proposed, at a
subsequent meeting, to establish in addition to the reference bureau
an employment agency under the direction of some recognized com
munal organization such as the United Hospital Fund of New York.
hurther evidence of the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing among
hospital workers is contained in a recent statement2 by Bird S. Coler,
commisssioner of the Department of Public Welfare of New York
City, in which the high labor turnover in the institutions in his depart
ment is ascribed to the low wages paid in the city hospitals. He
states that of the 5,200 employees in his department 2,012 are getting
$40 a month and less and that the changes in personnel are almost en
tirely among these low-paid workers. As a result, the work of the
department is said to be seriously handicapped.
3 Am erican Federation of Labor.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
W eekly News Service.
[10821
W ashington, Sept. 17. 1927.
NEGRO IN INDUSTRY
Work of th e Negro Industrial Commission of Missouri
HE fourth biennial report of the Negro Industrial Commission
of Missouri, covering the period 1925-26, which has recently
appeared, in outlining the work which is being attempted, em
phasizes especially the effort to open new avenues of employment
for the negro worker, to encourage sanitation and better living con
ditions, especially in industrial areas, and to foster interracial coopera
tion whenever and wherever practicable and helpful to all concerned.
The negro in Missouri is still employed largely in agricultural
labor, and since the migration from the more southerly States he has
played an important part in developing the cultivation of cotton to
an extent unknown before. The need for his work in this direction
is strongly felt. A single county in the southeast of the State
“ recently sent out a call for 5,000 negroes to save the cotton crop.”
A few have achieved farm ownership and become employers of labor,
but for the most part they are tenants or field hands. While their
labor is valued, their coming is not regarded as an unmixed benefit.
T
The m igration into Missouri has provided a badly needed addition to th e farm
labor supply, especially in th e southern section of th e State. I t has also intro
duced an acute racial problem ; th e p e tty jealousies between th e w hite and colored
ten an ts and laborers have been th e occasion of racial disturbances in several
sections. In this section of th e S tate there is no guaranty of p e rm a n e n c y cotton m ay prove to be too costly a crop, one or two bad seasons, a slum p in prices,
and there will be a greater return to diversified farming, and th e need for th e
negro farm er will be lessened.
Answers to a questionnaire sent out to employers of colored labor
indicated that the negro compares favorably in efficiency, regularity,
and loyalty with other workers. The turnover is somewhat larger
than among white employees, a fact which is tentatively ascribed to
poor health and poor housing conditions. In regard to wages, there
seems to be little discrimination in the larger industrial plants.
“ Often the negro is new on the job, and he is given a starting wage
and is kept at that rate until increase is justified by length of service,
more skill, and experience.”
The report contains rather full accounts of the conferences of the
State Committee on Interracial Relations, and a study, made by the
students of the Lincoln High School, of the opportunities for com
mercialized and noncommercialized recreation open to the negroes
of Kansas City, Mo.
Several recommendations are made for needed legislation, espe
cially in regard to school facilities. At present no school for negro
children may be provided in a district unless there are at least 15 to
benefit by it, an arrangement which leads to neglect of children in the
less settled regions.
The statu tes m ake no such provision for th e establishing of schools for white
children. This law should either be am ended so as to provide a school for a
smaller num ber of colored children, or should be repealed and require schools to
be established for colored children exactly in th e same m anner in which schools
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1083]
133
134
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
for w hite children are established. There is a provision in th e school law requir
ing 25 children to reside in a district before a school district m ay be organized,
b u t this includes both w hite and negro children. Suppose we m ay have 14
colored children and 11 w hite children in a district; th e district m ay be organized
and the 11 white children will be furnished a school and th e 14 colored children
will be denied a school because there are not 15 colored children, th e num ber
required by statute, yet the colored children were counted in th e organization of
the district.
The committee on education suggests, in discussing this question,
that something might be done in the way of providing itinerant
teachers to take care of the colored children where the families are
few and widely scattered.
Another recommendation is for legislation providing a sanitarium
for tuberculous negroes, for whom at present there is no refuge.
This is particularly important, as tuberculosis is prevalent among the
colored.
In Missouri the death rate from tuberculosis among negroes is approxim ately
3.9 tim es as high as am ong w hite people; of th e to ta l population of Missouri,
negroes constitute approxim ately one-nineteenth, or 5M Per cent; of all years
lost by M issourians in life expectation on account of early preventable death,
negroes, because of earlier death from tuberculosis, are responsible for approxi
m ately 40 per cent of such year loss.
Other recommendations are for the establishment of colonies for
the care of feeble-minded negroes, for whom there is as yet no pro
vision, though the State laws definitely authorize the maintenance of
cottages for them, and larger appropriations for the support of the
negro industrial commission, whose work is hampered by its inade
quate allowance.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1084]
INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
S trik es a n d L o ck o u ts in th e U n ited S ta te s in S ep tem b e r, 1927
HE figures for industrial disputes contained in this issue of the
Labor Review form the second monthly report to be given in
more detail than was feasible in the past. These reports are
made possible through the cooperation of the Conciliation Service of
the Department of Labor and other agencies.
Under the present method of presentation data are given not only
regarding the number of disputes beginning each month, but also
regarding the number in effect at the end of the month and the num
ber of workdays lost by reason of disputes during each month. The
number of workdays lost is computed by multiplying the number of
workers affected in each dispute by the length of the dispute meas
ured in working-days as normally worked by the industry or trade
in question.
Disputes involving fewer than six workers and those lasting less
than one day have been omitted. Data for August and September
are subject to revision because of the fact that reports for these
months are more or less incomplete.
The bureau is largely dependent upon newspapers and trade
journals for its initial information regarding disputes. These are
followed by questionnaires addressed to such sources as may further
supplement the bureau’s reports with reliable information. The
bureau wishes to assure all those cooperating in this wnrk of its
appreciation as well as to solicit future assistance from others con
cerned.
T
Industrial Disputes Beginning in and in Effect at End of June, July, August, and
September, 1927
'“FABLE 1 is a summary table showing for each of the months, June,
* July, August, and September, the number of disputes which
began in these months, the number in effect at the end of each month
and the number of workers involved. I t also shows, in the last column,
the economic loss (in man-days) involved. It is to be noted that
the figures given include only those disputes vdiich have been verified
by the bureau.
T a b l e 1 . — IN D U S T R IA L
D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN A N D IN E F F E C T A T E N D
J U N E , JU L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
N u m b e r of workers
involved in dis
putes
N u m b er of dis
putes
M o n th and year
Begin
n in g in
m onth
75
62
49
39
J u ly ,'1927_____________________ _____ _______
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1085]
OF
In effect
a t end of
m onth
82
62
49
44
Begin
ning in
m onth
18,585
33,763
7,774
12, 514
N um ber
of m andays lost
In effect
during
m onth
a t end of
m onth
196,047
199,087
198,582
197,101
135
4,859,468
5,307,089
4,997,507
4,959,509
136
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Industrial Disputes Beginning in and in Effect at End of July, August, and
September, 1927, by Industries
'T'ABLE 2 gives by industry the same information as that shown in
Table 1, thus offering the opportunity for rhore detailed com
parison.
T a b l e 2 — IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G I N A N D IN E F F E C T A T E N D OF JU L Y ,
A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927, B Y IN D U S T R IE S
N u m b e r of dis
putes *
In d u stry a n d m onth
Begin
ning in
m onth
Autom obiles:
J u l y .. ______________ _____________
A u g u s t... ...................
Septem ber__________
B akery trad e:
J u l y . . . __________________________
A u g u s t . . _________ ____
S e p te m b e r..___
Barbers:
J u ly ._____ __________________________
A u g u s t.._ __ . . . .
Septem ber____ _____
B uilding trades:
J u ly ___ _____________________________
A ugust—. .. . ________ _
Septem ber____________
C hauffeurs a n d team sters:
J u ly _____________________________
A ugust
Septem ber_____
Clerks:
J u ly ----------------------------------------A ugust_______
Septem ber______ _____ _ _
Clothing:
J u ly -------------------------------------------A u g u st.. .
Septem ber________ . _
Coopers:
A ug u st.. .
Septem ber____________
F arm labor:
A ugust_____________
F u rn itu re:
J u l y .. ..................
A ug u st_________
S e p te m b e r...............
1
1
100
100
900
1
1
12
12
300
1
1
16
16
16
1
1
104
30
[ 1086J
90
13
9
6
14
11
5
7,669
966
598
5,463
3, 764
2,270
1
1
3
1
200
22
8,037
200
1
1
1
J u l y . . . . .............
A ugust_________
Septem ber____ ___ _
H otels a n d restaurants:
J u ly _______________________________
A ugust_____ . . .
Septem ber______
Iron an d steel w orkers:
J u ly _____________ _________________
L aundries:
J u ly ........................... . .
L eather workers:
Septem ber_______ ____ _ _
M etal trades:
J u ly ----------------------------------------------A ugust______
Septem ber______ . . .
M ining, coal:
J u ly ---------------------------------------------A ugust________
Septem ber____. . .
M iscellaneous;
J u l y . . . _____________________________________
A ugust............... . .
Septem ber___. . . ____
1 Figures for A ugust and Septem ber are prelim inary.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
N um ber of workers
involved in disputes N u m b er
of m andays lost
Begin In effect during
In effect
ning in
m onth
a t end
a t end
of m o nth m onth of m onth
378, 547
124,960
67,370
400
2o] 481
22
23
23
575
575
575
19
11
6
12
8
6
2, 395
2, 569
532
702
806
872
45, 086
27,497
23, 623
1
1
1
20
20
20
340
500
1
50
1
3
3
970
169
328
169
399
1, 490
111 181
167
30
167
197
197
2,671
4, 925
4,925
3
1
3
3
3
4
4
1
1
1
1
150
IS
18
18
250
450
3,000
3
i
745
33
4, 293
1
1
2
1
1
16
25
39
25
25
967
1, 268
' 625
7
4
1
4
5
4
18, 477
1,015
1,100
190, 500
190,850
191, 200
4, 780, 650
4, 763, 940
4,776,300
5
]
i
50
60
960
137
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS
T able
2.—IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN A N D IN E F F E C T A T E N D O F JU L Y ,
A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927, B Y IN D U S T R IE S —C ontinued
N um ber of workers
involved in disputes N um ber
of m andays lost
Begin In effect during
In effect
m onth
ning in
a t end
a t end
of m o n th m onth of m onth
N u m b er of dis
putes
In d u s try an d m onth
Begin
ning in
m onth
M otion picture a n d theatrical workers:
J u ly _____________ ___________________________
A u g u st,.- ______________ ______ ____ ____ ____
Septem ber............. .......... .................................. ..........
M unicipal employees:
J u ly ____________ ____ _______________________
A ugust.. ___________________ _____________
Septem ber___________________________________
Oil and chemicals:
A ugust___ _______ ___________________________
3
2
9
1
3
1
5
109
608
747
121
600
654
1,794
3, 923
9; 884
1
1
1
30
350
350
350
8, 930
8, 750
8^ 750
1
1
Pottery:
7
48
1
P rin tin g and publishing:
J u l y .. ..........................................................................
3
80
9
5
799
740
740
19,495
19,127
18j 500
1
1
140
140
256
1,540
1
1
1
1
30
6
6
6
150
270
150
1
1
42
75
1
1
60
60
2,589
1, 125
1, 200
Slaughtering and m eat packing:
J u l y ___________________ ______________ _____
Stone:
J u l y .. ___________ __________________ ____ ____
Telephone a n d telegraph:
J u ly ............... ................................... ...............................
1
Textile:
640
52
5
R ubber:
J u ly ________________________________________
84
576
2
9
2
6
5
2
23
110
2,029
77
485 '
998
82
575
529
13,660
32,495
7, 590
Industrial Disputes Beginning in September, 1927, by Classified Number of
Workers and by Industries
'“FABLE 3 gives the number of industrial disputes beginning in
* September, classified by number of workers and by industries:
T
able
3 —N U M B E R O F IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN S E P T E M B E R , 1927,
B Y C L A S S IF IE D N U M B E R O F W O R K E R S A N D B Y IN D U S T R IE S
N um ber of disputes beginning in Septem ber, 1927, involving—
In d u stry
Autom obile, carriage, and wagon workers
6 and
under
20
workers
20 and
under
100
workers
1
1
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
500 and
under
1,000
workers
1,000 and
5,000
under
workers
5,000
and
over
workers
1
1
M otion-picture a n d th eatrical w orkers-----
100 and
under
500
workers
1
3
1
2
2
1
4
3
1
1
I
1
1
9
17
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
[1087 ]
9
1
2
1
138
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Industrial Disputes Ending in September, 1927, by Industries and Classified
Duration
JN Table 4 are shown the number of industrial disputes ending in
A September, by industries and classified duration:
T able 4 —N U M B E R O F IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S E N D IN G IN S E P T E M B E R , 1927, B Y
IN D U S T R IE S A N D C L A S S IF IE D D U R A T IO N
Classified duration of strikes ending in September, 1927
In d u stry
______ ________
B arbers___ _______
B uilding tra d e s__
_______ ____ __
Chauffeurs a n d team sters. . ___ _________
C lo th in g ______________________________
F urn itu re-- _ .______ ______
_____
Leather w orkers. . - _______ _________
M ining, coal_______ _________
_____
M otion-picture a n d th eatrical w orkers___
Oil a n d chem ical w orkers_______________
T e x tile ________ _ ________
M iscellaneous.._________ ___________ . . .
T o ta l__________________________ _
One-half
m o n th
or less
Over one- 1 m onth
half and a n d less
less th a n th a n 2
1 m o n th m onths
1
4
3
5
1
2
2
5
1
2
1
27
2
2
2
2
2 m onths 3 m onths 4 m onths
a n d less a nd less an d less
th a n 3
th a n 4
th a n 6
m onths m onths m onths
1
1
2
2
8
3
1
1
2
1
4
Principal Strikes and Lockouts Beginning in September, 1927
'"TEAMSTERS and truckmen, New York.—Approximately 6,000
1 teamsters and truckmen in New York City went out on strike
September 7 to enforce their demands for a wage of $45 per week
instead of $40, $1.20 per hour for overtime instead of $1, and a work
ing-day of 8 hours instead of 9. The strike was called by Locals Nos.
282 and 807 of thelnternationalBrotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs,
Stablemen, and Helpers of America. This strike affected general
trucking of merchandise throughout the city and partially tied up
shipping, warehouses, etc.
The Merchant Truckmen’s Bureau of New York, with some 600
members, was the principal employing organization involved. The
old agreement expired September 1 and the strike followed several
weeks of unsuccessful negotiation.
Freight congestion was not admitted to be serious by the railroads,
except in the case of the Long Island Railroad, which declared an
embargo on freight delivered at Pier 22, East River, and shipments
ordinarily made via that pier were rerouted by way of the Flatbush
Avenue station in Brooklyn. Other terminals of this railroad, it is
understood, were not seriously affected.
The return of the truckmen employed by the United States Truck
ing Corporation, one of the largest employing companies, was an
nounced on September 10, the company having reached an agreement
with its men on the night preceding, whereby it conceded a wage in
crease of $5 per week, with the propositions regarding the increase in
overtime pay and a reduction of the regular working hours held in
abeyance for further consideration. This announcement of a settle
ment with the United States Trucking Corporation was soon followed
by another to the effect that all the trucking companies had come to
a verbal agreement with the strikers, subject to ratification. Under
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1088]
STBIKES AND LOCKOUTS
139
the terms of the settlement the men are to receive a wage increase of
$5 per week, but agree to the retention of the 9-hour day, with no
increase in overtime pay. The strike was officially settled by signed
agreement on the afternoon of September 15, and is retroactive, it is
understood, to September 1. Some of the men returned to work on
September 10 and some on September 12, by which date most of
them had resumed work and the strike was practically over.
Teamsters and chauffeurs, New York.—A strike of about 2,000 driv
ers, loaders, helpers, and assorters engaged in hauling and handling
fruit and vegetables in New York City began at 4 o’clock in the after
noon of September 15, after conferences had failed to establish a peace
ful settlement of differences with employers. Itw as called by Local No.
202 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stable
men, and Helpers of America. The drivers were employed by the
Market Truckmen’s Association, representing the boss truckmen.
Other interested groups were the Fruit and Produce Trade Associa
tion, United Fruit Buyers’ Association, and the Fresh Fruit and Vege
table Trade Association. The drivers or truckmen, numbering about
1,000, demanded a wage increase of $7 per week. No demands were
submitted by the other workers, who expected to get a pro rata in
crease in case the drivers were successful. A settlement was reached
in the afternoon of September 16, about 26 hours after the strike
began, allowing the drivers an increase of $5 per week from $40 per
week, as in the case of the strike of 6,000 teamsters and chauffeurs
which began on September 7. The other workers, it is understood,
received wage increases, but the amount is not reported. Earlier in
the day the Market Truckmen’s Association had agreed to pay the
increase, but there was a hitch in the settlement when the boss
truckmen demanded that the produce dealers agree to any rate
adjustment necessitated by this increase.
Principal Strikes and Lockouts Continuing into September, 1927
IDITUMINOUS coal strike.—The major suspension of April 1
continues only in part. In addition to the settlements in Illinois
and Iowa, heretofore reported, settlements have been made in Indiana
and in the southwestern district, embracing Kansas, Missouri,
Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
The agreement in Indiana was reached on the night of October 7,
and is similar to the Illinois arrangement.
The agreement for the southwestern district was reached on
October 6, and virtually continues to March 31, 1928, according to
reports, the same wage scale that was in effect before the suspension
of April 1 began. It was stated, however, that the operators in
Arkansas and Oklahoma had withdrawn from the Southwestern
Interstate Operators’ Association, and to what extent they will be
governed by the agreement is unknown.
These settlements leave only the miners of Ohio and Western
Pennsylvania still on strike as a part of the major suspension of
April 1, 1927. The big bituminous coal strike is therefore more than
50 per cent settled.
The text of the agreement, as reported in the United Mine Workers’
Journal, between the Coal Operators’ Association of Illinois and the
United Mine Workers of America, district 12, continuing temporarily
68404°—27----- 10
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1089]
140
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
the Jacksonville scale pending an investigation of wages and working
conditions in the coal-mining industry by a commission of operators
and miners, follows:
This agreement, m ade this first day of October, 1926, between D istrict No. 12,
U nited Mine Workers of America, parties of th e first p art, and th e Coal Oper
ato rs’ Association of Illinois, parties of the second part, covering wages and work
ing conditions of em ploym ent a t th e coal mines of Illinois, witnesseth:
1. T he question of m aking a wage contract effective April 1, 1928, and all
m atters relating thereto, is referred to a joint wage commission composed of the
president and vice president of th e Coal O perators’ Association of Illinois, and th e
president and vice president of district 12, U nited Mine W orkers of America.
2. Said joint wage commission shall w ith all diligence apply itself to such task
and examine into, consider and report on th e dem ands, claims and contentions
of th e operators and mine w orkers w ithout prejudice or restriction. The com
mission shall report in w riting its findings and recommendations to a joint scale
meeting of th e parties hereto, to be held in Chicago, F ebruary 7, 1928, and its
report shall become th e basis for th e ensuing wage agreement.
3. T he commission will form ulate its own rules and m ethods of procedure arid
will organize its work prom ptly and hold frequent meetings. To facilitate agreementjs on disputed points th e commission m ay enlarge its num ber to five, in
which case a m ajority vote shall be binding.
4. W ork shall be resumed a t once, th e wages, conditions and rules of employ
m en t existing M arch 31, 1927, being extended to April 1, 1928.
5. I t is desirable to have an early arrangem ent covering th e operation of
machinery an d devices for loading coal. The commission is requested to give
th is m a tte r its prom pt atten tio n and is authorized to form ulate a tem porary
basis for th e operation of such machines to be in effect from N ovem ber 1, 1927,
to M arch 31, 1928.
The investigating commission will be Rice Miller and Herman
C. Perry, both of Hillsboro, 111., president and vice president,
respectively, of the Coal Operators’ Association of Illinois, and
Harry Fishwick and State Senator William Sneed, president and
vice president, respectively, of district 12, United Mine Workers of
America.
Conciliation Work of the Department of Labor in September,
1927
By H u g h L. K e r w i n , D ir e c t o r
of
C o n c il ia t io n
HE Secretary of Labor, through the Conciliation Service, exer
cised his good offices in connection with 27 labor disputes
during September, 1927. These disputes affected a known
total of 9,774 employees. The table following shows the name and
location of the establishment or industry in which the dispute oc
curred, the nature of the dispute (whether strike or lockout or con
troversy not having reached the strike or lockout stage), the craft or
trade concerned, the cause of the dispute, its present status, the terms
of settlement, the date of beginning and ending, and the number of
workers directly and indirectly involved.
On October 1, 1927, there were 41 strikes before the department for
settlement, and, in addition, 6 controversies which had not reached
the strike stage. The total number of cases pending was 47.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10901
L A B O R D IS P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S D E P A R T M E N T O F L A B O R T H R O U G H IT S C O N C IL IA T IO N S E R V IC E , S E P T E M B E R , 1927
D uration
C om pany or in d u stry and location
N a tu re of
controversy
Craftsm en concerned
Cause of dispute
Present s tatu s and term s of settlem en t
Chrisedge T heater Co., Elizabeth,
N. J.
T heater w orkers___
1927
P e n d in g ...................................................... . Sept. 9
increase.
(i)................................................ ........ do ......... .................................................
(i)
Controversy. Truck owners______
tion, N ew Y ork C ity.
Potruch Construction Co., Allentow n, P a.
[1091]
Mass.
Bag and suitcase m akers, Phila- ........ do...........
delphia, Pa.
Lyric T heater, Oil C ity, P a.......... .
increase to shippers.
Building crafts___ _ N onunion iron w orkers___
D riv ers___________
A sked 8-hour dav; $40 to $45
per week; overtime.
L eather w orkers___ Asked 44-hour week; 20 per
cent increase.
M u sic ia n s......... ....... Wages and num ber of men
in orchestra.
Sept. 3
b y tru c k owners.
A djusted. Agreed to replace nonunion Aug. 30
w ith union iron workers.
out change.
A djusted. Allowed $5 per week increase. N o change in hours.
175
(!)
Sept. 12
0)
Sept. 9
53
7
Aug. 26
Sept. 6
100
85
6
Sept. 7
Sept. 10
6,000
300
300
8
5
orchestra; $2.50 increase for players;
$5 increase for leader.
____d o __
___do___ __ d o ___
P en d in g ..................................................... Aug. 24
6
300
3
Sept. 8
5
5
Sept. 12
25
Sept. 22
Sept. 10
loom system .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1927
d i
D ire c t In
re c t
ly
ly
Oct. 10
pending.
Venango T heater, Oil C ity, P a ___ ____d o ........... ____d o _____________ __ d o __
Franc-Srohmenger & Cowan (Inc.),
New Y ork C ity.
T heater w orkers___
M otion p ictu re an d vaudeville theaters, D ecatur, 111.
fected.
Neckw ear w orkers.
and N ew H aven, Conn.
New H aven, Conn.
B oldt C onstruction Co., New Cas- ____do _____ Hoisting engineers. . W orkers asked railroad fare A djusted. R eturned; railroad fare not
to and from work.
allowed.
tie, Pa.
Sm ith & B rennen, contractors, New C ontroversy Carpenters and sheet- Jurisdiction of metal w o r k .. A djusted. M etal workers to do corm etal workers.
Castle, Pa.
nice work; rem ainder equally divided
betw een m etal w orkers and carpenters.
B uilding crafts_____
tion Co., N ew Castle, Pa.
dows finished b v m etal w orkers.
• N o t reported.
E nding
Sept. 1
Sept. 14
15
5
Sept. 12 . . . d o ___
30
25
Sept. 8
C1)
Sept. 16
30
15
Sept. 8
Sept. 22
44
716
CONCILIATION WORK OF T H E DEPARTMENT
Begin
ning
B uilding w reckers, Boston, M ass. .
W orkers in
volved
L A B O R D IS P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S D E P A R T M E N T O F L A B O R T H R O U G H IT S C O N C IL IA T IO N S E R V IC E , S E P T E M B E R ,
1927—C ontinued
-
___________________________________________________________________________
D uration
Com pany or industry and location
N atu re of
controversy
Craftsm en concerned
Cause of dispute
T o ta l______________ _______
1 N o t reported.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Paving-stone cutters. W age scale_______ .’______ _ P e n d in g ____________ ______________
1927
Sept. 15
T ru ck drivers and
handlers.
Sept. 16
W ages______ ______ _______ ____d o ............................ ....... .......................
B uilding crafts_____ Wages cut from $1.25 per ____d o ............. ........................
hour to $ l.
____d o _____ ____d o _____ ____
. . ..d o ______
S trik e_____ ____d o _____________ N onunion engineers and A djusted. Agreed to use all union
cem ent finishers.
workers on this job.
____d o _____ O perators_________ Sym pathy w ith stage hands. P e n d in g .........................................
(9
Sept. 3
____d o ________ ______________ _
A djusted. R eturned w ith o u t in- Sept. 19
crease; conditions im proved.
Pending. Conferences adjourned w ith Sept. 29
o u t settlem ent.
A djusted. Settled w hen musicians Sept. 28
strike was adjusted.
'Threatened
strike.
1927
100
37
0)
Sept. 20
Sept. 21
........d o ........... Stage h a n d s______
____d o _____
In d i
E nding D irect rect
ly
ly
0)
____d o ...........
A sked 30 weeks’work in year
and 1 d ay oil in 7.
R ubber-shoem akers. Asked 5 to 15 per cent wage
increase.
M u sician s_________ Wages and num ber of players
employed.
Stage h an d s and S ym pathy w ith m u sic ia n s..
operators.
W orkers in
volved
0)
250
450
Sept. 17
150
Sept. 30
Oct. 10
200
75
125
110
8
8,496
1, 278
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
[1092]
M cG rath Co., Colum bus, 0 ______
Victor Sm ith, contractor, on County C hildren’s H om e, D ayton, 0.
M otion picture operators, St. P au l
and M inneapolis, M inn.
Stage hands, picture theaters, St.
P au l and M inneapolis, M inn.
Phillips-Baker R u b b er Co., Providenee, R . I.
K eith and Leow theaters, Columbus, 0 .
Stage hands, Oil C ity, P a ________
to
Present statu s and term s of settlem ent
Begin
ning
Union Paving Co., P hiladelphia, Strike^____
Pa.
R u b el Coal & Ice Co. and Com- ........d o _____
m onw ealth Fuel Co. (Inc.),
Jamaica, N . Y .
H eck Co., Colum bus, 0._....... ......... L o ck o u t___
I—<■
^
143
CONCILIATION MACHINERY FOR RAILWAY SHOPM EN
S trik es an d L ock ou ts in D en m ark , 1920 to 1926
HE following figures on strikes and lockouts in Denmark from
1920 to 1926, inclusive, are taken from the Statistical Annual
of that country, published in 1927:
T
S T R IK E S A N D L O C K O U T S IN D E N M A R K , 1920 TO 1926
Y ear
1920 i ................................................................. ..
192)_______________ ____ _______ ____ _
1922______ _____ ____ ___________________
1923___________________ ____ ______ _____
1924................ ............... ......................................
1925.......................................................................
1926......................................................... .............
N u m b er
of strikes
and
lockouts
243
)10
31
58
71
48
32
N u m b er of workers
involved in—
Strikes
19,129
13,356
640
1,941
8,993
35,477
975
Lockouts
N um ber
of days
lost (000
om itted)
2,836
34, 791
48,219
765
66,854
75
Cases
where S tate
conciliator
acted as
m ediator
690
1,321
2,272
20
175
4,138
23
24
20
6
5
13
18
3
1 T he figures presented for this year do not include the general strike of April, 1920.
E n g lish C o n c ilia tio n M ach in ery for R ailw ay S h o p m e n
N AUGUST 15, 1927, an agreement was signed between the
railway companies of England and the trade-unions which
include in their membership employees in the railway shops,
establishing machinery for dealing with questions of wages, hours,
and working conditions of male workers in the shops. A summary
of the terms agreed upon is given in the Ministry of Labor Gazette
(London) for September, 1927.
The agreement provides that in any shop where not fewer than 75
workers are employed a shop committee may be set up, consisting of
representatives of the workers and the employers in equal numbers.
Shops employing fewer than 75 workers may be grouped for this
purpose. At any place where, in the same department, there is more
than one shop committee, a works committee is to be established.
A third type of body, a line committee, is also to be established for
each department, “ for the purpose of dealing with matters affecting
detached bodies of workers in the same department at centers where
the number of employees is not large enough to enable a shop com
mittee to be formed.” The plan of procedure after the establish
ment of these bodies is thus described:
O
Any employee or group of employees desiring to raise a question w ithin the
scope of th e scheme m ay m ake representations in the first place to th e foreman
of the shop. If th e answer is not satisfactory reference is to be m ade to th e shop
com mittee, or if there is no such com m ittee, th e question m ay be discussed w ith
the local m anagem ent. M atters not settled by a shop com m ittee m ay be referred
to th e works com m ittee, or discussed between th e district staff officer of the
trade-union and th e local m anagem ent, or referred by th e shop com m ittee to the
head of th e departm ent. At places where there is no shop com m ittee th e question
may be referred to th e line committee. If th e employees in tw o or more shops
desire to raise a general question the m a tte r is referred to th e local managem ent,
and failing satisfaction, to th e works com mittee. Employees a t different centers
where there are no shop or works com m ittees wishing to raise a question collec
tively are to refer in th e first place to th e head of th e departm ent, and failing
satisfaction, to th e line com mittee. M atters which are no t settled by th e works or
line com m ittees m ay be discussed between the district staff officer of the union
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[10931
144
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
and th e local m anagem ent, or between headquarters officials and th e general
m anager of the com pany. If the trade-unions wish to raise a question of a national
character they are to take up th e m a tte r w ith th e general managers, and a national
railway shopm en’s council is to be established to deal w ith such m atters. Any
questions which th e com pany or companies m ay wish to raise are to be referred
to th e employees’ secretary of th e appropriate com m ittee or of th e national
council. Provision is m ade for th e expediting of cases referred to th e new bodies,
and also th a t, where th e parties concerned desire to subm it a question to arb itra
tion, th e reference is to be to th e industrial court. No w ithdraw al of labor or
■unauthorized action is to be taken pending negotiations on th e lines set out in
th e agreement.
Labor Agreement Averts Shutdown in Mexico 1
N JULY 21, 1927, 1,500 workers entered into an agreement
with the Mazapil Copper Co., a British corporation operating
in Mexico, by which they consented to wage cuts averaging
about 123^ per cent in order to avert a shutdown which was to have
taken place on September 1, 1927, because of the losses sustained by
the company as a result of high wages and taxes.
Among the outstanding provisions of the agreement are the follow
ing: Only wages of more than 1 peso2 per day will be affected; cuts
will be in proportion to the wages earned, higher wages being reduced
by a greater percentage; the agreement will be binding until the price
of copper reaches 14 cents (United States currency) a pound and
that of lead 25 pounds sterling per English ton, at which time the
company is obligated to resume its present wage scale; wage cuts are
to become effective August 1, 1927, but no workers are to be dis
missed.
The agreement provides also for the creation of a committee on
subsistence, to be composed of representatives of the workers, the mer
chants, and the State and municipal governments, whose duty it
shall be to reduce the cost of living in the mining region for the period
during which wages are reduced.
O
1 R eport from the A merican consul, T hom as S. H orn, a t Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, dated Aug. 2,1927.
2 Average exchange rate of peso for year 1926= 48.31 cents.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 0 9 4 ]
145
HOUKLY EARNINGS IN CONNECTICUT
WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR
Hourly Earnings of Employees in Railroad Freight Service, from
1924 to 1927
I
N ITS publication “ Wage Statistics” for June 1927, the Interstate
Commerce Commission gives the following data regarding the
straight-time hourly earnings of train and engine employees in
the freight service of Class I railroads for the month of June, in each
of the years 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1927.
A V E R A G E S T R A IG H T -T IM E H O U R L Y E A R N IN G S O F E M P L O Y E E S IN T H R O U G H A N D
L O C A L F R E I G H T S E R V IC E O F CLASS I R A IL W A Y S IN JU N E , 1924, 1925, 1926, A N D 1927
Freight conductors
Freight brakem en
and flagmen
Freight engineers
Freight firemen
and helpers
M o n th of June—
and T hrough Local and T hrough Local and Through Local and
Through Local
w ay
w ay
w ay
w ay
U n ite d S tates
C ents
77.9
78.4
78. 1
81.2
1924________________
1925_____________ —
1926________________
1927 ..._____________
C ents
83.6
84.2
84.0
87.3
C ents
C ents
65.9
66.6
66.6
69.4
61.5
61.9
61.8
64.2
C ents
93.1
95.5
95.6
95.7
C ents
C ents
C en ts
95.4
97.9
98.4
98.3
69.8
72.2
72.2
75.0
71.0
73.5
74.2
76.1
98.1
98.9
99.4
99.1
71.2
71.9
72.2
77.2
73.7
74.5
75.0
79.3
95.4
96.8
98. 7
97.3
71.7
73.0
72.5
74 8
70.8
72.2
74.5
75.0
92.2
97.2
97.0
97.7
67.1
72.0
72.0
72. 1
68.1
72.9
73.3
73.2
E a s te r n d istric t
77.5
78.1
77.9
83.2
1924________________
1925............................ .
1926________________
1927________________
83.5
83. 6
83.4
88.8
65.2
65.7
65.7
70.3
61. 1
61.0
61.1
65.2
94.2
95. 1
95.4
95.6
S o u th e rn d istrict
77.9
77.8
77.6
82.2
1924________________
1925________________
1926________________
1927..............................
83.0
83.6
83.5
88.9
61.2
61.4
61.2
64.7
64.8
65.4
65.5
69.7
96. 1
97.2
96.8
96.6
W e ste rn d istric t
1924...............................
1925...............................
1926________________
1927________________
78.3
79.2
78.6
78.4
84.1
85. 1
84.9
85.0
62.2
63.2
62.8
62.9
67.4
68.3
68.2
68.3
90.2
95.1
95.3
95.4
H ourly Earnings in C o n n e c tic u t, 1926
CTUAL hourly earnings in certain occupations in Connecticut
are published as follows in the biennial report of the depart
ment of labor and factory inspection of that State for the
period ending June 30, 1926.
A
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1095]
14 6
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
S T A R T IN G R A T E S A N D A C T U A L H O U R L Y E A R N IN G S IN T H E L E A D IN G IN D U S T R IA L
P L A N T S O F C O N N E C T IC U T , N O V E M B E R 1, 1926
O ccupation
ctual
S ta rt A
hourly
ing
earn
rate
ings
Occupation
M a le s —C ontinued
M a le s
Assemblers, bench, first grade.
Assemblers, m achine tool, second
grade___________ ____ ________ _
A utom atic screw ................ .................
B lacksm iths, first g ra d e ...................
Blacksm iths, second g rad e...............
B lacksm iths’ h e lp e rs.........................
Boring m ill, “ 36” an d u n d e r...........
Boring m ill, “ 36” an d o v er..............
Buffers, first grade w o rk................. .
Buffers, second grade w o rk ..............
C arpenters.............................................
C arpenters’ helpers.............................
C hippers.......... .................................... .
Core m akers______________ ____ ...
Designers, tool a n d m a c h in e...........
D ie m akers, first grade w o rk ______
D ie m akers, second grade w o rk ___
D ie sinkers, h a n d .. .. ____________
D ie sinkers, h an d an d m achine___
D ie sinkers, first g rad e................ ......
D ie sinkers, second grade_________
D rill press, m u ltip le spindle, first
grade________________ _____ ____
D rill press, o rd in ary w o rk ___ _____
D rop forgers, first grade.....................
D rop forgers, second grade................
E lectricians........... ...............................
E lectricians’ helpers_____________ _
Firem en..................................................
Foot press_______________________
G rinders, surface, first grade______
Grinders, surface, second g rad e____
Grinders, universal, first grade____
Grinders, universal, second g ra d e ...
H and screw m achine............ .
H ardeners, first grade...............
H ardeners, second grade_____
H elpers, fo undry___________
Inspecting, exacting w o rk .......
Inspecting, ord in ary w o rk ___
L athe hands, u n d er “ 24,” first grade
L athe hands, u n d e r “ 24,” second
grade________ _____ ___ ____ ___
L athe hands, “ 24” to “ 36” _______
M achinists, first grade______ _____
M achinists, second grade______I . . .
M illing, “ h a n d ” . .................................
M illing, universal, first grade______
M illing, universal, second grade___
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ctual
S ta rt A
ing hourly
earn
rate
ings
$0. 435
.40
.60
$0. 57
. 54
.71
.55
.55
.'715
.55
. 465
.65
.70
.585
.465
.55
.44
.45
.70
.82
.755
.68
.65
.72
.78
.705
.60
.65
.75
.60
.50
.70
.85
.69
.50
.70
.50
.50
.73
1. 00
.805
.705
1. 05
.98
.905
.83
.46
.44
.72
. 68
. 50
.435
.46
.43
. 525
.46
.60
.55
.45
.60
.45
.45
.50
.45
.56
.60
.525
.885
.86
.705
.535
. 55
.475
.60
.58
.70
.65
.60
.70
.65
. 55
.65
.55
.65
! 65
. 70
! 55
t 45
.55
.45
.65
.55
625
M illw rig h ts............. ............................. .to. 60
M illw rights’ h e lp e rs............................ .47
M olders, b e n c h .................. .................. .40
M olders, ex. bench, m achine............. .60
M olders, first class, flo o r..................
. 70
M olders, floor, m achine_____ ____
. 50
. 70
M olders, iron, m achine...................... .60
M olders, iron, floor........ ...................... .69
M olders, saueezers. ........................... .63
P a tte rn m akers, m e ta l.................... ..
.75
P a tte rn makers, w ood____________
.75
Planer h ands, “ 36” u n d e r, first
grade...... .................................... ......... .60
Planer h ands, “ 36” under, second
g ra d e ................................................... .55
Planer h ands, above “ 36,” first
g r a d e _________________________
.70
Planer h ands, ab o ve “ 36,” second
grade______ ________ ___________
.65
Polishers, first g r a d e _____________
.56
Polishers, second g rade....................... .40
Pow er press, l a r g e _____ __________ .45
Pow er press, s m a l l ........................ .
.405
Scrapers, m achine tool, first g rade. _ .55
Scrapers, m achine tool, second grade
.41
Shapers, first grade...... .................... .
.65
Shapers, second g ra d e ......................... .60
Sheet-m etal w orkers........................... . .56
Sheet-metal helpers........................ .
.40
Shop helpers........................................... .415
Snaggers______________________ . .
T ap p in g an d counterboring, first
grade____________ ________ . . .40
T apping an d counterboring, second
grade____________ . . . ___ _
.385
Tool m akers, first grade w ork. ___ .60
Tool makers, second grade w o rk ___ .55
Tool setters, a d ju s te rs ._____ ______ .60
T u rre t lathe, high grade w ork . . . . .60
T u rre t lathe, ord in ary w ork _____ _ . 545
W a tc h m e n ............................. ..............
.38
<fr, 70
.525
.50
.85
. 95
. 80
on
.65
.875
.89
.80
.80
.70
.65
.75
.70
.715
.61
.55
. 50
.66
.55
.75
.65
.60
.48
.45
. 50
.595
.58
.85
.69
.65
.65
.60
.45
F e m a le s
Bench w o rk_____________ ______ .
D rill p ress.____ _____ ____ ________
Foot press_____________ _____ ____
Inspecting_____________________
Packing room _________ _
Pow er press...........................................
[1096]
.275
.33
.28
.285
.275
.27
.38
.40
.41
.355
.32
.41
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
147
Wages in Tennessee, 1926
HE wage statistics here presented are taken from the fourth
annual report of the Department of Labor of Tennessee for
the year 1926 :
T
A V E R A G E W E E K L Y W A G E S O F M A L E A N D F E M A L E E M P L O Y E E S IN T E N N E S S E E
IN D U S T R IE S IN 1926
N um
ber of
establishm ents
In d u stry
&
M anufactures:
Printing, engraving, and lithographing___________
Woolen mills an d woolen ex tracts_________ _____
R etail establishm ents:
Unclassified.........- ..................- ____ ________________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
L1097]
N u m ber of
employees
M ale
Fem ale
6
36
6
3
54
19
25
2
17
16
1
13
63
64
22
26
3
21
1
53
24
4
36
9
3
4
4
12
9
53
17
90
147
18
30
1
2
9
4
21
1
72
13
3
6
15
2
11
49
4
26
26
10
28
435
906
238
671
637
1,315
1,679
20
517
869
10
351
1,840
5; 438
2,253
270
43
378
8
973
2,896
799
2,427
429
120
185
86
1,759
267
917
258
2,703
8,903
1,609
1,369
23
203
122
334
274
93
1,164
366
71
2,221
460
164
635
571
51
1,056
395
562
531
587
513
5
411
22
303
43
1
616
127
10
1,638
4, 662
9,125
88
13
2
31
2
63
39
3
28
4
2
1
1
5
3
1
13
232
1,430
25
128
43
20
2
6
3
4
6
W eekly wages
M ale
Fem ale
$10.38
10. 36
24. 75
13. 77
20. 55
12.88
12.14
30.00
13. 67
12. 72
14. 30
12.73
12.71
14. 44
13. 31
9.23
25. 00
17. 98
68
27
4
428
30
14
21
627
61
32
43
25
70
737
85
58
4
29
21
10
550
17
562
11
3
2,027
186
3
19
1,814
10
39
12
581
231
$19. 72
24.46
24. 60
23.30
20.34
19. 20
18. 24
18.00
22.34
20.48
10. 80
23. 22
15. 46
19. 68
16. 66
17. 96
37. 25
21. 28
11. 75
19. 49
22. 63
19.03
19. 74
27. 26
19. 02
22.39
19. 51
24.13
22.86
20. 67
22. 81
19. 81
18. 77
25. 31
24. 67
18. 74
19.29
24.12
20.12
24.12
21.29
30. 46
30. 70
20.80
16. 43
25. 77
25. 30
20.32
26.83
24.96
20. 76
23. 61
17.80
22.93
7
443
3,107
8
703
10
4
6
1
16
18
3
30. 38
24.50
26.86
12.76
16.63
22.14
23.86
30.00
18.60
11.67
16.25
25.00
15.57
16.89
15. 61
12. 00
9. 59
17.10
21.50
22.50
13.00
16.13
16.80
38.00
20.59
25.05
26.25
12.75
14.84
28.33
11.84
15.86
24. 75
17. 42
16.02
17.67
20.71
13.40
18.83
18.09
15.00
18.07
19.84
20. 44
14. 86
14.47
16.42
18.90
18.00
13. 74
15. 29
28. 33
16. 63
17. 44
15. 80
25. 59
21.08
12.57
11.84
148
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
A V E R A G E W E E K L Y W A G E S O F M A L E A N D F E M A L E E M P L O Y E E S IN T E N N E S S E E
IN D U S T R IE S IN 1926—C o n tinued
N um
ber of
estab
lish
ments
In d u stry
Wholesale establishm ents:
D ruggists__________________________ _____ _____ _
H ard w are_____________ _ . . . . _______ . . .
L um ber pro d u cts__________ ____________ . . .
P roduce.................................................................................
Shops:
Cleaning and dyeing__ _____ _____ ________ .
Electrical rep air_____ ____ ____________ __ _____
M achine_______ ______ _____ _________ _ _
P lu m b in g __________ _____________ ___________
Stam ping a n d enam eling__________________ ____
Street railw ay car_________ . . . . ________________
T ailo r____ ________________ _
________
U nclassified_________________ ____ ______________
N o t otherw ise specified:
A uto sales and garage __________________________
B uilders’ supplies_______________________________
C ontractors__ _______________ ___________ _____
D airies (cream eries)_____________________________
Express, transfer, and storage____________ _____
H otels a n d restaurants _________________________
L au n d ries_______________________
___________
L ivery a n d ta x i_________________________________
N ew spapers a n d periodicals______ ____ ________ __
Office buildings a n d b an k s_____ _________ _____ _
Packing houses, refineries, and cold storage_______
P icture shows a n d th eaters_________ _____ _______
Unclassified........ ......................... ....... ...............................
N u m b er of
employees
M ale
W eekly wages
Fem ale
M ale
Fem ale
1
1
2
2
17
8
82
23
6
1
5
20
$25.06
30.00
21.10
28.08
$18.33
10.00
28.60
12.85
44
3
29
2
1
4
1
13
333
2»
489
48
178
406
4
134
255
1
13
9
26
15
2
17
23. 62
23.00
21.95
23.40
21.36
27.65
40.00
19.53
14.86
25.00
19.89
18.00
18.46
22.87
18.00
9. 47
53
9
3
20
8
30
70
1
7
2
32
22
12
1,626
190
316
167
325
254
926
40
341
39
1, 364
279
130
96
9
1
28
100
302
2, 339
32.32
23. 76
18. 43
22.50
23. 32
24.86
21.67
17 40
40.61
19.14
20.86
37.38
18.83
25. 86
21.00
25.00
11.39
25. 86
9.89
9.77
28
20
376
103
225
20.50
9.00
10.12
9.92
9.11
W age In creases for R ailw ay E m p loyees in B ah ia, B razil
COMMUNICATION from the American consul, Howard
Donovan, at Bahia, Brazil, dated July 20, 1927, states that
the employees of the Bahia State South Western Railway are
to receive wage increases in accordance with the provisions of decree
No. 5041 of July 11, 1927, published in the Diario Oficial of July 13,
1927.
The following statement taken from this report gives the average
per cent of increase the 1927 wages are over those paid in 1923 and
1925 in the various departments:
A
Per cent of
increase
D ep artm en t
since 1923
A dm inistration___________
Office____________________
Traffic___________________
Locom otion______________
M aintenance of w ay______
T o ta l__________________
80
32
57
85
82
72
Per cent of
increase
since 1925
24
25
32
28
35
31
W ages of E n g lish Coal M in ers
HE agreements by which the coal-mining stoppage of 1926 was
ended provided that for a transition period wages were to consist
of a basis rate plus a specified percentage, and that thereafter the
proceeds of the industry were to be determined periodically and di
vided in a fixed ratio between wages and profits. A definite minimum
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 0 9 8 ]
149
W A G E S O F M E X IC A N R A IL W A Y W O R K E R S
percentage on basis rates was fixed below which wages must not fall,
but if the payment of this minimum cut into the proportion allowed
for profits, it became a charge upon future wages; should the industry
later oil become more prosperous, the deficit in profits would have to
be made up before wages could rise above the minimum. The tran
sition period, which was longest for Nottingham and Derbyshire,
has now ended throughout the coal fields, and in every district wages
have sunk to the minimum. In nearly all cases, moreover, this
minimum is maintained only by cutting into profits, thus causing a
deficiency which is recoverable by the owners before w^ages can rise
above the present figures. The Economist (London), in its issue for
September 10, 1927, gives the following table showing the percent
ages now ruling as compared with those of 1914:
P ercentage a d d itio n to basis rates
District
July, 1914
N orthum berland______________________________
D urham _____________________________________
Y orkshire____________________________________
Lancashire___________________________________
N ottingham shire__________ ___________________
Derbyshire- _ ^________________________________
South Wales__________________________________
Scotland_____________________________________
. 50
- 57V 2
. 10
. 10
_ 10
- 10
0%
. 75
September,
1927
80
89
36
32
38
38
28
110
In considering these figures it must be borne in mind that the cost
of living in England in August, 1927, was 64 per cent higher than in
1914. On the other hand, the Economist calls attention to the fact
that in a few cases the basis rates have been raised, and that “ the
lower paid men in all cases are now in receipt of subsistence wages or
allowances which are in excess of the amounts yielded by the addition
of the current percentage to basis rates.”
W ages of M exican R ailw ay W orkers in 1925 an d 19261
I
N THE Eighteenth Annual Report of the National Railways of Mex
ico (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México) for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1926, data are published showing the average daily wages
of their railway workers for the six months period from July 1 to
December 31, 1925, and also for the period from January 1 to June
30, 1926. The following table is taken from this report:
1 N ational Railw ays of Mexico.
[Mexico C ity, 1927] pp. 37, 38.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
E ighteenth A nnual R eport for th e fiscal year ended June 30, 1926.
[1 0 9 9 ]
150
M O N T H L Y L A B O R R E V IE W
A V E R A G E D A IL Y W A G E S O F W O R K E R S O N M E X IC A N R A IL W A Y S IN 1925 A N D 1926.
B Y O C C U P A T IO N
^
[Average exchange rate of peso in 1926 = 48.31 cents.]
Average daily
wages, Jan u ary 1
Average
to June 30, 1926
daily
wages
Ju ly 1 to
Decem
E quiv
ber 31.
in
A m ount alent
1925
U. S.
currency
O ccupation
P e so s
Section forem en..................................................
Laborers ________ ___
Telegraph linem en______________
Civil engineers. .................
Q uarrym en a n d m asons____ _____
M echanics______ ______
C arp en ters................ ........................
Boiler m ak ers...........................
F o u n d ry m en ____________
T in sm ith s and co p p ersm ith s.. . .
B lacksm iths................... ...........
Station a g en ts........ ........................
Loaders...................................
Locomotive engineers____ _ .
C o n d u cto rs..............................
B rakem en_______ _____ ___ _ _
F irem en................. ............. ..
. .
Coal passers_________ _____ _ .
Y ard w orkers__ _______
D ispatchers................ ..................
Telegraph operators..................................
Flagm en, w atchm an, an d s w itc h m e n ............
Storehouse em ployees....... ............
. .
Express ag en ts. ..............................
T raveling inspectors............... ...........
M essengers__________ .
D ay and n ig h t w atch m en . .........................
C h a u ffe u rs .........................
Loaders, cleaners, and messenger boys . _
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
P e so s
D o lla r s
L 57
4.91
1.31
4! 88
3.83
4. 83
16.28
15.33
8.27
2.25
4.48
11.85
14.43
2. 51
2.38
[1100]
2.18
6.82
3.29
TREND OF EMPLOYMENT
E m p lo y m e n t in S elected M a n u fa c tu r in g In d u str ie s in
S ep tem b e r, 1927
MPLOYMENT in manufacturing industries increased seventenths of 1 per cent in September, 1927, as compared with
August, but owing largely to Labor Day shutdowns there was
a falling off in pay-roll totals of 1 per cent.
The level of employment in September, 1927, was 4.6 per cent
below the level in September, 1926, and pay-roll totals were 5.3 per
cent lower.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ weighed index of employment for
September, 1927, is 88, as compared with 87.4 for August, 1927,
87.3 for July, 1927, and 92.2 for September, 1926; the weighted
index of pay-roll totals for September, 1927, is 90.1, as compared
with 91 for August, 1927, 89.1 for July, 1927, and 95.1 for September,
1926.
The report for September, 1927, is based on returns to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics from 10,781 establishments in 54 of the principal
manufacturing industries of the United States. These establish
ments in September had 3,030,762 employees whose combined earn
ings in one week were $79,212,903.
E
C o m p a r is o n o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y -r o ll T o ta ls in A u g u s t a n d S e p te m b e r ,
1927
-FIVE of the 54 separate industries had more employees in
oeptcmber than in August, and despite the effect of Labor Day
27 industries reported increased pay-roll totals. The outstanding
increases were largely in industries having a decided seasonal tendency,
such as confectionery, rubber boots and shoes, and fertilizers. The
machine-tools industry showed a large increase in both items, but
these increases almost entirely represent merely a recovery from
vacations in August; cigars and cigarettes also showed very large
gains both in employment and in pay-roll totals. The increases in
the two items in these 5 industries ranged from 10.7per cent to 32.7
per cent. Other industries showing pronounced improvement in
operation were hosiery and knit goods, shirts and collars, women’s
clothing, millinery and lace goods, hardware, stoves, furniture, paper
boxes, glass, and carriages and wagons. Cotton goods and woolen
and worsted goods each gained from 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent in
each item.
•Noticeable seasonal decreases in September were in ice cream,
cast-iron pipe, structural ironwork, millwork, brick, cement, and
agricultural implements. Cane-sugar refining fell off 3.7 per cent in
employment; petroleum refining decreased 2.6 per cent; automobiles
decreased 2.9 per cent; and automobile tires decreased 3.4 per cent.
Employment in shipbuilding also decreased 3.4 per cent, and for the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
rnon.
151
152
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW
first month since April, 1926, the level of employment in this in
dustry fell below the level of employment in the same month of the
previous year.
Eight of the 12 groups of nidus tries gained in employment and
6 gained in pay-roll totals in September, the greatest improvement
having been in the tobacco, chemical, and food groups.
The textile group gained 1.9 per cent in employment and 2.4 per
cent in pay-roll totals; the iron and steel group lost one-half of 1
per cent of its employees and decreased 2.8 per cent as to pay-roll
totals; and the vehicle group decreased 1.6 per cent and 4.9 per cent
in the two items.
The New England, Middle Atlantic, South Atlantic, and South
Central geographic divisions gained both in employment and in
pay-roll totals in September, the New England and South Atlantic
divisions leading with increases of from 2.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent
in each item. The West North Central division gained a few em
ployees, but pay-roll totals were smaller, and the East North Central,
Mountain, and Pacific divisions all had fewer employees and smaller
pay-roll totals.
T a b l e 1 .— C O M P A R IS O N O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN ID E N T IC A L
^ B L IO H M E N T S
D U R IN G
O N E W E E K E A C H IN A U G U S T A N D S E P T E M B E R ,
N u m b er on p ay roll
In d u stry
E stablishm ents
August,
1927
A m ount of p ay roll
Per
cent of
Septem change
ber, 1927
A ugust,
1927
cent of
September, change
1927
F ood a n d k in d red p r o d u c ts__
Slaughtering a n d m eat packin g ............ ................................
C onfectionery........................ .
Ice cream ......................................
F lo u r............................ ................
B ak in g ______
___ _
Sugar refining, cane..................
1,656
223, 457
230, 666
C1 )
$5,720,482
$5,848,362
189
308
206
331
607
15
85,134
33, 641
11,251
15, 635
66,498
11,298
85,011
40,197
10,329
16,026
68,227
10,876
- 0 .1
+19.5
-8 .2
+ 2 .5
+ 2 .6
- 3 .7
2,196,358
621,450
371, 095
411,609
1, 786,235
333, 735
2,199,936
' 734, G31
346, 204
420, 608
1,830,440
317,143
+ 0 .2
+ 18.1
- 6 .7
+ 2 .2
+2. 5
- 5 .0
T extiles a n d th eir p r o d u c ts___
C otton goods_______________
Hosiery and k n it g o o d s .......
Silk goods________________
W oolen and worsted goods___
C arpets and rugs __________
D yeing and finishing textiles.
C lothing, m en ’s . ............
Shirts an d coliars____
C lothing, w om en’s _______
M illinery and lace goods___
1, 885
464
249
197
189
31
98
279
92
206
80
602, 623
235,905
79, 723
55,370
61, 905
23,765
30,836
64,657
18,570
20,646
11, 246
611,235
238,196
83,042
55,577
62, 615
23,733
31,420
63,953
19,192
21,721
11,786
(1 )
+ 1 .0
+ 4 .2
+ 0 .4
+ 1 .1
- 0 .1
+ 1 .9
- 1 .1
+ 3 .3
+ 5 .2
+ 4 .8
12, 092, 692
3,865, 680
1,508,920
1,176,625
1,395, 941
647,382
743j997
1, 649,321
308,883
529,494
266,449
12, 267, 698
3,924. 613
L 560,283
1,174,205
1,413,823
630, 305
779,591
1, 599,434
' 315 ,169
583,192
287,083
O)
+ 1 .5
+ 3.4
- 0.2
+ 1.3
—2 6
+ 4.8
—3 0
+ 2.0
+ 10 1
+ 7.7
1,806
209
42
159
648,701
262, 726
13,618
24,096
646,550
260,847
13,034
23,838
0)
- 0 .7
- 4 .3
- 1 .1
48,895,222
7,741, 484
333,453
732,146
18,438,573
Î , 543; 486
316, 861
682,246
(i)
- 2.6
—5 Q
- 6 .8
973
71
153
237,196
30,974
25,602
232,066
32,388
28, 541
-2 .2
+ 4 .6
+11.5
6,942,161
764, 516
785, 601
6, 639,555
787, 542
871,854
- 4 .4
+ 3 .0
+11.0
114
85
40,353
14,136
41,026
14,810
+ 1 .7
+ 4 .8
1,198,230
397, 631
1,186,928
410,101
- 0 .9
+ 3.1
1,156
475
257
424
219,669
125, 214
32,237
62, 218
Iron a n d steel a n d th eir produ c ts __________________
Iro n and steel_____________
C ast-iron p ip e __________
S tru ctu ral ironw ork________
F o u n d ry and m achine-shop
products______ ____
H ardw are . „ . . .
M achine tools _
Steam fittings and steam and
hot-w ater heating apparatus
S to v e s ..._________
L u m b er a n d its p ro d u cts ___
Lum ber, saw m ills________
Lum ber, m illw ork_____ .
F u rn itu re - _______
O)
221,556
4,884,987
(>)
4,941,728
(0*
125,776
+ 0 .4
2, 538,861
2, 582, 362
+ 1 .7
31, 627
-1 .9
813,681
776, 490
- 4 .6
64,153
+ 3.1
1,532,445
1, 582, 876
+ 3.3
1 The per cent of change has not been com puted for th e reason th a t the figures in th e preceding colum ns
are unw eighted and refer only to th e establishm ents reporting; for the w eighted per cent of change, w herein
proper allowance is m ade for th e relative im portance of th e several industries, so th a t th e figures m ay
represent all establishm ents of th e co u n try in th e industries here represented, see T able 2.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1102 ]
153
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
T a b l e 1.—C O M P A R IS O N O P E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN ID E N T IC A L
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S D U R IN G O N E W E E K E A C H IN A U G U S T A N D S E P T E M B E R ,
1927—C ontinued
A m ount of p a y roll
N um ber on p ay roll
E stab
lish
m ents
In d u stry
A ugust,
1927
Per
cent of
Septem change
ber, 1927
A ugust,
1927
Per
cent of
September, change
1927
L eath er a n d Its p r o d u c t s ____
L eather__ . ______________
Boots and shoes____________
380
126
234
128,584
27,118
101,446
128,928
27,302
101,626
0
+ 0 .7
+ 0 .2
$3,146,794
687,575
2,459, 219
$3,071,486
675,435
2,396, 051
0
- 1 .8
- 2 .8
Paper a n d p r in tin g ________ _
Paper and p u lp _____________
Paper boxes__ _____________
Printing, book and job- -----Printing, new spapers-----------
910
222
180
302
206
173,365
57,494
19,415
47.912
47,544
173,757
57, 527
20, 067
48,372
47, 791
0
+Û.1
+ 3 .4
+ 1 .0
+ 0 .5
5,556,981
1, 505, 666
434,911
1,693,107
1,923, 297
5,610,004
1,484, 084
449,742
1, 708,318
1,967,860
0
- 1 .4
+ 3 .4
+ 0 .9
+ 2 .3
C h em ica ls a n d allied p ro d u cts.
C hem icals______ ______
Fertilizers.
_________ ____
Petroleum refining........... .........
383
127
174
61
88, 679
31,130
8, 699
48,850
90,919
31,778
11, 540
47,601
0
+ 2 .1
+32.7
- 2 .6
2,610,863
851, 962
176,497
1, 582, 403
2,618,441
855, 725
233,028
1,529,688
0
+ 0 .4
+32.0
- 3 .3
S to n e , clay, a n d glass produ ets
C em ent __________________
B rick, tile, and terra cotta . .
P o tte ry ......................................
Glass...... .................... .................
638
96
371
64
107
109,776
26, 453
34, 005
12,851
36,467
110,068
26, 252
32,964
13,110
37,742
0
- 0 .8
-3 . 1
+ 2 .0
+ 3 .5
2,900,550
787, 243
879,182
330, 755
903,370
3,861,278
775,022
838,175
334,829
913,252
0
- 1 .6
- 4 .7
+ 1 .2
+ 1 .1
M etal p ro d u cts, o th er th a n
iron a n d s te e l_______________
Stam ped and enam eled w are.
Brass, bronze, a n d copper
products................... ................
328
72
51,535
19,648
51,087
19, 732
0
+ 0 .4
1,357,082
498,365
1,318,052
477, 720
0
- 4 .1
156
31,947
31,355
- 1 .9
858, 717
840,332
- 2 .1
173
39,670
44,035
0
705,797
792,717
0
28
145
7,614
32,056
7,632
36, 403
+ 0 .2
+13.6
118, 869
586,928
116,107
676,610
- 2 .3
+15.3
1,194
197
66
479,826
313,037
1, 714
169,836
304,108
1,801
0
-2 .9
+ 5 .1
15,088,755
10,077,874
38,474
14,313,587
9, 509,127
39,617
0
- 5 .6
+ 3 .0
- 0 .9
T ob acco p ro d u cts . . . . ______
Chew ing and sm oking tobaeco a n d snuff_____ _____
Cigars and cigarettes________
V ehicles fo r la n d t r a n s p o r t a tio n _______ . . . . . ________
A utom obiles_______ ____ . . .
Carriages and wagons_______
C ar building and repairing,
electric-railroad___________
C ar building and repairing,
steam -railroad____________
M iscella n eo u s in d u s tr ie s _____
A gricultural im plem ents____
Electrical m achinery, apparatu s, and supplies _______
Pianos an d organs. _______
R ubber boots a n d sh o e s.. . . .
A utom obile tires_______ ____
Shipbuilding, steel_____ ____
All in d u s tr ie s ___________
372
26, 694
26,701
815,877
808,483
559
138,381
137, 226
- 0 .8
4,156,530
3,956,360
—A 8
413
85
351,850
22, 833
253,125
22,139
0
-3 .0
7,338,526
658,449
7,130,977
601,003
0
-8 .4
178
42
10
58
40
121,124
7,650
16,412
56,429
27, 402
123,052
7,808
18,166
54, 502
26,458
+ 1 .6
+ 2 .1
+10.7
- 3 .4
- 3 .4
3, 547,831
224,195
409, 692
1,728,949
771,410
3,427,160
241,421
458, 862
1,663,766
738, 765
-3 .4
+ 7 .7
+ 12.0
-3 .8
-4 .2
0
80,298,730
79,212,903
10,781 3,016,775 3,030,762
+ 0
0
R e c a p itu la tio n by G eographic D iv isio n s
GEO GRA PHIC DIVISION
N ew E n g lan d __________________
M iddle A tla n tic .,- . . _________
E ast N o rth C en tral_____________
W est N o rth C e n t r a l___ ________
South A tla n tic __ ______________
E a st South C entral_______ _____
W est South C en tra l. __________
M o u n ta in ._____ _______________
Pacific__________ ____________
All d iv isio n s..
.. .. . ...
1,405
2, 552
2,894
1,008
1,141
470
438
185
688
408,964
836,499
990,780
161,098
279,618
103,664
86,498
27,647
122, 007
418,483
845, 481
978,445
161,120
286, 653
103, 884
87,687
27,346
121,663
10,781 3,016,775 3,030,762
+ 2 .3 $10, 019, 468 $10,281,234
+ 1 .1 23, 582, 517 23,698,278
- 1 . 2 29, 450,494 27,972,757
4, 078, 521
4,011,410
+ 0
+ 2 .5
5,166, 846
5,291,404
+ 0 .2
1,993,724
1,993, 956
1,837,963
1,860, 616
+ 1.4
754,
498
740, 215
-L I
- 0 .3
3,414, 699
3,363,033
0
80,298,730
79,212,903
+ 2 .6
+ 0 .5
- 5 .0
-1 .6
+ 2 .4
+ 0
+ 1 .2
- 1 .9
- 1 .5
0
* T he per cent of change has no t been com puted for th e reason th a t th e figures in the preceding columns
are unw eighted and refer only to th e establishm ents reporting; for the w eighted per cent of change, w herein
proper allow ance is m ade for th e relative im portance of the several industries, so th a t the figures m ay
represent all establishm ents of th e c o u n try in th e industries here represented, see T able 2.
2 Less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Zlli>3]
154
M O N T H L Y L A B O E K E V IE W
T able 2 .—P E R C E N T S O F C H A N G E , A U G U ST TO S E P T E M B E R ., 1927—12 G R O U P S O F
IN D U S T R IE S A N D T O T A L OF A L L IN D U S T R IE S
[Computed from the index numbers of each group, which are obtained by weighting the index numbers
of the several industries of the group, by the number of employees, or wages paid, in the industries]
Per cent of change,
A ugust, 1927, to
Septem ber, 1927
Per cent of change,
August, 1927, to
Septem ber, 1927
G roup
Food a n d kindred p ro d u c ts...
Textiles a n d th eir p ro d u c ts ...
Iron and steel and th eir prod
u c ts ______,..............................
L um ber and its p r o d u c ts .....
Leather and its p ro d u cts____
P aper and p rin tin g _________
Chemicals and allied products.
Stone, clay, and glass prod
u c ts ...........................................
...
G roup
N um ber
on pay
roll
A m ount
of pay
roll
+ 3 .4
+ 1 .9
+2. 3
+ 2 .4
-0 .6
+ 0 .7
+ 0 .3
+ 1 .0
+ 4 .2
-2 .8
+ 1 .3
- 2 .5
+ 1 .0
+ 2 .2
+ 0 .2
- 1 .3
M etal products, other th a n
iron and steel...........................
Tobacco p ro d u cts_________
Vehicles for land transporta
tio n _______ _____
M iscellaneous industries..........
A ll i n d u s t r i e s ...............
N um ber
on pay
roll
A m ount
of pay
roll
-1 .2
+11.8
- 2 .6
+13.1
- 1 .6
-1 .3
-4 .9
-3 .5
+ 0 .7
-
1.0
C o m p a r is o n o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y - R o ll T o t a ls in S e p te m b e r , 1927, a n d
S e p te m b e r , 1926
I7MPLOYMENT in manufacturing industries in September, 1927,
^ was 4.6 per cent lower than in September, 1926, and pay-roll
totals were 5.3 per cent smaller.
Two of the 12 groups of industries—textiles and tobacco—are
shown to have had more employees at the end of this 12-month period
than at the beginning, the increases having been 3.2 per cent in each
instance. In the textile group as a whole the increase in pay-roll
totals reached 6.9 per cent.
Seven of the 10 separate industries of the textile group showed
decided improvement, the cotton-goods industry leading with an
increase of 8 per cent in employment and 12.8 per cent in pay-roll
totals, followed next by women’s clothing with increases of 4.9 per
cent and 13.2 per cent in the two items, respectively.
The iron and steel group fell off 9.3 per cent in employment in this
period, the vehicle group 10.5 per cent, the stone, clay, and glass
group 8.3 per cent, the lumber group 7.3 per cent, and the chemical
group 6.5 per cent. In these groups some of the notable decreases
in employment over this 12-month interval were 9.7 per cent in the
iron and steel industry, 16.4 per cent in cast-iron pipe, 10 per cent
in machine tools, 10 per cent in millwork, 12.3 per cent in fertilizers,
11.3 per cent in petroleum refining, 11 per cent in pottery, 10.9 per
cent in automobiles, 26.7 per cent in carriages and wagons, and 10.6
per cent in steam-car building and repairing.
The South Atlantic division alone of the nine geographic divisions
had more employees in September, 1927, than in September, 1926, the
increase having been 1.2 per cent. The greatest declines in employ
ment were in the Middle Atlantic, East North Central, and both
East and West South Central divisions—about 6 per cent in each
case.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 0 4 ]
E M PLO Y M E N T IN
M A N U F A C T U R IN G
155
I N D U S T R IE S
T a b l e 3 .— C O M P A R IS O N O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D
P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S , S E P T E M B E R ,
1927, W IT H S E P T E M B E R , 1926
[The per cents of change for each of th e 12 groups of industries an d for th e total of all industries are weighted
in th e sam e m anner as are th e per cents of change in Table 2]
Per cent of change,
.Septem ber, 1927,
compared w ith
September,. 1926
Per cent of change,
September, 1927,
compared w ith
September, 1926
In d u stry
In d u stry
N um ber A m ount
on pay of pay
roll
roll
N um ber A m ount
on pay
of pay
roll
roll
F o o d a n d k in d r e d p r o d u c t s ..
- 0 .3
- 0 .4
-2 . 0
—1.3
-5 . 4
-1 .7
+ 2.1
+ 4 .2
- 2 .8
+ 0 .6
-6 . 2
- 3 .2
+ 2 .8
+ 5 .5
+ 3 .2
+ 8 .0
+ 1.6
+ 0 .2
- 1 .3
+ 2 .8
+ 6.9
+12.8
'+4.4
+ 1 .6
+ 1 .9
+ 1 .9
+ 2 .4
-0 .6
—1. 6
+ 4 .9
+ 2 .5
+ 5 .3
+ 1.3
+4. 3
+13. 2
+ 4 .7
- 9 .3
-9 . 7
-1 6 . 4
—8. 8
-1 1 .8
-1 3 . 5
-1 5 .1
-7 . 3
- 9 .4
- 7 .1
-1 0 . 0
-1 1 .1
-1 0 .1
- 8 .8
C h e m ic a ls a n d a llied p r o d _____________
n e t s ______
__
S l a u g h t e r i n g and m eat
F lo u r ...... ............... ...............
B ak in g ..... ........................ .
T e x tile s a n d th e ir p r o d u c t s ..
Silk goods______________
W oolen and worsted goods.
S t o n e , c la y , a n d g la s s p r o d u c ts
______
_______
__
C lothing, w om en’s ___ __
M illinery and lace goods —
Iron
and
s te e l a n d
Stam ped
F o u n d ry and machine-shop
H ard w are .. _________
.----
Steam fittings and steam
and hot-w ater heating
a p p a ra tu s ..................
- 4 .3
-8 .7
- 5 .9
-1 0 .3
-7 .3
-8 .0
—10.0
- 3 .5
- 6 .5
-7 .2
-9 .8
- 2 .1
L e a t h e r a n d its p r o d u c t s ___
- 2 .8
a 4
- 2 .5
- 2 .8
55
- 1 .6
P a p e r a n d p r in t in g ....................
-0 .6
+ 0 .8
Paper and p u lp ......................
Paper boxes______________
Printing, book and jo b ____
Printing, new spapers............
- 2 .7
- 2 .7
-0 .9
+ 2 .2
- 4 .8
+ 1 .5
L u m b e r a n d its p r o d u c t s
__
F u rn itu re .... ................
-8 .3
- 8 .0
- 4 .3
- 5 .3
-8 .9
• —9. 3
-1 1 .0 a - 8 .9
-8 .0
- 7 .5
and
—7.1
- 8 .1
- 9 .1
- 7 .8
enameled
Brass, bronze, and copper
T ob acco p ro d u cts
..............
Chewing and smoking tobacco and sn u ff.............
th e ir
Iron and steel____________
Cast-iron p ip e____________
- 3 .9
+ 3.3
- 5 .4
-1 1 .3
M e ta l p r o d u c t s , o t h e r t h a n
D yeing a n d finishing texC lothing, m en ’s .....................
____
Cem ent ________ ____ . . .
Brick, tile, a nd terra c o tta ,.
- 6 .5
-0 .6
-1 2 .3
-1 1 .3
—6.3
- 8 .2
+ 3 .2
+ 2.6
-2 .4
+ 4 .0
- 6 .1
+3-8
-1 0 .5
-1 0 .9
-2 6 .7
-1 0 .6
-1 3 .5
-2 1 .5
V e h ic le s fo r la n d tr a n s p o r -
Autom obiles______________
Carriages and wagons...........
Car building and repairing,
+ 3 .4
+ 3 .6
-1 0 .6
- 8 .5
- 5 .2
-9 .9
-8 .0
Pianos and organs. _______
R u b b er boots and shoes___
Autom obile tires ______
Shipbuilding, steel........... —
.
-5 .5
-9 .4
+ 7 .2
-7 . 1
-4 .2
-5 .9
-9 .7
+16.8
-1 0 .2
-5 .6
All in d u s t r ie s __________
-4 .6
- 5 .3
-5 .9
-5 .0
- 1 .1
- 2 .8
- 3 .0
-0 .7
-4 .6
-5 .3
Car building and repairing,
steam -railroad ----------
__
A gricultural im plem ents. ...
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, and supplies ____
M is c e lla n e o u s in d u s t r ie s
- 6 .1
+ 1 .1
+ 4 .9
1
R ec a p itu la tio n by Geographic D iv isio n s
GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION—COntd.
GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION
- 3 .6
- 6 .1
- 6 .3
- 3 .0
+ 1 .2
-6 .2
68404°—27----- 11
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- 1 .6
- 7 .1
-7 .7
- 4 .4
+ 0 .3
- 5 .4
W est South C en tral.....................
M o u n tain .................................... .
[1105]
A ll d iv is io n s .....................
156
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
P e r C a p it a E a r n in g s
D E R CAPITA earnings for the 54 industries combined in Septem
ber, 1927, were 1.6 per cent lower than in August, 1927, and
seven-tenths of 1 per cent lower than in September, 1926.
Per capita earnings in September, 1927, showed a gain over August,
1927, in 14 industries, and a gain over September, 1926, in 31
industries.
In the comparison between September, 1927, and September, 1926,
the most pronounced increases were in the women’s clothing, rubber
boot and shoe, paper box, fertilizer, shirt and collar, and carriage
and wagon industries, while the notable decreases were in the iron
and steel, automobile, and automobile-tire industries.
T a b l e 4 .— C O M P A R IS O N O F P E R C A P IT A E A R N IN G S , S E P T E M B E R , 1927, W IT H A U G U ST
1927, A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1926
Per cent of
change, Septem
ber, 1927, com
pared w ith —
P er cent of
change, Septem
ber, 1927, com
pared w ith —
In d u stry
In d u stry
Sep
August, tem
ber,
1927
1926
Pianos a n d organs............ ................
Clothing, w om en’s............. ..............
D yeing and finishing textiles.........
M illinery and lace goods________
Printing, new spapers.......................
Ice cream .................................. ...........
Cigars and cigarettes............ ...........
L um ber, saw m ills............................
R ubber boots and shoes..................
C otton goods____________ ______
Slaughtering and m eat p a c k in g ...
F u rn itu re .........................................
W oolen and w orsted goods______
P aper b o x e s.............. .......................
B aking________________ ______ _
Printing, book a n d jo b ...................
Brass, bronze, a n d copper prod
u c ts _______ ______ _____ ______
F lo u r.....................................................
A utom obile tires________________
F e rtilize rs...................... ....................
M achine tools........................... .........
Silk goods...................................... .
Cast-iron p ip e _____ _____________
H osiery a nd k n it goods........... .......
C em ent................................................
Petroleum refining______________
P o ttery .................................................
Shipbuilding, steel....... ....................
C ar building a n d repairing, elec
tric-railroad...................... ...............
+ 5 .5
+ 4.7
+ 2. 8
+ 2.8
+ 1.8
+ 1 .6
+ 1 .5
+ 1.2
+ 1.2
+ 0 .5
+ 0 .3
+ 0.2
+ 0.1
+
-
0)
0.1
0.1
- 0 .3
- 0 .3
- 0 .4
- 0 .5
- 0 .5
- 0.2
+ 8.1
+ 2 .5
+ 2.0
+ 2.6
- 0 .9
- 0.1
+ 1.0
+ 9 .0
+ 4 .6
- 0 .9
- 0 .5
+ 3 .4
+4. 5
+ 0.6
+ 2.2
-2 .4
- 1.2
- 3 .3
0.8
+7. 8
+ 1 .3
+ 1.3
+ 1 .5
+ 2 .9
-0 .9
- 0 .3
+ 2 .4
- 1 .5
- 0 .9
+ 0.1
-
0.6
- 0 .7
- 0 .7
- 0.8
- 0.8
- 0.8
-
August, Sep
ber,
1927 tem
1926
Confectionery.....................................
Shirts and c o lla rs.............................
Sugar refining, cane..........................
H ardw are................ ............................
Paper and p u lp ............................ .
Brick, tile, an d terra c o t t a .. . ........
Chem icals..........................................
S to v e s.......... .....................................
Iron and steel___ ______ ____ ___
Carriages and wagons............. .........
Clothing, m en’s ................ ...........
F o u n d ry and m achine-shop prod
u c t s . . ...............................................
G la s s ............. .....................................
L eather__________ ________ _____
C arpets and r u g s . . . ........................
Chewing and smoking tobacco
an d snuff___________ _________
Steam fitting and steam and hotw ater heating a p p aratu s_______
Boots and shoes.................................
Lum ber, m illw ork.............................
A utom obiles________ _________
Car building and repairing, steamra ilro ad ........................... ..............
Stam ped and enam eled w are____
Electrical m achinery, apparatus,
and supplies________ _________
A gricultural im plem ents________
Structural ironw ork.............. ...........
- 1 .1
- 1 .3
- 1 .3
- 1 .5
- 1 .5
- 1 .6
- 1 .6
- 1 .6
- 1 .9
- 2 .0
- 2 .0
+ 1 .8
+ 5 .9
+ 1 .6
- 3 .1
-2 . 2
- 0 .2
+ 4 .0
- 1 .8
- 4 .3
+ 6 .9
+ 2 .0
- 2 .3
- 2 .3
-2 .4
-2 .5
- 1 .9
+ 0 .2
- 2 .5
- 0 .7
- 2 .6
- 4 .0
- 2 .6
- 2 .7
-2 . 7
- 2 .9
- 1 .9
+ 0 .9
+0. 4
-3 .2
- 4 .0
-4 .5
+ 2 .4
+ 1.3
- 4 .9
- 5 .6
- 5 .8
- 0 .5
+ 1 .8
+ 1 .8
1 Less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
W age C h ang es
'T'WENTY-TWO establishments in 16 industries reported increases
in wage rates during the month ended September 15, 1927.
These increases averaged 5.5 per cent and affected 887 employees, or
16 per cent of the total employees in the establishments concerned.
Twenty-one establishments in 7 industries reported decreases in
wage rates during the same period. The decreases averaged 8.4 per
cent and affected 3,181 employees, or 59 per cent of all employees in
the establishments concerned.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1106]
157
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
T a b l e 5 .— W A G E A D JU S T M E N T S O C C U R R IN G B E T W E E N A U G U ST 15 A N D S E P T E M B E R
15, 1927
P er cent of increase
or decrease in
wage rates
E stablishm ents
' |
In d u stry
T otal
num
ber re
porting
Em ployees affected
P e r cent of employees
N um ber
reporting
increase
or de
crease in
wage
rates
Range
Average
T otal
num ber
In estab
In all
lishm ents
reporting establish
increase or m ents re
decrease in porting
wage rates
Increases
C onfectionery................ ................
B ak in g ______________________
Silk g o o d s.. _________________
Iron and steel____ ____________
S tructural iro n w o rk __________
F o u n d ry and machine-shop
products _________________
L um ber, saw m ills____________
F u rn itu re ___________________
P a p e r boxes______ ___________
P rinting, book and jo b . --------Printing, new spapers_________
C hem icals________ _________
F ertilizers____________________
. . _____________
G lass____
A gricultural im plem ents______
Electrical m achinery, apparatus,
and supplies.............................. .
308
607
197
209
159
4
1
1
1
1
5. 0-10.0
10.0
9.0
3.0
10.0
8.9
10.0
9.0
3.0
10.0
53
33
31
200
6
23
50
6
40
10
0)
C1)
(>)
(»)
«
973
475
424
180
302
206
127
174
107
85
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1.0
6.0
7.0-20. 0
5.0
7.0- 7. 5
3.0
5. 0-10.0
10.0
10.0
2.5
1.0
6.0
9.5
5.0
7.3
3.0
8. 5
10.0
10.0
2.5
10
90
16
7
30
130
110
6
43
100
12
100
5
11
8
43
6
27
13
30
0)
(•)
(‘)
(>)
«
(•)
(l)
(')
(>)
(>)
178
1
5.0
5.0
22
6
0)
«
Decreases
Iro n and steel________________
F o u n d ry and machine-shop
p roducts___ ______________
L um ber, saw m ills____________
L um ber, m illw ork___ _ ______
B rick, tile, and terra c o t t a . ___
Cigars and cigarettes. _______
A utom obile tires_____________
209
1
2.5
2.5
40
7
973
475
257
371
145
58
1
10.0
1.0-10. 0
10.0-15.0
7.0-11.0
1.0
10.0
10.0
8.3
10.3
9.3
1.0
10.0
250
2, 180
89
477
95
50
38
67
64
89
52
100
9
3
5
1
1
(l)
0)
2
1
(>)
(>)
i Less th a n one-half of 1 per cent.
In d e x e s o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y - R o ll T o t a ls in M a n u f a c t u r in g In d u s tr ie s
INDEX numbers for September, 1927, and for July and August,
* 1927, and September, 1926, showing relatively the variation in
number of persons employed and in pay-roll totals in each of the 54
industries surveyed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, together with
general indexes for the combined 12 groups of industries, appear in
Table 6.
The general index of employment for September, 1927, is 88.0,
this number being 0.7 per cent higher than the index for August,
1927, 0.8 per cent higher than the index for July, 1927, and 4.6 per
cent lower than the index for September, 1926. The general index of
pay-roll totals for September, 1927, is 90.1, this number being 1 per
cent lower than the index for August, 1927, 1.1 per cent higher than
the index for July, 1927, and 5.3 per cent lower than the index for
September, 1926.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1107]
158
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 6 .—IN D E X E S O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D PA Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN M A N U F A C T U R IN G
IN D U S T R IE S —S E P T E M B E R , 1926, A N D JU L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
[M onthly average, 1923=100]
E m ploym ent
In d u stry
1926
Sep
tem ber
G eneral In d ex.
F o o d a n d k in d r e d p r o d u c t s ______
Slaughtering and m eat p a c k in g ..
Confectionery.................................. .
Ice C r e a m .. . ........................... ........
F lo u r ................................................
B aking..........................................
Sugar refining, c a n e .....................
T e x t ile s a n d th e ir p r o d u c t s ............
C otton goods....................................
Hosiery a nd k n it goods................
Silk goods_______ __________. . .
Woolen a n d w orsted goods_____
C arpets and rugs............... ............
D yeing and finishing textiles___
Clothing, m en’s...............................
Shirts and collars__ ____ ______
Clothing, w om en’s ............... ........
M illinery an d lace goods_______
I r o n a n d s te e l a n d th e ir p r o d u c t s .
Iron and steel....................................
C ast-iron pipe..................................
Structural iro n w o rk ........................
F oundry and machine-shop prod
u c t s . .. ................. ...........................
H ardw are............................................
M achine to o ls .................................
Steam fittings and steam and hotw ater heating a p p aratu s............
S to v e s................................................
L u m b e r a n d its p r o d u c t s .
Lum ber, saw m ills.............
Lum ber, m illw ork______
F u rn itu re ___ ; ................ .
L e a t h e r a n d its p r o d u c t s .
L e a th e r............................ .
Boots and shoes................
P a p e r a n d p r i n t i n g . .........
Paper and p u l p . . ..........
Paper boxes__________
Prin tin g , book and jo b .
P rinting, n ew sp ap ers...
C h e m ic a ls a n d a llie d p r o d u c t s .
Chem icals__________ _______ _
Fertilizers........ .......................
Petroleum refining__________
S t o n e , c la y , a n d g la s s p r o d u c t s .
C em en t.......................... ...............
Brick, tile, and terra co tta.........
P o tte ry ............................................
Glass.............................. ............
M e t a l p r o d u c t s , o t h e r t h a n ir o n
a n d s t e e l.................................... .............
Pay-roll totals
1927
Ju ly
August
1926
Sep
Sep
tem ber tem ber
1927
Ju ly
August
Sep
tem ber
82.2
87.3
87.4
88.0
95.1
89.1
91.0
90.1
92. 4
81.7
94.3
101. 2
92.5
102.5
91.3
89.9
83.6
73. 1
107.6
87.6
103.0
100.0
89.1
80. 2
77.9
104.2
88.6
102. 1
98.7
92.1
80. 1
93. 1
95.7
90.9
104.7
95.1
96.»
86.2
100. 5
111.3
95.6
107.1
90.2
95.5
88.2
80.7
116. 6
88. 5
108. 7
101.0
93.7
83.7
85.6
111.9
90.5
107.4
100.2
95.9
83.8
101.1
104.4
92.5
110.1
95.2
84.2
81. 0
95.0
97.9
79.9
91.6
96.0
84.4
80.3
77.0
68.3
84.2
87.2
91.0
96.7
74.7
95.0
95.3
82.7
76.7
75.2
62.4
85.3
86.6
92.6
97.7
78.1
94.3
96.5
84.8
76.5
76.8
66.8
86.9
87.5
96.5
98. 1
78.9
94.2
98.3
83.9
79.0
80.8
70.0
82.9
78.1
103.7
102.9
77.1
89. 1
98. 1
77.6
77.1
77.1
71.8
83.5
86. 1
98.9
101.3
73.4:
88.3
95.0
79.3
79.3
75.2
62.0
86.5
86. 8
104. 7
104.7
77.6
93.2
98.6
81. 0
78.9
79.3
69. 8
88.6
88.1
108.3
104.5
78.6
90.8
103.3
78.6
80.4
87.3
75.2
92.6
98. 2
109.4
105.3
85.1
90.4
98.1
95.5
84.4
89.3
95.6
97.1
84.0
88. 7
91.5
96.0
96.0
102.0
108.9
108.6
84.6
86.3
100.6
101.3
87.1
90.5
97.4
108. 0
84.7
88.2
92.5
100.7
87.2
86.4
102.3
81.2
79.4
92.3
80.8
76.8
82.6
79.0
80.3
92.1
88.3
95.1
111.1
81.4
83.1
98.5
82.2
83.1
91.2
78.5
85.5
101.3
97.2
88.3
91.1
67.3
91.5
76.9
93.0
80.6
102.8
90.2
92.7
64.8
97.6
78.5
96.7
80.9
91.8
88.3
97.4
100.6
83.7
80.4
89.3
91.6
84.5
80.9
89.4
94.1
85.1
81.2
87.7
97.1
100.2
97.3
103.4
108.0
89.4
86.7
94.1
95.7
92.5
88.7
97.8
102.3
93.7
90.3
93.3
105.7
93.9
92.3
94.4
88.2
88.2
88.2
91.0
88. 6
91.8
91.3
89.2
92.0
93.6
94.0
93.4
86.7
87.8
86.3
93.3
90.4
94.4
91.0
88.8
91.9
104.0
95.9
102.4
104.9
111.5
101.8
92.2
95.0
101.6
114.4
102.4
93.2
96.3
10C. 9
113.5
103.4
93.3
99.6
104.0
114.0
110.8
101.6
109.2
113.7
117.2
109.0
95.3
103.8
111. 6
121.0
110.6
98.0
107.2
113.9
120.2
111.7
96.7
110.8
114.9
122.9
100.3
95.9
108.6
102. 7
89.4
92.9
64.5
95.7
90.0
93.3
71.7
93.5
93.8
95.3
95.2
91.1
102.5
101.3
117.0
99.8
95.1
102.6
76.5
92.2
96.4
104.2
83.8
91.5
98.5
104.6
110.7
88.5
103.6
96.6
107.4
108.6
100.5
94.4
93.3
103.5
81.6
90.3
94.8
93.2
100.9
94.8
89.4
95.0
92.4
97.8
96.7
92.5
108.1
103.0
110.9
114.6
105.2
96.9
97.5
106.9
81.3
93.0
100.7
99.1
105.6
103.2
96.2
99.4
97.5
100.6
104.4
97.3
95.7
91.2
89.5
82.8
90.0
82.5
88.9
82.9
93.6
85.5
86.9
78.4
88.3
82.1
86.0
78.8
Stam ped and enam eled w are___
Brass, bronze, a n d copper prod
ucts.................................................
97.8
92.5
93.4
91.6
96.6
90.0
90.6
88.7
T o b a c c o p r o d u c t s ..................................
85.1
84.6
78.5
87.8
89.1
86.7
80.8
91.4
93.5
84.0
87.3
84.3
91.1
76.9
91.3
87.4
99.1
87.9
96.4
85.6
95.3
79.1
93.2
91.1
Chewing and smoking tobacco
and snuff.........................................
Cigars and cigarettes.......................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1108]
159
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
T a b l e 6 .—IN D E X E S O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN M A N U F A C T U R IN G
IN D U S T R IE S —S E P T E M B E R , 1926, A N D JU L Y , A U G U S T , A N D
C ontinued
Pay-roll totals
E m ploym ent
Sep
tem ber
Ju ly
1927
1926
1927
1926
In d u stry
S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
Sep
Sep
August tem
ber tem ber
Ju ly
Sep
A ugust tem
ber
V e h ic le s fo r la n d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n ,.
91.3
82.3
83.0
81.7
91.3
81.4
85.8
81. G
A utom obiles_______ ______ ____ Carriages an d w agons...... ...............
Car building and repairing, elec
tric-railroad ...... ......................
C ar building an d repairing,
steam -railroad................................
108.0
103.9
95.3
67.6
99. 1
72.5
96. 2
76.2
109.3
103.4
91. 9
73.6
100.1
78.8
94. 5
81.2
87.8
90.3
90.8
90.8
88.3
90.4
92.3
91.5
79.6
74.3
76.5
72.8
M is c e lla n e o u s i n d u s t r i e s ........... .......
A gricultural im p lem en ts-----------Electrical m achinery, apparatus,
and supplies....................... ...........
Pianos and organs______________
R u b b er boots and shoes________
A utom obile tir e s .. ____________
Shipbuilding, steel------- ------------
80.5
74.0
72.6
72.0
96.4
94.3
92.6
91.4
99.3
99.5
, 96.6:
93.2
93.2
85.3
86.6
84.0
98.6
93.1
99.0
90.7
99.4
94.4
83.4
114.9
90. 1
92.0
79.2
80.6
111.4
93.3
92.4
83.8
80.7
110.4
89.3
93.9
85.5'
89. 4
106. 7
86.3
100.2
106.3
87. 6
122.2
92.7
93.6
79. 0
90.2
114.2
100. 1
97-7:
89.2
9L3;
114.0
91. 4:
94.3
96.0
102.3
109.7
87.5
Table 7 shows the general index of employment in manufacturing
industries and the general index of pay-roll totals from January,
1923, to September, 1927.
Following Table 7 is a graph made from index numbers, showing
clearly the course of employment for each month of 1926 and for
each completed month of 1927, thus making possible s comparison
between corresponding months of the two years. This chart repre
sents the 54 separate industries combined and shows the course of
pay-roll totals as well as the course of employment.
T able 7.—G E N E R A L IN D E X E S OF E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN M A N U
F A C T U R IN G IN D U S T R IE S , JA N U A R Y , 1923, TO S E P T E M B E R , 1927
[M onthly average, 1923 = 100]
Pay-roll totals
E m ploym ent
M onth
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
95.4
96.6
96.4
94.5
90.8
87.9
84.8
85.0
86.7
87. 9
87. 8
89.4
90.0
91.6
92.3
92.1
90.9
90.1
89.3
89.9
90.9
92. 3
92. 5
92.6
92.3
93.3
93.7
92.8
91.7
91.3
89.8
90.7
92.2
92.5
91.4
90.9
89.4
91.0
91.4
90.6
89.7
89.1
87.3
87.4
88.0
94.8
95. 2
100.3
101.3
104.8
104.7
99.9
99.3
100.0
102.3
101.0
98.9
94.5
99.4
99.0
96.9
92.4
87.0
80.8
83.5
86.0
88.5
87.6
91.7
90.0
95.1
96.6
94.2
94.4
91. 7
89.6
91.4
90.4
96. 2
96.2
97.3
93.9
97.9
99.1
97. 2
95.6
95. 5
91.2
94.6
95.1
98. 6
95.4
95.6
90.9
96.4
97. 7
96.6
95. 6
93.3
89.1
91.0
90.1
D ecem ber...................
98.0
99.6
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.9
100.4
99. 7
99.8
99 3
9K 7
96! 9
A v e r a g e _____
160.0
90.3
91.2
91.9
189.3
100.0
90.6
93.6
95.8
193.4
July
.
______
i Average for 9 m onths.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 0 9 ]
160
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRIES.
MONTHLY INDEXES - 1926& 1927.
M O N TH LY A V E .R A G L
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1923 s i O O.
iOO
95
90
85
100
95
90
85
[ 1110]
16 1
EMPLOYMENT ÍN MANUFACTURING IN DU STBIES
P r o p o r tio n o f T i m e W o r k e d a n d F o r c e E m p lo y e d in M a n u f a c t u r in g In d u s
tr ie s in S e p te m b e r , 1927
D EPO R T S in September, 1927, from 8,695 establishments show
^
that 1 per cent of these establishments were idle, 79 per cent
were operating on a full-time schedule, and 21 per cent on a parttime schedule; 39 per cent of the establishments had a full normal
force of employees, and 60 per cent were operating with reduced
forces. The establishments in operation were employing an average
of 89 per cent of a full normal force of employees, and were operating
an average of 97 per cent of full time.
T a b l e 8 .—E S T A B L IS H M E N T S W O R K IN G F U L L A N D P A R T T IM E A N D E M P L O Y IN G
F U L L A N D P A R T W O R K IN G F O R C E IN S E P T E M B E R . 1927
E stablish
m ents
reporting
In d u stry
Total Per
n u m cent
ber
idle
F ood a n d k in d red p r o d u c ts______ 1,362
Slaughtering and m eat packing__
146
231
Confectionery______________ ____
167
Ice cream ___ ____________ ____
F l o u r ........... ...........
274
533
11
T extiles a n d th eir p ro d u cts______
C otton goods___________________
1,368
407
179
157
W oolen and w orsted goods ______
161
C arpets and r u g s _______________
20
84
C lothing, m en’s . , ..............................
168
50
Clothing, w om en’s ....................... .
95
47
Iron a n d steel a n d th eir p r o d u cts. 1,489
162
Iro n and steel __________________
38
124
F o u n d ry and machine-shop products__________________________
829
48
124
Steam fittings and steam and hot94
70
L u m b er a n d its p r o d u cts__ _____
L um ber, saw m ills_______________
F u rn itu re _____________________
939
402
197
340
Average
P er cent of
P er cent
per cent establishm ents Average
of estab
per cent
of full
operating
lishm ents
of
tim e
w ith—
operating—
norm al
operated
full
force
in es
employed
tablish
in estab
Full
P a rt
m ents
ents
Full P a rt
norm al normal lishm
oper
operating
tim e tim e
ating
force
force
(0
1
1
79
89
83
95
78
69
100
21
11
16
5
22
31
98
99
98
99
94
99
100
52
43
27
14
69
69
27
48
57
72
85
31
31
73
92
92
82
79
97
98
82
84
90
87
78
84
65
62
90
84
85
77
15
10
13
22
16
30
38
8
16
13
23
98
100
97
98
98
93
96
99
98
98
95
45
57
45
43
33
30
29
45
44
38
23
55
42
55
57
67
65
71
53
58
60
77
92
97
90
93
86
83
90
93
92
87
81
65
68
50
84
35
28
50
16
94
93
87
98
22
17
34
36
77
79
66
64
83
79
89
87
64
44
74
36
56
26
94
90
97
16
15
15
84
85
85
82
84
82
59
54
41
46
94
91
50
53
50
47
93
94
81
89
76
74
18
9
24
26
98
99
97
96
35
37
22
41
64
62
78
58
88
80
79
91
89
86
90
11
14
10
98
98
99
45
38
48
55
62
52
93
89
96
89
84
83
90
100
11
16
17
9
99
97
98
99
100
54
49
37
51
80
48
50
63
48
20
95
95
92
94
100
89
84
73
98
19
16
25
2
98
98
96
100 1
31
40
24
34
68
60
74
66
77
61
64
87
1
G)
5
2
2
1
4
0)
1
1
0)
3Î0
111
199
Paper a n d p r in tin g ___ ___________
Paper and p u lp ______ ___________
Printing, book and jo b __________
C h em ica ls a n d allied p r o d u cts____
F e rtilize rs... ___________________
Petroleum refining___ ___________
713
165
147
258
143
295
95
156
44
(9
i
(*)
l
!
2
1
i Less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
C ll ll]
162
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T able 8 —E S T A B L IS H M E N T S W O R K IN G F U L L A N D P A R T T I M E A N D E M P L O Y IN G
F U L L A N D P A R T W O R K IN G F O R C E IN S E P T E M B E R , 1927—C ontinued
E stablish
m ents
reporting
In d u stry
Total Per
n u m cent
ber
idle
S t o n e , c la y , a n d g la s s p r o d u c t s ___
C em ent ________ _____________
Brick, tile, a n d terra c o tta _______
P o tte ry ________________________
G lass................................. ....................
M e t a l p r o d u c t s , o t h e r t h a n ir o n
a n d s t e e l __________________________
Stam ped and enam eled w are_____
Brass, bronze, and copper produ c ts .......................... .................... .
T o b a c c o p r o d u c t s ________ ______ _
Chew ing and smoking tobacco
and s n u f f ........................... ............
Cigars and c ig a re ttes..................... ..
528
78
312
56
82
2
1
3
183
52
All i n d u s t r i e s . . .......................
Average
per cent
of
normal
full force
employed
in estab
Full
P a rt
ents
normal normal lishm
operating
force
force
21
5
25
41
11
98
100
95
93
97
33
28
32
45
33
65
71
65
87
91
85
67
87
1
70
81
29
19
95
98
25
31
74
69
83
85
131
1
66
33
94
23
76
82
137
1
72
27
86
45
54
92
2
91
68
9
31
99
96
46
52
93
i
84
75
92
16
24
8
98
96
100
41
34
24
58
64
76
89
79
77
89
11
99
63
37
95
82
17
98
31
69
90
72
60
27
39
96
96
31
21
68
78
83
76
75
77
70
63
97
25
19
30
37
3
96
97
98
93
100
32
90
65
10
89
28
72
73
79
21
97
39
60
89
23
114
1,043
A utom obiles____________________
140
Carriages a n d w a g o n s ______ . . .
59
C ar building and repairing, electrie-railroad
................. ..............
333
Car building and repairing, steamrailroad______ ________ _____ _
511
A gricultural im plem ents________
Electrical m achinery, apparatus,
and supplies__
_______
Pianos and organs _________ ____
R ub b er boots and shoes________
A utom obile tires . . ______ _____
Shipbuilding, steel.............................
P er cent of
establishm ents
operating
w ith—
77
94
73
59
89
V e h ic le s fo r la n d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n ..
M is c e lla n e o u s in d u s t r ie s ...................
Average
Per cent
per cent
of estab
of full
lishm ents
tim e
operating—
operated
in es
tablish
m ents
Full P a rt
oper
tim e tim e
ating
328
77
129
31
10
49
32
8,095
«
«
i
i
3
1
1 Less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
E m p lo y m e n t an d T o ta l E arn in gs o f R ailroad E m p loyees,
A u g u st, 1926, an d J u ly an d A u g u st, 1927
HE number of employees on the 15th of August, 1927, and the
total earnings of employees in the entire month of August, 1927,
on Class I railroads of the United States, are shown in the table
following, together with similar information for July, 1927, and
August, 1926. The data are presented for all occupations combined,
excluding executives and officials, and also for the six general groups
of occupations; under each group data are shown separately for a few
of the more important occupations.
Class I railroads are roads having operating revenues of $1,000,000
a year and over.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1112]
EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS OF RAILROAD EMPLOYEES
163
E M P L O Y M E N T A N D E A R N IN G S OF R A IL R O A D E M P L O Y E E S — A U G U ST , 1926, A N D
JU L Y A N D A U G U S T , 1927
, :
[From m onthly reports of In te rsta te Commerce Commission. As d ata for only the more im p o rtan t occupa
tions are shown separately, th e group totals are not th e sum of th e item s under th e respective groups]
N um ber Of employees at
m iddle of m onth
T otal earnings
O ccupation
August,
1927
August,
1926
Ju ly ,
1927
P r o fe s s io n a l, c lerica l, a n d g e n e r a l.
287,427
282,554
Clerks ____________ ______ ____
Stenographers and ty p is ts ............
168, 770
25, 513
163, 993
25,354
162,806
25,248
22,057, 293
3,147,417
21, 844, 577
3,181,461
22,335,860
3,243; 792
M a in t e n a n c e o f w a y a n d s tr u c
t u r e s _____________________ _______
468,246
45,287,945
A ugust,
1926
July,
1927
A ugust,
1927
280,926 $39,611,010 $39, 761,287 $40,487,030
487,429
470,563
44,110,838
44,132,344
Laborers, extra gang a n d work
tra in ____ _________ ____ ______
Laborers, track a n d roadw ay
s e c tio n ............ ............................
85,978
95,014
89,033
7,129,613
7,353, 750
7,444, 254
238, 728
249,940
240, 289
18,094, 827
18,133, 629
18,652,275
M a in t e n a n c e o f e q u ip m e n t a n d
s t o r e s .. ---------------------- ---------------
514,351
489,934
482,397
68,230,082
63,711,201
112,081
59, 776
113, 301
104, 730
58, 509
107, 858
103, 762
57, 490
106, 338
16, 821,974
9, 599, 625
12, 683,390
15,458, 541
9,022,725
11,864,902
65,683,390
16, Ï59,743
9,349,734
12, 270, 224
42,393
41,292
40,464
4,660, 765
3, 927, 301
3,936,442
60,511
56,541
55,258
5,002,032
4, 512, 247
4, 679, 392
210,268
206,027
205, 428
20,026,296
25, 718,239
26, 194, 390
30,677
30,460
30,413
4, 797, 726
4, 773,881
4,895,650
25, 574
24,614
24,407
3,911, 299
3, 805, 589
3, 814, 018
37,995
35,729
35, 680
3,572, 424
3, 367,194
3, 549,740
22,433
21,989
22,006
1,695, 356
1, 700, 879
1, 703, 711
C arm en........ .......................................
M achinists.........................................
Skilled trades helpers ...............
Laborers (shops, engine houses,
power plants, and stores)_____
C om m on laborers (shops, engine
houses, power p lants, and
stores) ..................................... .
T r a n s p o r t a t io n ,
o th er
th a n
t r a in , e n g in e , a n d y a r d _________
S tation agents_____ ____ _______
Telegraphers, telephoners, and
tow erm an___________________
Truckers (stations, warehouses,
and platform s)......................... .
Crossing and bridge flagmen and
gatem en .................. ........................
T r a n s p o r t a t io n
(y a r d m a s te r s ,
s w itc h te n d e r s , a n d h o s t l e r s ) ...
24,399
23,516
23,086
4, 620,364
4,589,849
4,580,906
T r a n s p o r t a tio n , t r a in a n d e n g in e .
330,540
316,810
316, 740
66,628,585
63,590,903
Road conductors______________
Road brakem en and flagm en____
Y ard brakem en and yard helpers.
R oad engineers and m o to rm e n .. .
R oad firemen an d helpers..............
37,943
75,801
54,033
44, 940
46, 300
36, 361
72,078
52, 270
42, 960
43, 936
36,401
72, 090
51, 739
43, 323
44,217
8, 994,105
13, 315,153
9,444,165
12,096,847
8,995,225
8, 736, 507
12, 638, 734
9, 232, 908
11,214,468
8, 640, 680
67, 201, 663
9,130,376
13, 394, 436
9, 675, 523
12, 075, 398
9, 074, 009
All o c c u p a t i o n s .. .......... ............. 1,836.171 1,806,270 1, 779,140 249,227,175 241,503, 823 249, 435, 324
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1113]
164
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
State Reports on Employment
C a li f o r n i a
T
HE September, 1927, Labor Market Bulletin, issued by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of California, shows the following
changes in volume of employment and pay roll from August,
1926, to August, 1927, in 776 establishments in that State:
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T OF
W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 776 C A L IF O R N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , A U G U S T , 1927, C O M
P A R E D W IT H A U G U ST , 1926
W eekly pay roll
Em ployees
N um ber
P er cent
Per cent
of estab
change
lish
N u m ber of
ount ofaschange
as com Ainm A
com
m ents re in A u
u
pared
porting gust, 1927 w pared
ith A u gust, 1927 w ith A u
gust, 1926
gust, 1926
In d u stry
Stone, clay, and glass products:
M iscellaneous stone a n d m ineral p ro d u cts______
Lim e, cem ent, plaster__________________ ____
Brick, tile, p o tte ry _________________ __________
Glass_____ _____________ - ..................................... .
13
8
22
9
1.740
2,017
3,307
827
+18.4
- 7 .9
+17.1
+ 4.4
$58,994
63,901
83,653
28,165
T o ta l........................... ............................... ................
M etals, m achinery, a n d conveyances:
A gricultural im plem ents______________________
Automobiles, including bodies and p a rts_______
Brass, bronze, a n d copper p ro d u c ts .......................
Engines, pum ps, boilers, an d ta n k s .. _________
Iro n a n d steel forging, bolts, n u ts, etc__________
S tru ctu ral and ornam ental steel— .......................
Ship a n d boat building an d naval r e p a ir s _____
T in cans. _. ________________________ _______
O ther iron-foundry and m achine-shop p ro d u c ts.. O ther sheet-m etal p ro d u cts______ ___________
Cars, locomotives, a n d railw ay repair s h o p s ____
52
7,891
+ 8 .5
234,713
+ 7 .2
6
14
9
7
6
20
7
7
71
19
17
1,433
1,832
874
643
2,587
4,634
4,930
2,282
6,935
1,557
4,373
+19.1
-4 2 .3
-1 9 .3
39,950
61,589
25,936
20,709
82,418
158,256
166,053
63, 502
213,593
43,393
130,821
+21.6
-4 2 .4
-1 4 .2
+ 5.3
- 5 .5
+11. 3
T o tal___ ____ ______ ________ _ _____________
W ood m anufactures:
Sawmills and logging___________________ ____
Planing mills, sash a n d door factories, etc______
O ther wood m anufactures____ _______ ______ _
183
32,080
+ 7 .0 1,006,220
24
58
41
13,095
10,213
5,260
+ 1.3
-1 2
+ 7 .9
374,723
284,773
155,462
- 1 .0
- 4 .8
+10.6
T o tal______________' . . _____________________
Leather and ru b b er goods:
T an n in g__________________
______ _
Finished leather p roducts____________ _______ .
R u b b er p ro d u c ts_____ ________________________
123
28,568
+ 1 .5
814,953
- .4
7
5
7
791
482
2,541
- 3 .3
- 3 .0
- 7 .8
22,514
11,890
74,627
+ 9 .0
+ 4 .0
- 8 .6
T o ta l...... ...................................... ...............................
Chemicals, oils, p aints, etc:
Explosives___________________________________
M ineral oil refining. _______________________
P aints, dyes, and co lo rs.. _____ ___________
M iscellaneous chemical p roducts______________
19
3,814
- 6 .3
109,031
-4 .2
4
7
7
14
497
10,446
651
1,881
- 1 .4
-1 5 .5
- 7 .0
-1 2 .3
14,873
398,909
17,918
50,453
- 1 .5
-1 3 .8
+ 1 .0
-1 4 .1
T o ta l_________________ ________ ______ . . .
P rintin g and paper goods:
P aper boxes, bags, cartons, etc_________________ . . .
P rin tin g ___ _____ __________________________ .
Publishing_________________ _____ ___________
O ther paper p ro d u c ts ........................ ....... ............
32
13,475
-1 4 .3
482,153
-1 3 .0
13
59
17
10
1,944
2,470
3,491
1,150
+ 2 .6
- 3 .7
+ 2.4
- .8
52,276
87,465
132,464
29,496
+ 5 .9
- 9 .2
+ 2 .3
+ 4 .7
T o ta l.................................... .......................... ............
Textiles:
K n it goods____ ______ _________ ________
O ther textile p ro d u c ts.................................................
T o ta l_________ _________ ___________________
C lothing, m illinery, an d laundering:
M en ’s clothing_________________ _____ ________
V om en’s clothing.
___
_______
M illinery_________________ . . . _____
Laundering, cleaning, a n d d y e in g _____________
T o ta l............................................................
99
9,055
+ .3
301,701
-.5
13
6
19
1,072
1,605
2,677
+ 6 .3
- .5
+ 2.1
22,609
35,377
57,986
+ 3 .3
-.8
+ .7
26
9
7
19
61
2,784
835
735
3,188
7,542
- 4 .0
+ 6.0
+25.6
+ 5.1
+ 3 .2
60,320
17,405
14,414
72,329
164,468
- 1 .2
+ 1.1
+25.6
+ 4 .6
+ 3 .5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1114]
+ .7
+ 7.4
-1 .9
-1 7 .3
-1 0 .4
-3 .0
-.5
+22.6
-1 1 .5
+14.1
+11.1
-1 8 .2
-1 2 .2
-1 0 .0
+ 2.5
- 7 .0
REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT— ILLINOIS
165
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T OF
W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 776 C A L IF O R N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , A U G U S T , 1927, C O M
P A R E D W IT H A U G U S T , 1926—C ontinued
Em ployees
N u m b er
of estab
lish
N um ber
m ents re in A u
porting gust, 1927
In d u stry
Foods, beverages, and tobacco:
C anning, preserving of fruits a n d vegetables-----C anning, packing of fish. ___________________
Confectionery a n d ice c r e a m ..................................
Groceries no t elsewhere specified___________ . . .
B read and bakery p ro d u c ts ___________________
Sugar________________________________________
Slaughtering an d m eat p ro d u c ts .______________
Cigars an d other tobacco p ro d u cts_____________
Beverages....................... .................................... ...........
D airy p ro d u c ts ...................................... ......................
Flour and grist m ills_________________________
Ice m anu factu res-___________ ________________
O ther food p ro d u cts...................................... ..............
34
7
26
5
20
5
15
4
3
11
12
15
13
30,509
1,047
1,746
469
3,389
3,352
2,648
967
399
2,983
797
1,193
1,109
W eekly p a y roll
Per cent
of change A m ount
as com
in A u
pared
w ith A u gust, 1927
gust, 1926
- 1 .5
+ 4.1
- 8.1
-1 7 .6
+ .9
+ 2 .9
+ 1.4
- 4 .1
- 1 .5
+ 12.2
- 4 .0
-1 1 .4
+ 11.0
$535,824
17,326
44,209
12,279
93,406
86,024
81,451
17,528
10,973
95,766
21,391
41,508
21,919
P e r cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith A u
gust, 1926
-2 0 .4
—1 1 1 . 8
- 6 .4
- 6 .5
+ 1 .5
+ 4 .8
-1 3 .3
-7 .4
+ 5 .6
-1 3 .2
-7 .7
- .7
T otal.,........ ................................ .................................
170
50,608
-.6
1,079,604
- 10.8
W ater, light, a n d p o w er.. ________ . . . . . . . . .
M iscellaneous________________ ________ _______ ___
5
13
7,725
2,122
-1 6 .0
- 4 .7
229,992
57,946
-1 9 .2
G rand total, all industries- ................................ -
776
165,557
- 3 .2 4,538,772
- 6.6
-
1.0
I l li n o is
rT ’HE following statistics showing the changes in employment and
earnings in Illinois factories in July, 1927, as compared with
June, 1927, are taken from the August, 1927, issue of the Labor Bul
letin, published by the Illinois Department of Labor:
C H A N G E S IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D E A R N IN G S IN IL L IN O IS F A C T O R IE S F R O M J U N E
TO JU L Y , 1927
Per cent change from June to July, 1927
E m ploym ent
In d u s try
M ales
Stone, clay, and glass products:
M iscellaneous stone and m ineral products________
Lime, cem ent, an d p la ste r_____________ ____ ____
Brick, tile, a n d p o tte ry __________________ _ _
G lass_______ ____________ ______ _______________
T o ta l_______________ _____________________
M etals, m achinery, conveyances:
Iron and steel________________ ____ - ..........................
Sheet m etal w ork a n d hardw are... _____
. . ___
Tools and cu tle ry _______________________________
Cooking, heating, ven tilatin g ap p aratu s__________
Brass, copper, zinc, b a b b itt m e ta l.
_______ .
Cars and locom otives___________________________
Autom obiles a n d accessories________ ____ ________
M achinery........ ...................................................................
Electrical a p p a ra tu s. ___________ ____ __________
A gricultural im p le m e n ts________________________
In stru m en ts an d appliances ________ ____________
W atches, w atch cases, clocks, a n d jew elry________
T o ta l___________ ________________________
W ood products:
Sawmill and planing-mill p ro d u c ts______________
F u rn itu re a n d cabinet w o rk .. ___ . . . ..
Pianos, organs, and other musical in stru m e n ts. . . .
M iscellaneous wood p ro d u c ts______ ______ _______
Household furnishings__________________________
T o ta l..................................................................... ..
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1115 ]
Females
T otal
employees
T otal
earnings
- 6.0
“1-2. 5
- .5
- 2.1
-1 8 .0
- 20.0
+19. 1
- 2.2
-6 .4
+ 2.1
-.3
- 2. 1
- 10.6
—5.7
+• 1
-1 1 .9
- 2.0
- 2 .4
- 2.0
- 6.1
- 1 .7
- 8.8
- 5 .4
- 1 .3
- 7 .2
- 9 .0
- 2 .5
- 1 .9
- 9 .5
- 5 .2
+ 2.1
-3 4 .0
-5 .2
-1 7 .3
-1 3 .1
+ 8. 7
-2 5 .1
-2 3 .8
+ 6 .9
-4 6 .8
- 6 .3
-1 8 .8
-3 9 .5
-2 7 .6
-3 9 .7
-2 3 .6
- 1.8
-8 .9
- 4 .1
-2 .7
-7 .5
- 8.8
- 6.0
-1 .7
-5 .6
- 5 .6
- 2. 1
-3 6 . 5
- 6.1
- 10.6
-9 .4
- 12.8
+ .6
-7 .3
-1 8 .5
-1 2 .7
-4 .9
-1 6 .3
- 6.8
-9 .4
-3 1 .2
-1 1 .3
+3.1
- 4 .4
+ .8
- .3
- 2 .3
- 1 .3
-1 3 .9
- 8 .7
-1 0 .3
+ 4 .6
- 11.0
-7 .8
+ 2 .9
- 4 .8
—. 7
+ .i
-5 . 1
- 2.0
+ 1.8
-1 0 .5
-2 9 .1
-9 .6
- 2 .7
- 10.8
166
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
C H A N G E S IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D E A R N IN G S IN IL L IN O IS F A C T O R IE S F R O M J U N E
T O JU L Y , 1927—C ontinued
Per cent change from June to Ju ly , 1927
E m ploym ent
In d u stry
M ales
F u rs and leather goods:
L e a th e r...............................................
Fu rs and fur goods..................... .
Boots and shoes................ ..............
M iscellaneous leather goods........ .
T o ta l........................................
Chemicals, oils, paints, etc:
D rugs an d chem icals..................
Paints, dyes, a n d c o lo rs...............
M ineral a n d vegetable oils_____
M iscellaneous chemical products.
T o ta l.................................
P rin tin g a n d paper goods:
Paper boxes, bags, and tubes.
M iscellaneous paper g o o d s...
Job p rin tin g ..... ............ ...........
N ewspapers a n d periodicals..
E dition bookbinding...............
T o ta l................................
Textiles:
C otton and woolen goods___
K n it goods, cotton and woolen hosiery_____
T h read and tw ine................................................
T o ta l.................... ........................................
Clothing, m illinery, laundering:
M en ’s clothing_________ _________ ________
M en ’s shirts a n d furnishings...... .....................
Overalls a n d w ork clothing..... .........................
M en ’s h ats an d c ap s...... ................................. .
W om en’s clothing_______ ____ _______ ____
W om en’s un d erw ear...........................................
W om en’s h a ts _______________ : . . . ................
Laundering, cleaning, a n d d y e in g ..................
T o t a l................ ................ ........................
Food, beverages, a n d tobacco:
Flour, feed, and other cereal p ro d u cts_____
F ru it and vegetable canning and preserving.
M iscellaneous groceries....... ...............................
Slaughtering and m eat p ack in g .......................
D a iry p ro d u c ts.............. ......................................
B read an d other b akery p ro d u c ts................ .
Confectionery................. ................... ....... ..........
Beverages...............................................................
Cigars and other tobacco p ro d u c ts________
M anufactured ice................................................
Ice cream .......................................... .....................
T o t a l................................... ............... .......
T otal, all m anufacturing in d u stries__
T rade—W holesale and retail:
D ep artm en t stores...............................................
Wholesale d ry g o o d s ....... ...................... ............
Wholesale groceries___________ ___ _______
M ail-order houses........................... ....................
T o ta l.............................................................
Public utilities:
W ater, light, a n d power ................................ .
T elephone................................. _.......................
Street railw ays......................................................
R ailw ay-car repair shops....................................
T o ta l.............................................. ............... .
Coal M in in g....................... ..........................................
Building an d contracting:
Building construction.........................................
R oad co nstruction...................................... ........
M iscellaneous contracting..................................
T o ta l........................................................ .
G rand total, all in d u stries......................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
T otal
employees
T otal
earnings
+ 2 .4
-1 8 .8
+ 7 .7
+ 1 .5
+ 5 .4
+ 6 .4
+7. 4
-5 .2
+ 4.3
+ 2 .9
-1 1 .5
+ 3 .2
- 2 .8
+ 2 .5
+ 4 .7
-3 .4
-2 .3
-1 5 .6
- 2 .3
- 5 .3
- 7 .3
-5 . 1
-4 .8
- 5 .4
-2 8 .6
-3 8 . 7
- 2 .7
- 9 .5
-1 9 .9
-1 5 .1
- 7 .3
-5 .0
- 5 .5
-7 .2
-1 6 .6
-1 1 .2
- 6 .8
- 9 .4
-9 .9
-.5
+ 1.2
- 9 .3
- 2 .1
- 1 .4
+ 4 .6
+ .9
-. 1
+ 4 .2
- 6 .6
+ .7
+ .9
+ .8
+ .9
- 5 .1
- 3 .4
-.6
+ 1 .5
-1 .9
+ 1 .7
-3 .6
- 5 .1
-.2
+ .7
- 5 .2
-1 0 .8
- 4 .2
- 2 .9
+ 2 .8
-1 0 .9
- 2 .9
-.9
- 7 .5
- 9 .7
-7 .0
-3 .4
-1 7 .5
-1 .7 1
-1 4 .3
+ 1 .2
- 5 .6
- 1 .8
0
+10.9
- 1 .1
- 8 .0
-7 .2
+ .2
+. 6
-1 0 .8
-.8
-1 9 .4
-2 .2
-4 . 1
- 6 .8
+ 1 .2
-.5
+ 2.1
+ 5.1
-.7
-8 .5
+• 5
- 2 .9
- 7 .1
-2 . 2
+ .8
+ 8.1
+ 4 .5
- 9 .7
-.9
+ 4 .7
-4 .8
-2 0 .2
-4 .0
+ 4 .7
+ 1 .8
+14.2
+ 1 .0
+ .2
- 1 .7
-3 .0
- 6 .4
+ 2 .2
- 1 .1
+12.3
-2 .9
- 6 .6
+10.5
+ 4 .2
-1 .7
- 6 .1
- 9 .4
-1 3 .2
-4 5 .7
+ 1 .6
- 3 .3
+ 6 .7
-5 .0
-8 .2
+ 1 .0
+13.4
+ 7 .6
+• 4
-2 .0
- 5 .4
- 5 .5
- 2 .5
+■ 4
+12.3
-2 .2
+ .4
- 3 .6
+• 1
+13.6
-9 .9
+ 1 .0
+ 2 .7
-6 .0
-5 .6
-6 .9
- 9 .5
+22.8
+21.2
-.6
-6 .9
+ 6 .5
0
+ 2 .0
+ 5 .3
+ 5 .2
-8 .9
-1 .9
+41.8
+ 6 .5
+ 3 .7
+15.3
+ 3 .4
+ 2 .7
+ 2 .0
+ 4 .5
+ 2 .9
+ 2 .4
+ 3 .4
- 1 .3
-.2
+ 1 .6
-1 3 .7
- 1 .7
+ 2 .0
- 7 .8
+ 4 .0
+ 1 .9
- 1 .5
+ 2 .5
-.1
-.2
+ .7
-1 3 .7
-2 .2
-.8
-1 .5
-7 .2
- 2 .3
-1 6 .2
+10.8
+ 6 .0
-1 2 .2
+ 6 .5
- 2 .3
+ 4 .1
+13.6
-8 .5
+ 2 .6
- 5 .3
0
+10.8
+ 6 .0
-1 2 .2
+ 6 .5
- 2 .1
[ 1116]
Fem ales
0.
- 3 .7
- 2 .8
-
1.0
-5 .4
-
1.0
167
REPOETS ON EMPLOYMENT— IOWA
Io w a
rT'HE September, 1927, issue of the Iowa Employment Survey,
L published by the State bureau of labor, contains the following
statistics showing the changes in number of employees in specified
industries in Iowa in September, 1927, as compared with the previons
month:
C H A N G E S IN V O L U M E O F E M P L O Y M E N T IN IO W A , A U G U ST T O S E P T E M B E R , 1927
In d u stry
N um
ber of
firms
re
p o rt
ing
Food an d kindred prod
ucts:
M eat packing..............
Cereals............... ...........
F lo u r.............................
B akery p ro d u cts........
Confectionery...... ...............
P o u ltry , p r o d u c e ,
bu tter, etc ..............
Sugar, starch, sirup,
glucose, etc...............
O ther food products,
coffee, e tc ..................
T o t a l . . . .............
Textiles:
Clothing, m en’s_____
M illinery....................
Clothing, w o m e n ’s,
an d woolen goods.. _
Hosiery, awnings, etc.
B uttons, p earl. ____
T o t a l . . .............. .......
Iron and steel works:
F ou n d ry a n d m a
chine shops ______
Brass, bronze prod
ucts, p l u m b e r s ’
supplies.....................
Autos, tractors, and
engines. .....................
Furnaces......................
P um p s________ ____
A gricultural im ple
m e n ts ............. .........
W ashing m a c h in e s...
T o ta l_____ _____ _
L u m b er products:
M illw ork, interiors,
e tc ________ ______
F u rn itu re, desks, etc.
R efrigerators..............
Coffins, un d ertak ers’
supplies__________
Carriages, w a g o n s ,
truck bodies.............
T o ta l.........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
N um
ber of
em
ploy P er cent
ees on of change
as com
pay
w ith
rolls, pared
A
ugust,
Sep
1927
tem
ber,
1927
7
3
3
9
4
6,476
1,284
120
1,056
131
-7 .2
+16.2
+ 3 .4
+ 9 .2
+33.7
3
261
+14.0
3
1,182
+ 7 .6
8
583
+62.8
40 10,093
+ 2 .2
In d u stry
L eather products:
Shoes__________
Saddlery and harness.
F u r goods and ta n
ning—
Gloves and m itte n s ..
3
7
424
231
+17.3
4
3
65
237
- 1 .5
-1 8 .0
957
- 1 .8
T o tal.........................
17
5
342
+ 3 .0
.14
2,637
+ 5 .0
T o ta l____________
19
2, 979
+ 4 .8
6
222
+ 2 .8
7
14
1,981
1, 224
+ 2 .7
-4 .0
-1 3 .6
1,060
144
+ 1 .3
- 3 .4
P a te n t medicines, chem
icals and co m p o u n d s...
3
5
7
581
652
466
+ 2 .8
- 2 .3
*4-8. 4
27
2,903
+ 1 .6
Stone and clay products:
Cem ent, plaster gyp
su m ______________
Brick and tile ............
M arble and granite,
crushed rock and
stone..........................
28
3,306
+ .9
5
550
+ 3 .0
2,070
392
375
-3 .3
+ .8
- 3 .4
10
9
1,104
2,436
- 9 .8
- .2
69 10, 233
- 1 .6
17
8
3
2,844
1,203
104
-5 .2
-.7
- 7 .2
5
154
+ .7
5
113
+ .9
38
4,418
-3 .6
+ 0 .5
Paper products, printing
and publishing:
Paper p ro d u cts. ___
P rin tin g and p u b
l i s h i n g . . . . . . . ..........
10
2
6
6
5
N um
ber of
firms
re
port
ing
N um
ber of
em
ploy P er cent
ees on ofaschange
com
pay
rolls, pared w ith
Sep i -August,
1927
tem
ber,
1927
3
83
24
3,288
-.4
Tobacco and cigars............
R ailw ay car shops ..........
4
8
286
9,636
+ .4
- 1 .4
Various industries:
A uto tires and tubes.
Brooms a n d brushes .
Laundries.....................
M ercantile_________
Public service______
Seeds...........................
W holesale h o u s e s __
Commission houses..
O ther industries.........
2
5
6
9
4
2
23
11
9
154
139
367
3, 274
3,807
249
1,107
373
1,238
0.0
-1 5 .8
+ 3 .7
+ 6 .4
-.6
+ 16.9
- .5
-5 .6
-3 .1
T o t a l . . .....................
71 10, 708
+ 1 .2
G rand to ta l..............
323 55, 723
+ .1
T o tal.....................
[1117 ]
168
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
M a r y la n d
HPHE following employment statistics for specified industries in
A Maryland were furnished by the commissioner of labor and
industries of that State:
C H A N G E S IN E M P L O Y M E N T IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN M A R Y L A N D ,
A U G U S T TO S E P T E M B E R , 1927
E m ploym ent
E sta b
lish
P er cent
N um ber of change
m ents
reporting of em
as com
for both ployees,
pared
m onths Septem
w ith
ber, 1927 August,
1927
In d u stry
Beverages a n d soft d rin k s________________
Boots and shoes______ ___
Boxes, paper and fancy________________
Boxes, w ooden______________
Brass and bronze____________
Brick, tile, etc...____ _____
B ru sh e s....____ _____________
Car building and repairing. _ ____
Chem icals____________ _____
Clothing, m en’s outer garm ents___ ____ _
Clothing, w om en’s outer garm ents___ ______
Confectionery____
C otton g o o d s ...____
F e r tiliz e r ._____
Food p re p a ra tio n __________ . . . . . _
F o u n d ry _____ ____ _____ _ _
Furnishing goods, m en’s____ . . . . . . .
F u rn itu re ____ ___________ .
. .
Glass m a n u fa c tu re ___________ . . . .
Ico c re a m _____________ . _ _ _
.. .
Leather goods________________________________ .
L ithographing__________ _____ ______________
L um ber a n d p la n in g ... . . . . . . . .
_____
M attresses and spring b e d s . . . ___ ____ __________
Pianos___________________ _____ _____________
P lum bers’ supplies___________ _________________
Printing __________ .
. . . . . ...
R ubber-tire m anufacturing_______ ________ . .
Shipbuilding________________ . . . . . . . ___ _
S hirts_____________________________________ _
Silk goods_______ ____________________________
Stam ping an d enam eling w are__________________
T inw are________ ___________ _
Tobacco................................ ......................................
M iscellaneous.......... .............................................
4
8
7
5
4
5
5
4
G
3
5
G
5
4
4
9
5
9
3
3
4
3
8
4
3
4
10
1
3
4
3
4
4
6
19
183
1,376
405
235
2,171
659
Cl 2
356
1,338
1,855
744
1,024
2,050
752
128
1,098
971
716
674
174
597
519
611
177
870
1,081
1,359
2, 727
817
580
404
1,101
3, 256
605
4,965
-1 4 . 7
+ 4 .5
+ 6 .9
+ 4 .4
-1 2 .9
-1 0 .6
+ 2 .5
- .0 2
+13.1
-1 6 .0
- .4
+40.9
+23.9
-14. 0
-1 .0
+ 1 .6
+ 6 .0
+38.1
- 5 .7
-.3
-.8
- 1 .1
+15.7
-1 0 . 5
-3 .9
+2. 3
-.i
+13.1
+ 3 .2
- 9 .9
- 5 .7
+10.8
-4 .0
+ 3 .2
P ay roll
A m ount,
Septem
ber, 1927
$5,401
26,042
5,356
3,752
55,163
18, 324
11,486
11,860
35,123
39, 663
9,769
12,976
32,155
16, 705
3, 303
27,428
13,934
19, 481
14, 946
5,693
12, 791
15,352
16,057
5,010
23, 618
25,207
46,911
167, 677
20,616
8,075
5,849
22, 291
75,979
8,369
117,095
P er cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith
A ugust,
1927
-1 5 .6
+ 4.7
+ 6 .9
+ 2 .0
+ 4.3
- 8 .5
-1 . 7
- 1 .4
+ 6 .8
- 7 .5
+14.8
+18.6
+ 2 .8
+18.8
—6.7
—2.0
+10.3
+14.9
+42.0
- 6 .8
+ 2.3
- 1 .4
- 4 .6
+ 4.0
—1.2
-1 5 .9
+ 5.0
+15.4
+ 5 .0
+ 9 .7
-1 3 .3
-.4
+17.5
+ .8
+ 1 .9
M a s sa ch u se tts
A PRESS release from the Department of Labor and Industries of
Massachusetts shows the following changes in volume of employ
ment in various industries in that State from Julv, 1927, to August,
1627:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1118]
EEPOETS ON EM PLOYMENT— MASSACHUSETTS
169
N U M B E R OF E M P L O Y E E S IN 1,018 M A N U F A C T U R IN G E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN M A S
SA C H U S E T T S , W E E K IN C L U D IN G OR E N D IN G N E A R E S T TO JU L Y 15 A N D A U G U ST
15, 1927
N u m b er of wage earners em ployed
N um ber
of estab
lish
m ents
In d u stry
A ugust, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
F ull tim e P a rt tim e
B ookbindin g .. ......... ............... ...........
_ ________
Boot and shoe c u t stock and findings______________
Boots a nd shoes______________________ ____ ______
Boxes, p ap er___ ___________ ______ _______ .
Boxes, w ooden packing_____________ _ __________
Bread a nd other b akery p ro d u c ts ... ______ ______
C arpets a nd ru g s_____________ . . . . . ________ .
C ars and general shop construction an d renairs, steam
railroads.. . ................... ..................
Clothing, m en’s _________________________________
C lothing, w om en’s______ _______________________
Confectionery___________________________________
Copper, tin, sheet iron, etc_______________ ________
C otton goods ______ ____________ . . . _________
C utlery and tools_________ ____ __________________
D yeing a nd finishing textiles______________________
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, a n d supplies______
F ou n d ry pro d u cts___________ ____________________
F u rn itu re _______ _______
G as and by-products_____________________________
H osiery a nd k n it goods_______ ___________________
Jew elry___________________________ ____ __________
Leather, tanned, curried, a nd fin ish e d .____________
M achine-shop p ro d u cts.__________________________
M achine and other tools__________________ _______
M otor vehicles, bodies, an d p a rts_________________
M usical instru m en ts_____________________________
Paper a nd wood p u lp ____ _ _ .
_____________
P rin tin g and publishing, book an d job
_________
P rin tin g and publishing, new spaper_________ . . . .
R ubber footwear....... .............. . . . _______ _ ______
R u b b er goods_______ _____ ______ ________________
Silk goods_____________ . . . ______. . . __________
Slaughtering an d m eat packing__________ _______
S tationery g o o d s ..__________ ._
........
Steam fittings and steam a n d hot-w ater heating appara tu s_______________ ________ __________________
Stoves and stove lin in g s ....................................
_ ...
Textile m achinery an d p a rts .________ _____________
Tobacco___________ ______ ___________________ . .
W oolen a nd w orsted goods___ ______________ _____
All other in d u s trie s ....................................... ....................
T otal, all industries__________________ _____ _
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1119]
15
43
80
27
12
48
5
902
2, 209
Total
2,003
996
4,551
3,425
693
2,301
22,215
1,090
598
4,152
3,228
4
28
32
17
15
52
20
9
14
26
36
13
12
33
32
45
26
16
13
26
49
18
3
7
10
5
12
2, 814
3,990
1,310
3, 404
480
40,218
1,753
6,459
8,982
2,702
3,491
1,218
3, 432
2,203
6,137
5,524
2,532
2,898
1,061
6,075
3,105
2, 278
7,347
2,725
4,055
1,634
1, 582
3,842
1,122
3,393
437
35,152
1,455
6, 552
8,247
1, 788
3,036
1,159
3,118
1,650
6,057
4, 457
2,322
1,150
734
4,870
2, 746
2,248
6,057
2, 538
3,582
267
1,761
203
228
488
40
4,146
620
35
608
906
533
52
1,301
735
281
985
307
1,464
269
1,346
383
8
2,803
95
475
1,268
9
5
12
5
55
129
1,689
1,093
3,983
647
18,159
29,296
1,598
478
450
597
12, 700
23,008
111
1,045
3, 575
50
5,238
7,464
1,709
1,523
4,025
647
17,938
30, 472
1,018
222,056
182,848
44,410
227, 258
23 ,694
223
916
2 301
2,539
999
328
251
194
2 i, 754
4 ,045
2,089
926
4,403
3, 422
2 814
1,350
3i 881
477
39,298
2,075
6,587
8,855
2, 694
3,569
1, 211
4, 419
2,385
6,338
5,442
2,629
2,614
1,003
6,216
3,129
2,256
8,860
2,633
4,057
1,535
1, 761
170
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
N e w Je r s e y
rT'HE following data showing the changes in volume of employment
A and pay roll from July to August, 1927, in 851 establishments in
that State is furnished by the New Jersey Department of Labor:
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T O F
W E E K L Y PA Y R O L L IN 851 N E W J E R S E Y E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , A U G U S T , 1927, C O M
P A R E D W IT H JU L Y , 1927
Em ployees
W eekly p ay roll
N um ber
Per cent
Per cent
of plants
of change
of change
report N um ber as com A m ount as com
ing
in A u
pared
in A u
pared
w ith
gust, 1927
w ith
gust, 1927
July,
July,
1927
1927
In d u stry
Food and k indred products:
B ak in g .............................................................................
C anning and preserving______________________
Confectionery and ice cream ....................................
Provisions______ . . . . _____ _______________
O ther food p ro d u cts.....................................................
16
8
7
3
12
1, 377
3, 869
346
1,332
3,019
T o tal_________________ _______ _____________
46
9,943
Textiles and th eir products:
C arpets and ru g s.......... .............. ............................... .
Clothing ............... - ...................................................
C otton g o o d s . . _____ _____________________
D yeing an d finishing te x tile s ._________________
H ats and cap s-----------------------------------------------Hosiery a n d k m t goods_______________________
M illinery a n d lace__________________ ________
Shirts a n d collars___ ______ ___________ _______
Silk goods..................................................... . ............
Woolen a n d w orsted goods ___________ _______
M iscellaneous textile p ro d u c ts.................................
3
29
15
38
6
17
9
9
57
18
10
T o t a l____ ________ _______ _________________
Iron and steel and th eir products:
Cast-iron p ip e ................................................................
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, and supplies..
F o u n d ry an d m achine-shop p ro d u cts__________
H ard w are. ........ ........................................................
Iron and steel forgings________________________
M achine tools__________ ____ _
____________
Steam fittings an d steam a n d hot-w ater heating
apparatus ................................................... ..............
Structural-iron w o rk ...................................................
T o ta l.................................... ....................................
- 2 .4
+67.3
$45,639
82, 625
8, 763
38, 520
87, 413
+ 0 .9
+8. 1
+ 11.9
-.7
+82.8
+18.0
262, 960
+21.6
1,183
4, 073
7,155
11, 241
1, 129
3, 761
862
2,016
8, 512
10,118
1,838
+ .7
-1 .2
-3 .2
+ 4.1
+ 4 .0
+ 3 .8
- 4 .5
+ 5 .2
+ 1.1
+ 1 .5
- 4 .9
34,151
80, 572
133, 766
290, 837
36, 585
105, 079
14, 356
37, 348
204, 321
290, 103
41, 998
+ 6 .8
-. 4
+18.4
+ 6.7
+17. 6
+8. 0
-1 2 . 4
+ 2 .7
-2 . 2
+10. 9
+ .2
211
51,888
+ 1 .1
1, 269,116
+ 6 .5
6
28
79
7
8
22
3, 423
19, 654
18, 248
889
838
3, 336
- 2 .6
- 1 .3
-.2
- 2 .1
+ 4 .4
+ 1 .2
104, 316
516, 563
531, 253
25, 367
24, 666
93, 384
+10. 0
+. 4
-. 5
-8 . 0
+ 3 .8
+ 2 .5
13
10
3, 815
1,547
- 2 .5
+ .2
113, 422
43,142
+ 1 .6
- 7 .5
+12.3
173
51, 750
-.8
1, 452,113
+ .6
L um ber and its products:
Fu rn itu re
. ______ ______ _________ ____ ____
L um ber and m illw o r k ...............................................
5
13
1,237
694
+ 1 .3
- 1 .8
35, 832
20,068
+4. 7
T o ta l..________ ____________________ _______
18
1,931
+• 1
55, 900
+ 2 .7
Leather and its products:
Boots and shoes.................. ...................................... .
L e a th e r. ________________ . .
L eather p ro d u cts______________________ ______
7
21
4
1,185
3,212
512
+ 3 .4
+ 1 .2
-.2
30,818
97,994
11,256
+18.3
+7. 6
-j-3. 7
T o tal______________________________________
32
4,909
+1. 6
140, 068
+ 9.4
Tobacco p ro d u cts____________ _____ ______________
12
3,496
-.4
63, 290
+ 2 .0
Paper and printing:
Paper and p u lp ....... ................................. ....................
Paper boxes________________ ____ _____________
Printing, book and jo b _________ _____________
P rinting, new spaper.....................................................
22
18
12
10
3, 799
1, 523
2,236
2,038
- 1 .2
- 1 .2
- 6 .0
-.5
103, 573
30, 670
70, 956
81,472
+ 3.8
-.8
-1 3 .2
-.7
62
9,596
-2 .2
296,671
- 2 .7
T o ta l.......................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1120]
171
REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT----NEW JERSEY
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R OF E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T O F
W E E K L Y PA Y R O L L IN 851 N E W J E R S E Y E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , A U G U S T , 1927, C O M
P A R E D W IT H JU L Y , 1927—C ontinued
Employees
W eekly p a y roll
1
N um ber
P er cent
Per cent
of plants
of change
of change
report N u m b er as com A m ount as com
ing
in A u
pared
in A u
pared
gust, 1927 w ith
gust, 1927 w ith
July,
July,
1927
1927
In d u stry
Chemicals and allied products:
C h e m ic a ls ..._________ _______________________
Explosives----. _____ _____________________
Oils and greases. ........................... .............. ................
P aints and v a rn ish ..................................................... ..
Petroleum re fin in g .....................................................
42
f>
9
13
8
8, 793
2, 362
1, 427
1, 728
14, 621
- 1 .4
+2. 7
-3 . 2
+ .2
-1 .7
$251,442
71.014
42,360
53, 968
487,477
+ 1.4
+18.1
- 1 .8
+ 2 .8
- 1 .5
T o ta l._____________ _______ ____ ________ ___
78
28, 931
- 1 .2
906, 261
+ .8
Stone, clay, and glass products:
Brick, tile, and te rra c o tta .____________ ____ _
G lass_______ _____________ ____ _____________
P o tte ry __________________ _____ _______ ______
O ther p r o d u c ts ...______ _____________________
26
7
20
2
4, 285
2, 980
4, 036
994
-1 .0
- 6 .8
+ 4.3
- .7
132, 842
64, 980
129. 793
36, 261
+ 7 .0
- 2 .6
+ 8 .2
+ .7
T o ta l.............................. ............................................
55
12, 295
- .8
363, 876
+ 4.9
M etal products, other th a n iron and steel:
Brass, bronze, and copper p ro d u cts.. ............... .
Sheet m etal and enam el w are...................................
Smelting a n d refining............................................ .
Wire and wire goods_________________________
11
21
9
14
597
4, 306
3, 731
7,376
-. 7
- 1 .0
+0. 1
+ 1.4
19, 913
118, 883
121, 330
206, 754
+ 1 .2
+ 5 .6
+ 2 .2
+19.3
T otal______________ _____ _______ ___________
55
16,010
+ .4
466,880
+10.0
Vehicles for land transportation:
Autom obiles and p a rts .. ........ .................. ..............
Car building and repairing, steam railroad-..........
13
9
6,202
4, 784
+ 1.3
+ 1 .8
197, 248
145, 094
+ 1 .2
+ 3 .9
22
10, 986
+ 1 .5
342, 342
+ 2 .3
5
28
8
4
29
6
7
1,488
3, 735
969
7, 590
9, 206
6', 257
2,868
- 4 .6
-.3
+• 5
+ 3.1
39, 691
108,191
20, 099
216, 572
257,477
197, 760
88, 699
- 3 .7
+ 2 .8
+ 3.3
T o tal.................................................... ............... ..
M iscellaneous industries:
Cork and cork specialties...... ....................................
Jew elry an d novelties_________________________
L aun d ries...... ...................... .....................................
M usical in stru m e n ts. ________ ________________
Shipbuilding_____________ ______ _____ _______
M iscellaneous...............................................................
T o ta l........... ............................ ................................. .
87
32,113
G rand total, all in d u stries_____________ _____
851
233, 848
68404°—27
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
32
[1321]
- 3 .9
- 5 .4
- .8
-.4
+ 3.8
- 1 .9
-3 .2
928, 489
+ .5
6, 537, 966
+ 3 .5
172
M O N TH LY
LA BO R
R E V IE W
P ennsylvania
""THE following statistics on changes in employment, in weekly
1 man-hours, and in pay-roll totals, from August to September,
1927, were furnished by the Bureau of Statistics of the Department
of Labor and Industry of Pennsylvania:
P E R C E N T O P C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S , IN T O T A L W E E K L Y M A N
H O U R S , A N D IN W E E K L Y PA Y R O L L IN 491 P E N N S Y L V A N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S
B E T W E E N A U G U ST A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
Wage earners, week
ending Sept. 15,
1927
In d u stry
M etal m anufactures:
Automobiles, bodies, and p a rts____
C ar construction and re p a ir________
Electrical m achinery and a p p aratu s.
Engines, m achines, and machine
tools___________________ . .
Foundries a n d m achine s h o p s ... _
H eating appliances an d a p p aratu s..
Iro n and steel blast furnaces
Iro n and steel forgings.
Steel works and rolling m ills______
S tru ctu ral-iro n w o rk s. . .
M iscellaneous iron and steel produ cts____ _____ ____ __________
Shipbuilding...... ................
H ardw are_______ ____
Nonferrous m etals....... ....................
N um ber
of plants
report
ing
Per cent
of change
com
N um ber aspared
w ith Au
gust, 1927
T otal w eekly m an
hours, week end
ing Sept. 15, 1927
N um ber
T otal
weekly
pay ro ll:
Per cent
P er cent of change
of change as com
as com w pared
ith A u
pared
w ith Au gust, 1927
gust, 1927
15
12
13
9, 523
7,830
5,108
+ 6 .5
+ .7
+ 5 .2
432,109
342,217
240,857
- 2 .2
+ .9
+ 2.4
-5 .0
+ 1 .7
29
42
7
9
6
22
11
8,039
7,242
1,913
7,567
1,399
30,719
1,809
-3 .6
- 1 .7
+ 1.3
-3 .0
-2 .2
+ .8
+ .1
363,814
305,558
94,227
349,987
48,326
1, 344,733
80,824
-9 .8
- 9 .7
+ .5
- 6 .1
-1 9 .2
- 2 .1
-1 4 .0
- 9 .8
- 8 .2
-2 . 1
—5.5
-24. 5
- 3 .3
-1 3 .4
17
3
6
7
10, 550
3, 367
1,124
785
-.9
-1 6 .8
-1 .0
+ 2 .6
471,252
145,174
46, 529
37,379
- 6 .6
- 7 .0
+ 1 .7
+ 3 .8
- 7 .1
-1 0 .8
+ 1.6
+ .8
T o tal.................................
199
96, 975
-.3
4, 302, 936
-4 .2
-4 .9
Textile products:
C arpets and rugs...............
C lothing_________ _____
C otton goods _______ _
Silk goods__________ .
Woolens and w orsteds
K n it goods and hosierv______
D yeing and finishing te x tile s...
5
11
12
22
8
10
5
1,669
1,045
1, 540
9,084
2,533
2,342
687
+ 3 .3
+ 1 .0
+ 3 .6
+ 4 .8
+ .9
-3 .4
81,472
45, 578
72,006
389,194
118, 576
108,894
29,838
+ 2 .7
+ 3 .9
- 2 .1
+ .9
+ 2.1
+ .4
- 2 .6
+ 8 .9
+ 3 .2
+ .8
0
T o tal...................................
Foods and tobacco:
Bakeries___ _____ ________
Confectionery and ice c re a m .. .
Slaughtering and m eat packing
Cigars and tobacco.....................
73
18,900
+ 2 .9
845, 558
+ 1 .0
+ 1 .2
18
10
9
6
1, 619
2, 659
1,259
295
+ .2
+ 2 .6
+ .1
+ 2.1
83, 293
143, 283
64,143
11, 265
+ .5
+ 6 .9
+ 1 .5
- 3 .5
-.2
+ 4 .4
+ 3 .9
-.9
T o tal......................................
B uilding m aterials:
Brick, tile, and terra cotta products.
C em ent___ ___________
Glass........................ ..............
43
5,832
+ 1 .4
301,984
+3- 5
+ 2 .7
14
7
12
2,543
3, 935
4,339
+ 3.1
- 2 .1
+ 2 .4
118,816
228, 303
198, 678
+ 3 .4
-6 . 3
+ .1
+ 2 .8
- 6 .3
+ 1 .7
T o ta l_________ _____
C onstruction and contracting:
B uildings. ___ __________
Street and h ighw ay______
G eneral....................... ..................
33
10,817
+ .9
545, 797
-2 .0
- 1 .4
16
4
9
1,386
2,437
2, 254
- 1 .6
+18.2
- 3 .3
56, 601
135, 751
113,033
+ 2 .3
+28.6
-3 .0
-.5
+26. 4
- 2 .5
T o tal..........................................
Chemicals and allied products:
Chemicals and drugs..................
P ain ts and varnishes_______ .
Petroleum re fin in g ...____________
29
6,077
+ 4 .8
305,385
+10.1
+ 8 .4
10
6
3
813
975
4,256
+ 1 .5
-.3
-2 1 .8
45, 767
42,127
197, 602
+ 1 .2
-1 0 . 1
-9 . 1
+ 1 .3
-9 .6
-3 .4
19
6,044
-1 6 .3
285,496
-7 .8
- 3 .7
T o tal..................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1122 ]
-4 . 5
- 3 .9
173
REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT— W ISCONSIN
P E R C E N T OP C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S , I N T O T A L W E E K L Y M A N
H O U R S , A N D IN W E E K L Y PA Y R O L L IN 491 P E N N S Y L V A N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S
B E T W E E N A U G U ST A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—C ontinued
Wage earners, week
ending Sept. 15,
1926
N um ber
of plants
report
ing
In d u stry
M iscellaneous industries:
L um ber and planing-mill p ro d u c ts..
F u rn itu re _______________ _____ . . .
Leather ta n n in g ...................... . . . .
L eather products____ ____________
Boots and shoes_______ ________ _
Paper and p u lp p ro d u c ts _________
P rintin g an d publishing. ________
R ubb er tires and goods.....................
18
15
9
5
10
12
23
3
N um ber
Per cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith A u
gust, 1927
1,189
1,609
2,229
128
1,850
3, 002
1,418
819
+ .3
+4. 1
+ 1 .8
- 4 .5
-.9
- .3
+ 1 .4
-2 .3
T otal w eekly m an
hours, week end
ing, Sept. 15, 1927
N um ber
53,208
78,962
110,147
6,238
85,450
161,607
64,680
40,604
Per cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith A u
gust, 1927
- 6 .5
+ 6 .2
-K 1
+ 3 .5
- 4 .7
+ .9
+ 3 .0
-4 .5
T otal
w eek
p ay roll:
Per cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith Au
gust, 1927
- 7 .1
+ 5 .2
+• 5
+ 3.4
-5 .0
+ 1 .9
+ 4 .1
- 5 .8
T o tal____ _____ _____________ _
95
12,244
+ .6
600,896
-.3
+ .2
G rand total, all in d u stries_______
491
156,889
- .3
7,188,052
- 2 .4
- 2 .9
W is c o n s in
'“THE August, 1927, issue of the Wisconsin Labor Market, issued
by the State industrial commission, contains the following data
on volume of employment in Wisconsin industries in July, 1927:
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E I N N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D I N T O T A L A M O U N T OF
PA Y R O L L IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN W IS C O N S IN F R O M JU L Y , 1926, A N D
J U N E , 1927, TO JU L Y , 1927
Per cent of change
June, 1927, to
Ju ly, 1927
In d u stry
E m ploy
m en t
M anual
-7 .8
+28.3
- 8.3
-1 1 .5
-.5
-5 .3
+ 3 .2
-.1
+ 4 .9
-3 .2
+ .6
+37.6
+10.3
- 1 .4
O ther wood products________ __________ . ............... .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1123]
-.6
-3 .8
+ 3 .8
-2 .8
+■1
-.2
-.3
+13.2
+ 2 .7
- 3 .4
- 1 .0
0
Pay
roll
+30.1
-2 8 .0
-1 2 .0
-1 4 . 0
-7 .5
-1 6 .5
- 4 .1
+ 6 .6
- 1 .1
+10.3
- 7 .1
+26.3
+24.3
-1 3 .2
- 2 .7
-1 2 .4
-2 6 .8
-9 .9
-1 6 . 6
+14.0
-5 .0
- .7
+ 7 .9
-7 .0
-1 6 .5
-2 .0
-7 .6
July, 1926, to
July, 1927
E m ploy
m ent
+10.7
+ 13.0
+ 3 .0
+ 6 .4
-3 .7
+ 12.0
-5 .0
+10.5
+ 4 .5
+ 14.8
-1 0 .1
-1 1 .8
+ 4 .6
-1 .6
- 1 .7
-1 4 .4
+ .9
-1 9 .1
-2 4 .2
-4 .4
- 2 .6
-6 .4
- 1 .7
-5 .0
- .3
+ 3 .0
-6 .9
P ay
roll
-1 2 .7
+22.1
-.4
+ 2 .8
-6 .5
+ 4.1
-5 .2
+15.7
+ 2 .6
+22.4
-1 1 .1
-2 1 .6
+ 11.0
-2 .9
+ 2.1
-2 2 .8
-1 2 .1
-17.1
-3 0 .0
-2 .8
—2.3
-7 .9
-4 .8
-2 .3
-.5
+ 6 .6
-1 2 .3
174
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
P E R C E N T OE C H A N G E I N N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T O P
P A Y R O L L IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN W IS C O N S IN F R O M JU L Y , 192«, A N D
J U N E , 1927, TO JU L Y , 1927-O ontinued
Per cent of change
June, 1927, to
July 1927
In d u stry
July, 1926, to
July, 1927
Em ploym ent
P ay
roll
-1 .6
+. 9
+ 2 .3
+ .4
+. 2
+ 1.3
+L7
- .3
+ .8
- .4
- 1 .8
+. 7
+ 2.3
+32.7
-1 7 .1
- 3 .1
-3 .9
+582. 7
-.7
+ .7
-5 .0
-.8
+ 1 .2
+ 1 .6
+ .1
-1 7 .3
-3 .6
-4 .0
-4 .8
- 1 .0
- 4 .2
- 5 .9
0
+ 1 .8
-5 .9
-1 0 . 5
+ 2.1
-1 0 .8
+14.9
-1 6 .4
- .9
-3 .9
+502.4
-.7
+ .7
-5 .0
-.5
-.6
+ .6
+ 1 .6
+3. 5
+ 3 .4
- 9 .8
+14.6
-1 .2
+ 4 .4
-2 6 .3
+ 2 .5
+3. 7
-6 .4
+13.1
+8.1
+ 3 .7
- 2 .7
-3 6 .7
-7 .6
+49.1
-1 .8
+15.7
+10.7
+ 3 .4
+1-4
+12.2
+ 2 .9
+ 1 .2
- 4 .3
+10.4
+ 2 .3
+• 8
-8 .4
+6.1
-9 .5
-1 4 . 5
+73.7
+ 9 .9
- 8 .1
-8 .0
+98.5
+ 7 .5
- 2 .2
+ 7 .6
-1 .9
+ .4
+ 8 .0
+ •5
+ 4 .2
-1 1 .3
+1. 6
+ 6 .6
+ 5 .9
-7 .8
—1.1
+8.1
+ 6 .8
+ 3 .3
-8 .8
+ .4
-.6
-.4
+ .4
- .4
-.5
-1 .0
-. 1
+ 6 .4
-.4
-.5
+28.0
+ 2 .3
+ 4 .0
+ 5 .5
-1 .3
-2 .6
+ 15.2
+ 12.0
+ 14.7
+ 5 .8
+24.2
+ 3 .7
- 1 1 .2
+40.4
+ 10.1
Em plovm ent
P ay
roll
M a n u a l —C ontinued
M anufacturing—C ontinued.
R u b b er..........................................................................
L e a th e r,-................................ ....................................
T a n n in g _______________ ______ __________
Boots and shoes..................................................
O th er leath er p ro d u c ts -..________ _______
P a p e r.____ _____ ____ ______ _______ ___ _____
P a p e r and pulp m ills........................ ................
P ap er boxes_______ _____________________
O ther p ap er p ro d u c ts____________________
T extiles____________________________________
H osiery and other k n it goods............... ...........
C lothing_______________________ ___ ____
O ther textile products___________________
Foods_____________ ____ ____________________
M eat packing________ _______ _________ _
Baking a n d confectionery______ __________
M ilk pro d u cts....................................................
C anning an d preserving_________________
F lo u r m ills________ ____ ________________
Tobacco m anufacturing...................................
O ther food products......................................... .
L ight and pow er........................................................
P rin tin g and publishing......................... .............. .
Laundering, cleaning, an d d yeing___ ...____ . . .
Chem ical (including soap, glue, an d explosives)
C onstruction:
B uilding....................... ..................... ......................
H ighw ay___________ ______ _________________
R ailroad__________ ______ ___ ______ ________
M arine, dredging, sewer-digging.........................
C om m unication:
Steam railw ays................................. ..........................
Electric railw ays.......... .................................. ............
Express, telephone, and telegraph______ _____ _
W holesale tra d e ._____________ __________________
H otels and restau ran ts................................ ................... .
+15. 6
-1 6 .8
-4 0 .2
-1 3 .2
+18.5
-.1
- 1 .4
+• 4
+6.1
+1* 7
+ 8 .7
-2 1 .4
-4 3 .2
-1 4 . 8
+12. 7
+ 2 .8
+ 1 .7
-1 .6
+12.9
+ 3 .3
0
+ 7 .0
+ 4 .6
-8 .2
+21.6
-1 .4
N onm anual
M anufacturing, mines, and q u a rrie s ..
C o n stru ctio n ..................... ....... ..............
C om m unication.................. ....................
W holesale tra d e .......................... .............
R etail trade—Sales force o n ly _______
Miscellaneous professional services___
H otels and restau ran ts............................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1124]
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES
R eta il P rices of Food in th e U n ite d S ta te s
HE following tables are compiled from monthly reports of actual
selling prices 1 received by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from
retail dealers.
Table 1 shows for the United States retail prices of food September
15, 1926, and August 15 and September 15, 1927, as well as the per
centage changes in the year and in the month. For example, the
retail price per pound of pork chops was 42.5 cents on September 15,
1926; 37.7 cents on August 15, 1927; and 40.7 cents on September
15, 1927. These figures show a decrease of 4 per cent in the year and
an increase of 8 per cent in the month.
The cost of the various articles of food combined shows a decrease
of 2.9 per cent September 15, 1927, as compared with September 15,
1926, and an increase of 1.0 per cent September 15, 1927, as compared
with August 15, 1927.
T
T a b l e 1 —A V E R A G E
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F S P E C IF I E D FO O D A R T IC L E S A N D P E R
C E N T O F IN C R E A S E OR D E C R E A S E S E P T E M B E R 15, 1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H
A U G U S T 15, 1927, A N D S E P T E M B E R 15, 1926
[Percentage changes of five-tenths of 1 per cent a n d over are given in w hole num bers]
Average retail price on—
A rticle
U nit
Sept. 15,
1926
Aug. 15,
1927
Sept. 15,
1927
C ents
C ents
C ents
P o u n d ..........
____do_____
........ do............
Q u a rt_____
Milk", e v a p o ra te d ..................................... 15-16 oz. can.
P o u n d _____
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r su b stitu tes). ........ do............
........ do............
........ do............
Per cent of increase
( + ) or decrease
( - ) Sept. 15,1927
compared w ith —
Sept. 15,
1926
Aug. 15,
1927
+ 0 .2
0
0
+ 0 .4
+1
41.9
36.4
30.6
22.7
14.5
43.7
38.1
31.7
23.9
15.3
43.8
38.1
31.7
24.0
15.5
+5
+5
+4
+6
+7
42.5
51.9
60.4
39.1
37.8
37.7
46.5
54.3
39.2
35.4
40.7
46.5
53.8
38.7
35.4
-4
-1 0
-1 1
-1
-6
+8
0
-1
-1
0
37.2
14.0
11.5
52.5
30.2
32.9
14. 1
11.6
51.4
28.0
33.9
14.1
11.6
53.4
27.8
-9
+1
+J
+2
-8
+3
0
0
+4
-1
36.1
22.3
25.9
51.5
9.4
37.0
18.9
25.0
42.0
9.3
37.7
19.2
25.1
48.7
9.3
+4
-1 4
-3
-5
-1
+2
+2
+ 0 .4
+16
0
D ozen...........
B read.............................. ............................ P o u n d _____
i In add itio n to m o n th ly retail prices of food a n d coal, th e b u reau publishes th e prices of gas an d eletricity from each of 51 cities for th e dates for w hich these d a ta are secured.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1125]
175
176
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 1 .— A V E R A G E R E T A I L
P R IC E S O F S P E C IF I E D F O O D A R T IC L E S A N D P E R
C E N T O F IN C R E A S E O R D E C R E A S E S E P T E M B E R 15, 1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H
A U G U S T 15, 1927, A N D S E P T E M B E R 15, 1 9 2 6 -C o n tin u ed
Average retail price on—
Article
U nit
F lo u r___________________
C om m eal...........................
Rolled o a ts___________ ______ .
C orn flak es. ______________
W heat cereal________ _____________
Sept. 15,
1926
Aug. 15,
1927
Sept. 15,
1927
C ents
C en ts
C ents
Per cent of increase
( + ) or decrease
( - ) S e p t . l 5 , 1927
com pared w ith —
Sept. 15,
1926
Aug. 15,
1927
5.8
5.1
9.1
10.9
25.4
5.6
5.2
9.0
9.7
25.5
5.5
5.3
9.0
9.7
25.5
-5
+4
-1
-1 1
+ 0 .4
-2
+2
20.2
11.7
9. 1
3.9
5.3
20. 1
10.7
9.5
3.4
6.4
20.1
10.6
9.6
3.2
5.5
- 0 .4
-9
+5
-1 8
+4
0
-1
+1
4.2
11.7
16.4
17.4
4.4
11.5
15.6
16.7
4.1
11.4
15.6
16.7
-2
-3
-5
-4
-1
0
0
Tom atoes, can n ed _____ _ _ __
Sugar____________________
.
T e a __________________
Coffee.....................................
11.8
7.0
77.0
51.0
12.0
7.3
77.6
47.4
11.9
7.2
77. 2
47.3
+1
-1
P runes_____________
R aisins. ________ _
B an an as_________ _
Oranges________ ______ _
17. 1
14.8
34.4
50.7
15.5
14.3
33. 7
53.8
15.0
14.3
33.5
55.2
-1 2
-3
-3
+9
8-oz. p k g ___
28-oz. p k g ...
M acaron i____________________
R ic e __ ________________
Beans, n a v y _____________ .
P otatoes_____ ___________ _
Onions.........................................
C abbage.......... ............. . . .
Beaiis, b a k ed . _ ____ ____
Corn, canned_______ ______
Peas, canned................... ..................
N o. 2 c a n __
.
W eighted food in d ex _______
+ 0 .3
-7
0
0
0
-6
-1 4
-7
-1
-1
-
0 .2
-3
0
-1
+3
- 2 .9
Table 2 shows for the United States average retail prices of speci
fied food articles on September 15, 1913, and on September 15 of each
year from 1921 to 1927, together with percentage changes in Septem
ber of each of these specified years, compared with September, 1913.
For example, the retail price per pound of ham was 28.1 cents in
September, 1913; 51.4 cents in September, 1921; 48.4 cents in Sep
tember, 1922; 46.6 cents in September, 1923; 46.9 cents in September,
1924; 54.9 cents in September, 1925; 60.4 cents in September, 1926;
and 53.8 cents in September, 1927.
As compared with September, 1913, these figures show increases of
83 per cent in September, 1921; 72 per cent in September, 1922; 66
per cent in September, 1923; 67 per cent in September, 1924; 95 per
cent in September, 1925; 115 per cent in September, 1926; and 91
per cent in September, 1927.
The cost of the various articles of food combined showed an
increase of 50 per cent in September, 1927, as compared with Septem
ber, 1913.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1126 ]
177
BETAIL FEIGES OF FOOD
T a b l e 3 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F S P E C IF IE D FO O D A R T IC L E S A N D P E R C E N T
O F IN C R E A S E OR D E C R E A S E S E P T E M B E R 15 O F C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D Y E A R S C O M
P A R E D W IT H S E P T E M B E R 15, 1913
[Percentage of five-tenths of 1 per cent a n d over are given in whole num bers]
Average retail price on Sept. 15—
Article
U n it
P er cent of increase Sept. 15 of each
specified year compared w ith Sept.
15, 1913
1913 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925] 1926 1927
C ts. C ts. Cts. C ts. C ts. C ts. C ts. Cts.
Sirloin ste a k _______ P o u n d ._
R ound ste a k .............. ._ d o ____
__do_
C huck ro a s t_______ __do____
26.3 38.9 38.7 41.1 40.2 41.6 41.9 43.8
23.2 34.4 33.6 35.5 34.3 35.6 36.4 38.1
20.1 28.6 28.1 29.4 29.0 30.1 30.6 31.7
16.4 20.5 20.0 21.0 20.9 22.0 22.7 24.0
12.3 13.3 12.6 13.1 13.2 13.9 14.5 15.5
48
48
42
25
8
47
45
40
22
2
56
53
46
28
7
53
48
44
27
7
58
53
50
34
13
59
57
52
38
18
67
64
58
46
26
Pork ch o p s________ __do____
__do.........
__do____
Lam b, leg of_______ __do.........
H en s.......................— . . d o .........
22.8 37.6 36.4 36.7 35.8 40.4 42.5 40.7
28.1 43.0 40.4 39.4 39.3 49.4 51.9 46.5
28.1 51.4 48.4 46.6 46.9 54.9 60.4 53.8
18.7 32.8 35.9 37.5 36.8 38. 5 39.1 38.7
21.5 38.2 34.9 35.0 35.3 36.6 37.8 35.4
65
53
83
75
78
60
44
72
92
62
61
40
66
101
63
57
40
67
97
64
77
76
95
106
70
86
85
115
109
76
79
65
91
107
65
M ilk, fresh________
B u tte r________
35 4 31 7 31 3 31.3 34.1 37.2 33.9
Q u a rt.. . 8.9 14.1 13.1 14.0 13.9 14.2 14.0 14.1
(1)
13. 5 10.8 12. 2 11.1 11. 5 11.5 11.6
P o u n d . . 37.7 50.6 46.7 55.0 48.5 55.8 52.5 53.4
28.9 27.3 28.5 29.8 30. 6 30. 2 27. 8
b u tte r substitutes)
Cheese____________ __do___ 22.1 32.6 32.1 37.0 34.6 37.0 36.1 37.7
L a rd ______________ __do____ 16.1 17.9 17.2 17.9 20.0 24.0 22.3 19.2
21.3 23.0 23.0 25. 5 25.9 25.9 25.1
stitu te .
Eggs, stric tly fresh .. Dozen _. 37.7 50.4 44.8 48.6 51.9 51.9 51.5 48.7
B read_____________ P o u n d . . 5.6 9.6 8.7 8.7 8.8 9.4 9.4 9.3
3.3 5.6 4.9 4.5 5.1 6.1 5.8 5.5
Corn m e a l________ __do____ 3.1 4.4 3.9 4.2 4.8 5.4 5.1 5.3
9 9 8 7 8. 8 8. 9 9. 2 9 .1 9.0
R ic e . ____________ _-do____
19 0 9 8 9 7 10.1 11.0 10.9 9.7
29. 7 25. 6 24. 4 24.2 24.8 25.4 25. 5
20. 6 19. 9 19. 7 19. 6 20. 4 20.2 20.1
8.7 9.0 9.6 9.5 10.3 11.3 11.7 10.6
8.1 10.8 10.9 9.9 10.2 9.1 9.6
3.9
5.3
4.2
11.7
16.4
3.2
5. 5
4. 1
11.4
15. 6
ro
17 7 17 5 17. 6 18.2 18.4 17.4
( 4)
12 5 13 1 12 9 13 4 13. 5 11.8
7.3 7.9 9.6 8.6 7.0 7.0
Poun
d
_.
5.7
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ..
T e a . _______ _____ __do____ 54.5 69.2 68.2 69.7 71. ( 75.8 77. (
36.2 37.6 44.3 51.0 51.0
29.8
35.6
Coffee...................... — —d o .........
16.7
11. 9
7.2
77.2
47.3
P o ta to e s______ ____ _ .d o____
( 4)
( 4)
1.9 4.0 2.3 3.4 2.6
5. 7 5.1 6. 2 5.8
5. 4 3. 7 4. 6 4.2
14 1 13 4 12.9 12.6
16 1 1b 3 15 5 16.0
18. 9 20.9
29.1 22.
37. 7 34.0
53.1 64.8
3.6
6.4
4.7
12.4
18.1
18.8 17.4 17.3
17.1 15. 2 14.4
37. 8 35.2 34. (
51.0 48.8 61.0
17.1
14.
34.4
50.7
58
47
57
56
60
57
58
34
24
46
29
48
39
42
48
11
45
7
67
11
57
24
67
49
63
39
71
19
34
71
70
42
19
55
48
26
29
55
36
35
38
57
55
55
38
68
85
74
37
68
76
65
29
66
67
71
3
10
9
18
30
34
22
111
21
79
37
89
105
68
28
27
19
39
25
21
68
28
26
5Î
30
49
23
39
71
23
41
71
26
42
59
15.0 ____
14.3
33.
55.5
49,4 36.3 45.
43.3 55.2 54.7 50.3
1 15-16-ounce can.
*
2 8-ounce package.
» 28-ounce package.
* No. 2 can.
i B eginning w ith Jan u a ry , 1921, index n um bers showing th e tren d in th e retail cost of food have been
composed of th e articles shown in T ables 1 and 2 ,w eighted according to th e consum ption of the average
fam ily. F rom Jan u ary , 1913, to Decem ber, 1920, th e index num bers included the following articles: Sirloin
steak, ro u n d steak, rib roast, chuck roast, p late beef, pork chop, bacon, ham , lard, hens, flour, corn meal,
eggs, b u tte r, m ilk, bread, potatoes, sugar, cheese rice, coffee, a n d tea.
Table 3 shows the changes in the retail prices of each of 22 articles
of food for which prices have been secured since 1913, as well as the
changes in the amounts of these articles that could be purchased for
$1 in specified years, 1913 to 1926, and in August and September,
1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1127]
178
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
3 .— A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S OF S P E C IF IE D A R T IC L E S O F FO O D A N D
A M O U N T P U R C H A S A B L E F O R $1 IN E A C H Y E A R , 1913 TO 1926, A N D IN A U G U ST
A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
T able
Sirloin steak
Y ear
Pork chops
C ents
p e r lb.
C ents
p e r lb.
C ents
p e r lb.
22.3
39.5
34.4
32.3
33.5
33.8
34.7
35.6
4.5
2.5
2.9
3. 1
3.0
3.0
2.9
2.8
19.8
33.2
29. 1
27. 6
28.4
28.8
29. 6
30.3
5.1
3.0
3. 4
3.6
3.5
3.5
3.4
3.3
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
16.0
26. 2
21. 2
19.7
20.2
20.8
21. 6
22.5
6.3
3.8
4. 7
5.1
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.4
12.1
18.3
14.3
12.8
12.9
13.2
13.8
14.6
C ents
p e r lb.
8.3
5.5
7.0
7.8
7.8
7.6
7.2
6.8
21.0
42.3
34. 9
33.0
30.4
30.8
36.6
39.5
4.8
2.4
2 9
3.0
3.3
3.2
2.7
2.5
43.7
43.8
2.3
2.3
38.1
38.1
2.6
2.6
31.7
31.7
3.2
3.2
23.9
24.0
4.2
4.2
15. 3
15.5
6.5
6.5
37.7
40.7
2.7
2.5
L b s.
L b s.
H am
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
Hens
Cents
p e r lb.
3.7
1.9
2.3
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.1
2.0
L b s.
Cents
v e r at.
26.9
55. 5
48.8
48.8
45.5
45.3
52.6
57.4
3.7
1.8
2.0
2.0
2.2
2.2
1.9
1.7
21.3
44.7
39.7
36.0
35.0
35.3
36.6
38.8
4.7
2.2
2.5
2.8
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
8.9
16.7
14.6
13.1
13.8
13.8
14.0
14.0
46.5
46.5
2.2
2.2
54.3
53.8
1.8
1.9
35.4
35.4
2.8
2.8
14.1
14.1
L b s.
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
Eggs
L b s.
B read
C ents
p er doz. D o z s .
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
C ents
p e r lb.
6.3
3. 4
5.6
5.9
5. 6
5.3
4.3
4.6
34. 5
68.1
50.9
44.4
46. 5
47.8
52.1
48.5
2.9
1. 5
2.0
2.3
2. 2
2.1
1.9
2.1
5.6
11 5
9.9
8.7
8 7
8.8
9.4
9.4
17.9
87
10.1
11.5
11 fi
11.4
10.6
10.6
3.3
H1
5.8
5.1
4. y
4.9
6.1
6.0
18.9
19.2
5.3
5.2
42.0
48.7
2.4
2.1
9.3
9.3
10.8
10.8
5.6
5.5
C ents
p e r lb.
Sugar
C ents
p e r lb.
Tea
C ents
p e r lb.
B utter
Q ts.
11.2
7.1
7.1
51.4
53.4
1.9
1.9
37.0
37.7
2.7
2.7
Corn meal
L b s.
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
Ricé
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
30. 3
3.0
33.3
8.7
11.5
17.2
19.6
4.5
3.9
22.2
25.6
9.5
9.5
10.5
10.5
20.4
16.4
16.7
4.7
5.4
5.1
21.3
18.5
19.6
10.1
11.1
11.6
9.9
9.0
8.6
17.9
18.2
5.2
5.3
19.2
18.9
10.7
10.6
9.4
9.4
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
18.2
5.2
12.5
13.7
9.9
10.9
13.9
14.5
54. 4
73.3
69.7
68.1
69.5
71.5
75. 5
76.7
1.8
1.4
1.4
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.3
1.3
29.8
47.0
36.3
36.1
37.7
43.3
51.5
51.0
3.4
2.1
2.8
2.8
2.7
2.3
1.9
2.0
3.4
3.2
29.4
31.3
7.3
7.2
13.7
13.9
77.6
77.2
1.3
1.3
47.4
47.3
2.1
2.1
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
L b s.
4.5
2.4
2.9
3.0
2.7
2.8
2.7
2.7
5.5
19.4
8.0
7.3
10.1
9.2
7.2
6.9
[1 1 2 8 ]
C ents
p e r lb.
22.1
41.6
34.0
32.9
36.9
35.3
36.7
36.6
Coffee
L b s.
L b s.
6.0
6.8
7.6
7.2
7.2
7. 1
7. 1
58.8
15.9
32.3
35.7
34.5
37.0
27.8
20.4
L b s.
Cheese
2.6
1.4
1.9
2.1
1.8
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.7
6.3
3.1
2.8
2.9
2.7
3.6
4.9
L b s.
C ents
p e r lb.
L b s.
38.3
70.1
51.7
47.9
55.4
51. 7
54. 8
53.1
Flour
15.8
29.5
18.0
17.0
17. 7
19.0
23.3
21.9
Potatoes
L b s.
M ilk
27. 0
52.3
42.7
39.8
39.1
37.7
46.7
50.3
L ard
1913.................
1920____ ______
1921.....................
1922__________
1923__________
1 9 2 4 .................
1925.....................
1926__________
1927:
A ugust____
Septem ber.
P late beef
3.9
2.3
2.6
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.5
2.4
C ents
p e r lb.
1913__________
1920__________
1921................... .
1922....................
1923.......... ...........
1924................
1925...................
1926__________
1927:
A ugust____
S eptem ber.
C huck roast
25.4
43.7
38.8
37.4
39.1
39.6
40.6
41.3
Bacon
1913........ .............
1920.....................
1921__________
1922__________
1 9 2 3 .............. .
1924__________
1925__________
1926....................
1927:
A u g u s t___
Septem ber-
R ib roast
AverAverAverAverAverAverA m t.
age
age
A m t.
age
A m t.
A m t.
age
A m t.
age
age
A m t.
retail for $1 retail for $1 retail for $1 retail for $1 retail for $1 retail for $1
price
price
price
price
price
price
C ents
p e r lb.
1913.....................
1920________
1921__________
1922.....................
1923__________
1924...... ..........
1925__________
1926...... ..............
1927:
A ugust____
Septem ber.
R ound steak
R E T A IL P R IC E S O F FOOD
179
Index Numbers of Retail Prices of Food in the United States
4 index numbers are given which show the changes in
IN theTABLE
retail prices of specified food articles, by years, for 1913 and
1920 to 1926,2 and by months for 1926, and for January through
September, 1927. These index numbers, or relative prices, are based
on the year 1913 as 100 and are computed by dividing the average
price of each commodity for each month and each year by the average
price of that commodity for 1913. These figures must be used with
caution. For example, the relative price of sirloin steak for the year
1926 was 162.6, which means that the average money price for the
year 1926 was 62.6 per cent higher than the average money price for
the year 1913. As compared with the relative price, 159.8 in 1925,
the figures for 1926 show an increase of nearly three points, but an
increase of 1.75 per cent in the year.
In the last column of Table 4 are given index numbers showing
changes in the retail cost of all articles of food combined. Since
January, 1921, these index numbers have been computed from the
average prices of the articles of food shown in Tables 1 and 2, weighted
according to the average family consumption in 1918. (See March,
1921, issue, p. 25.) Although previous to January, 1921, the number
of food articles has varied, these index numbers have been so com
puted as to be strictly comparable for the entire period. The index
numbers based on the average for the year 1913 as 100 are 152.4
for August, 1927, and 154.0 for September, 1927.
s For index num bers of each m onth, Jan u ary , 1913, to D ecember, 1925, see B ulletin No. 396, pp. 44 to
61, and B ulletin No. 418, pp. 38 to 61.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 2 9 ]
180
T
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
4 .—IN D E X N U M B E R S O F R E T A IL P R IC E S OF P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D
B Y Y E A R S, 1913 A N D 1920 TO 1926, A N D B Y M O N T H S F O R 1926, A N D JA N U A R Y T H R O U G H
S E P T E M B E R , 1927
u
[Average for year 1913=100.0]
a ble
Y ear and m onth
Sirloin Rounc R ib C huck Plate Pork
steak steak roast roast beef chops
1913.... ..............................
1920__________________
1921______ ______ ____
1922___________
1923__________________
1924__________________
1925....................................
1926_______ ______ _
100.
172.
152.8
147.2
153. S
155. £
159.
162.
100. C
177. '
154.3
144.8
150.
151.1
155
159.6
100. 0
167 7
147.0
139.4
143 4
145. 5
149 5
153.0
100.0
163.8
132. 5
123.1
126. 3
130.0
135. 0
140.6
1926: J a n u a ry ................
F e b ru a ry _______
M a rc h __________
A p ril___________
M a y ___________
J u n e . ...... ...........
J u ly ____________
A ugust_________
Septem ber . ___
O ctober. . . . ___
N o v em b er______
D ecem ber.............
160.
159.8
160.2
161.8
163. ‘
165.'
165. 1
164. 6
165.0
163.4
161. (
160.2
157. C
156. :
156.5
157.
160.
162.;
162.8
162.;
163.2
161. <
159.2
158.3
151.5
148.0
151.0
152.5
153. 5
154.5
155. 1
153.5
154. 5
154.5
152.5
152. 5
1927: Ja n u a ry ________
F eb ru ary _____ _
M a rc h __________
A p ril..
_ __ __
M a y ___________
J u n e ..................._
Ju ly ____________
A ugust______ . .
S eptem ber______
160. 6
161.0
161.8
164.6
166.5
166. i
171.7
172. (
172.4
158.3
158. 7
159.6
163. 2
165. 5
165. Í
170.0
170. t
170.9
153. 0
153.5
153.5
156.1
157.6
157.1
160.1
160. 1
160.1
Y ear and m onth
Lard
Eggs
B a
con
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
151.2
118.2
105.
106.
109.1
114. 1
120.7
201.4
166.2
157.1
144.8
146.7
174.3
188.1
193.7
158.2
147.4
144.8
139.6
173.0
186.3
206.3
181.4
181.4
169. 1
168.4
195.5
213.4
209.9
186.4
169. 0
164.3
165. 7
171. 8
182.2
187. 6
164.0
147. 2
155.1
155. 1
157. 3
157. 3
183.0
135.0
125. 1
144.7
135. 0
143.1
138. 6
100.0
188.2
153.9
148.9
167.0
159.7
166.1
165.6
138.1
138. 1
138. 1
139.4
140.6
141.9
141.9
140.6
141.9
142. 5
141.9
141.9
119.8
120.7
120. 7
121.5
120.7
120.7
119.8
118.2
119.
173.8
172. 9
177.1
182.4
191.9
198.6
192.9
202.4
120. 7 202. 9
121.5 187.1
123.1 177.1
178. 5
181. 1
179.3
179. 6
182. 6
190. 7
193. 7
192.6
192. 2
191.5
188.9
183. 7
198. 1
199.3
200. 7
202. 6
207. 8
221, 9
226.4
225.7
224. 5
222.3
217.1
212.3
181.2
182. 6
185.0
190. 1
192. 5
188.7
184.0
177.9
177. 5
176. 5
174.2
174.6
159.6 144.6
159. 6 142.3
157.3 139.9
156.2 132.9
156. 2 130. 5
155. 1 131.3
155. 1 130.8
156.2 . 132.1
157.3 137.1
157. 3 141.8
158.4 145.4
159.6 154.8
170.1
169.7
168.3
165.2
162.9
161.5
161.1
161.5
163.3
166.1
167.0
169.2
141.9
141.9
142.5
145.6
146.9
146.9
149.4
149.4
150.0
124. 0
123.1
123. 1
125.6
125. 6
125.6
126.4
126.4
128. 1
181.1
179. 6
179.3
178.2
176.3
174.4
172.6
172. 2
172.2
211. 2
210.8
210.0
210.8
209.3
206.3
203.0
201.9
200.0
180.8
180.8
181. 7
182.6
180.3
170.4
167. i
166. 2
166.2
158.4
158.4
158.4
157.3
156.2
156.2
157. 3
158. 4
158.4
170.1
170.1
168.8
167.9
167.4
167.4
167.0
167.4
170.6
Bread Flour
Corn
meal
200.0
174.3
171.0
174. 3
175.7
173.3
165. 2
166.2
179.5
193.8
1000
Rice
1913______ _________
1920_____________
1921...........................
1922_______ ____ _
1923_____________
1924____ ___________
1925_____________
1926_______________
100.0
186.7
113.9
107.6
112.0
120.3
147. 5
138.6
100.0
197.4
147.5
128.7
134.8
138.6
151.0
140.6
100.0
205. 4
176.8
155.4
155.4
157.1
167.9
167.9
100. 0
245.5
175.8
154.5
142.4
148.5
184.8
181.8
216. 7
150.0
130.0
136.7
156.7
180.0
170.0
1926: J a n u a ry _____ . .
F e b ru a ry _______
M arch . . . _____
A p ril___ ___
M a y ___________
J u n e _____ . . .
J u ly _____ ______
A u g u st_____ . . .
Septem ber______
O c to b er.............
N o v em b er____
D ecem ber______
141.1
140.5
138.6
136.1
136. 3
143.0
144.9
143.7
141.1
138.6
133.5
129.1
156.2
127.0
111.6
111.9
112.8
118.0
122.0
130.1
149.3
168.7
191.3
189.0
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167. 9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
187.9
190. 9
187.9
184.8
184.8
184.8
181.8
181.8
175.8
172.7
172.7
169.7
173.3
173.3
173.3
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
133.3
133.3
134. 5
134.5
134. 5
134.5
134.5
133.3
134*5
133.3
129.9
128.7
1927: J a n u a ry ............
F e b ru a ry _______
M arch _. _____
A p ril__________
M a y __________
J u n e ___________
J u ly ___________
A u g u st_________
S ep tem b er_____
126.6
124. 1
122.8
120.9
120.3
119.0
119.0
119.6
121.5
162.0
128.1
102.6
98.3!
97.4!
97. li
107. 0|
121. 71
141. 2:
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
166. 1
166.1
166. 1
166.1
169.7
169.7
166.7
166.7
166.7
166. 7
166.7
169.7
166.7
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
173.3
173.3
173.3
176.7
126.4
124.1
124.1
123.0
1 22 articles in 1913-1920; 43 articles in 1921-1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
H am Hens M ilk B u t Cheese
ter
[11301
100.0
200. 0
109.2
109. 2
109.2
116.1
127.6
133.3
121.8
123.0
123.0
123.0
121.8
P o ta
toes Sugar
100.0
370.6
182.4
164.7
170.6
158.8
211.8
288.2
341. 2
335.3
329.4
394.1
352.9
294.1
241.2
211.8
229.4
223.5
235.3
235.3
235.3
223.5
217.6
217.6
264.7
352.9
247.1
200.0
188.2
100.0
Tea
100.0
152. 5
153.5
154.6
152.5
139.4
135.2
134.2
134.2
139.4
Coffee
100.0
All
a rti
cles1
100.0
352.7
145.5
132.7
183.6
167.3
130.9
125.5
134.7
128.1
125.2
127.8
131.4
138.8
141.0
126.5
145.3
172.8
171.1
203.4
153.3
141.6
146.2
145.9
157.4
160.6
121.8
121.8
121.8
120.0
125.5
125. 5
127.3
127.3
129.1
129.1
132.7
139.9
139.9
139.9
140.3
140.4
141.4
141.5
141. 7
141.5
142. 1
141.7
141.4
172.1
172.1
172.1
171.5
171.1
171.1
171.5
171.1
171. 1
170.8
170.5
170.1
164.3
161.5
159.9
162.4
161.1
159.7
157.0
155.7
158.5
160.0
161.6
161.8
136.4
136.4
134.5
132.7
132.7
132.7
134.5
132.7
130.9
142.5
142.3
142.6
142.6
142.3
142. 1
142.5
142. 6
141.9
168.5
167.4
165.4
163.8
161.7
160.7
159.7
159.1
158.7
159.3
156.0
153.8
153.6
155.4
158.5
153.4
152.4
154.0
121.8
157.7
121.8
121.1
R E T A IL P R IC E S
O P PO O D
TREN D OF RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD.
t£0
no
160
iso
14-0
130
IZO
no
too
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUN. JUL AUô. SEP OCT NOV. DEC.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1131]
181
182
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
R e t a il P r ic e s o f F o o d in
A VERAGE retail food prices are shown in Table 5 for 40 cities
15, 1927. For 11 other cities prices are shown for the same
not scheduled by the bureau until after 1913.
T a b l e 5 . —A V E R A G E R E T A I L P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L
[Exact com parisons of prices in different cities can no t be m ade for some articles,
A tlanta, Ga.
Article
U n it
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
24. 0
21. 5
19.6
16. C
Cts.
41. C
37. 1
33.4
24.2
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
43.9
40.1
32.8
25. 2
25.0
23.0
19.0
16. 0
40.2
36. 7
30.2
22. 1
C ts.
43. 1
38.9
33. C
25. 0
41. 5
38.5
31.6
23 4
41.4
38. 1
31.2
23 1
28.1
22. 5
20. 6
16 3
40.7
35. 5
28.3
22 9
42.2 42.1
36.3 36.6
31.1 29.8
23 8
- . .d o _____
9.5 13.5 15.2
_--do_......... 24.0 38.6 35.1
-__do_____ 33. 1 49.6 44.5
- . - d o . ......... 31.0 61.8 56.4
15.2
37.9
44.0
55. 7
12.6
22.0
26. 5
32.0
15. 1
43.3
47. 0
61.8
15.6
37. 7
42. 7
57.7
15. 6
39.4
42.1
56.5
10.5
21.4
35:0
32.5
13.9
39.4
50.6
60.0
15.9
34.9
48.0
55.0
Lam b, leg of____________ -__do_____
H ens___________ ________
Salmon, canned, re d .......... ---d o _____
M ilk, fresh _______
M ilk, e v ap o rated ______ _ 15-16 oz.
can.
B u tte r_____ __________ P o u n d ___
Oleomargarine (all b u tter --d o _____
substitutes).
Cheese................................ ---d o _____
b a rd ____ ______________
Vegetable lard s u b stitu te .. -__do_____
Eggs, strictly fresh.............. D ozen___
20.0 37.9 40.3
20. 5 36. 7 33. 2
35.1 34.0
10. Ö 18. 8 18 0
40.2 19.3 40.2
34 5 21 8 39 4
34.2
36.0
18 0 8.7 13 0
13.8 13. 5 13. 5
Cts.
14.2
36. 9
47:0
55.3
11. 2 11 3 11.3
12.6 12.6 12.8
39. 7 56.1 52.9 53.6 38.6 56.3 55.6 57.3 38.8 56.4 55.1 56.2
32.0 26.2 26.2
30.1 28.1 27.1
36.4 32.2 32.5
25.0 34.9 36.2
15. 8 22. 6 19. 0
24.0 21.9
33.7 46.3 40.6
36.8 22. 5 33.6
19 7 15 3 20 9
22.3
24! 6
47.4 34.7 47.3
35.5 36.4 23.0 35.6 36. 5 36.7
17 7
22! 4 22! 7
22! 0 21. 7 21.8
36.4 43.3 32.6 47.1 37.5 42.9
5.9 10.7 10.8 10.8
3. 4 6. 6 6, 5 6 5
2.7 4.3 3.9 4.1
9. 7 9.3 9. 4
5. 5
3 2
2. 5
C orn flak es..______ ____ _ 8-oz. pkg .
W heat cereal......................
M acaroni............ ...............
P o u n d .." .
R ice......................................... -._ d o _ .........
11. 5 9.8 9. 8
26. 4 26. 8 26 4
21.7 21. 7 21. 7
8.6 12.1 10.3 9.8
10.1 9 1
24 6 24 4
19 1 19 0 18 9
9.0 10.7 9.8 9! 6
Beans, n : v y ._ ......................
P otato es__ _______ _____ _ - . - d o . .........
O nio n s... . . . ...............
C abbage____________ ___ _ -.d o _____
10. 5 10.2 10 7
2.3 5.1 4.4 4.2
7.8 7. 7 7. 8
4.9 5. 4 4.9
N o. 2 c a n .
_-_do ___
_ - - d o ____
. - . d o ____
Cts.
38.9 37.8 23.3 38.5 42.2 41.6
37 1
18.0
29. 7 31.4
46! 7 33! 9 34.2
14 O
10.3
B read__________ ____ ___ P o u n d ___
F lo u r_________ _____ ___
C orn m eal______ ________ -__do_____
Rolled oats............................
Beans, b a k e d ___________
Corn, can n ed___ ______
Peas, canned____________
Tom atoes, canned_______
B irm ingham , Ala;
C
Sirloin ste a k ............ ............ P o u n d ___
R ound stea k ...... .................. --_do_.........
R ib roast_______ ____ ___ -- .d o _____
C huck ro ast......... ___...........
P late beef................. .............
Pork chops___................. ..
Bacon, sliced____________
H am , sliced..........................
Baltim ore, M d.
11.8
18. 0
19. 9
11. 1
11.1
18. 2
20.1
11. 5
11.3
18. 2
20. 1
11. 5
9.8
5 5
9.9
9.9
5.4 10.4 10.3 10.3
3 .k
4M
8 2
4.2
82
2.5
8. 4
1.8
7 7
4.1
5 1
4. 0
10.5
14 9
15. 3
10. 0
82
3.0
5 7
3 9
8 5
3Ü
4.2
4.3
4.2
11 9 11 1
8.2 11.6 10.8 10.3
2.2
5.4
5.0
4. 8
3 5
10.4 10.4
14 4
14 5 14 8
10 6 10 3
11.9 11.7 11.3
21 8
Sugar, granulated _............. P o u n d ___ 5.9 7.4 7.6 7.7 5.2 6.5 6.4 6.4 5.8 7.5 7.8 7.8
T e a _________ ______ ____
60. 0 105. 9 103. 8 102 6 56 0 74 8
Coffee............. ................ ....... ---d o _____ 32.0 51.6 49.6 48.5 24.8 45 0 42.7 42! 7 28. 8 54.3 51.6 51.4
P run es__________ ____ _
14 2 13 2
19. 7 17. 8 10 4
R aisins _________
B ananas_____ ________
Oranges_____ ______ _
18.2 16. 3 16. 3
25. 5 27. 5 29 0
61. 7 51. 6 53.1
13 4 13 2 12 9
25 0
51.7 55.6 56.1
51.6 50.9 53.4
1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is called “ sirloin” in this city, b u t in m ost of the other cities
included in this report it w ould be know n as “ porterhouse” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1132]
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
183
51 C it i e s o n S p e c ifie d D a te s
for September 15, 1913 and 1926, and for August 15 and September
dates with the exception of September 15, 1913, as these cities were
A R T IC L E S O F F O O D IN 51 C IT IE S O N S P E C IF I E D D A T E S
p a rticularly m eats a n d vegetables, owing to differences in trade practices]
Bridgeport,
Conn.
Boston, M ass.
Sept. 15—
1926
1927
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
20.5
20.2
8.9
C harleston, S C.
Sept. 15—
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
135. 8 1 67.0 1 68. 8 1 71.6 49.3 53.9
35.0 52.9 55.7 56.5 42.7 46. 4
25.6 39.2 39.9 40.9 36.9 40.3
18.7 28.2 29.2 30.5 27.5 30.4
25.0
25.8
32.0
B u tte, M ont.
Sept 15—
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept
15,
15,
15,
1927 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927 1927
1913 1926 1927 1927
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug. Sept.
1913
Buffalo, N . Y.
Cts.
54.1
47.0
40.2
30.9
23.3
19.8
17.0
15.5
41.7
35.7
30.4
23.4
44.1
37.5
32.0
24.8
44.0
37.4
31.9
25.2
12.5
43.6
50.3
57.7
11.5
23.0
23.3
28.0
14.1
45.6
48.1
59.3
14.2
42.3
42.2
53.0
15.0
45.9
42.0
52.4
12.1
41.9
59.3
61.7
31. 7
27.5
27.2
19.0
Cts.
Cts.
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
32.8
29.1
28.7
20.2
21. 4
20.4
20.4
15.0
33.0
30. 5
27.0
18.8
33.4
30. 7
27.0
20.9
33.3
31.0
26.7
20.8
12.9
35.5
55.4
60.0
13.4
38.0
54.6
58.8
12.1
25.0
27.0
28.8
14.0
37.5
46.5
55.9
15.0
34.7
39.3
50.3
14 9
34 7
40.4
49.7
39.8
35.7
31 8
19.0
32.9
30.6
29.0
21.5
18.4
45.5
49.9
66.3
19.9
40.9
44.6
69.1
20.5
44.8
45.5
58.8
11.9 12.7
46.7 41.4
55.1 51.0
66.0 ' 57.5
41.1
41.6
35. 9
14.9
40.3
38.8
32.7
14 8
39.8
39.0
33.2
15.3
41.0
40.1
34.6
16.0
39.6 15.3 34.6 34 8 33.9
39.8 21.0 37.9 36. 5 36.1
31.9
36.3 31.3 31.8
16.0 8.0 13.0 13.0 13.0
38.2
34.6
32. 5
14 3
38.9
32.9
31 9
14 0
37.0 22.5 42.1 40.0
33.2 21.9 40.9 35.1
3fi 7 30 2
31 4
14.0 12.0 18.0 19.0
40.8
39.6
31. 5
16.0
12.2
12.2
12.1 11.6 11.5 11.6 ....... 11.2 11.3 11.3
11.1
11.2
11.1
37.4
52.5
29.3
52.2
28.3
54.3 52.2 52.6 54 3 35.8 52.6 51.2 54.1
28.1 29.8 27.4 27.8
28. 2 28.0 27. 8
50.8
49.2
52.0 37.0 49.3 49.8 49.5
30. 8 29. 8 29.2
22.4
15.8
37.3
22.2
24. 9
71.3
38.6
19.1
25.2
62.4
38.9
19.5
25. 4
68.4
40.0
22.1
25.9
69.3
41.0
18.4
25. 2
56.7
36.1 20. 5
23.4 15.3
30. 4
50.6 33.3
9.1
6.3
6.2
9.1
8.5
6.1
6.7
9.1
8.5
6.1
6.7
9.1
8.8
6.1
8.1
8.6
8.8
5.7
7.7
8.5
10.8
24 5
22.3
12.1
10.0
25.2
22. 7
11.9
9.9
25. 2
22. 4
12.0
9.8
3.4
5.8
5.2
10.4
3.0
5.9
5.2
10.3
3.2
5.2
5.1
9.3
3.6
5.9
42
9.6
3.0
6.7
5.2
13.0
19.0
20.4
11.9
13.4
17.9
20.2
11.6
13.1
17.7
19.9
11.0
11.5
19.6
21.2
13.2
11.5
18.1
20.8
13.4
6.8
73.3
55.2
16.8
13.6
43.9
54.2
47.1
5.9
8.7
3.5
6.4
1.7
________
........
__
___
.........
5.6
58.6
33.0
40.9 19. 5 36. 5
18.9 14 4 21.1
25.3
26. 3
66.6 33.8 53.2
.............
12.0 11.8 11.8
38.0
17.7
25. 7
43.1
38.7
18.3
25. 8
51.1
35.7
25.9
29. 8
56.6
36.5
23. 2
29 7
46.8
8.7
5.1
5.1
8. 7
8.7
5.0
5.2
8. 7
9.8
5.9
5.8
7.3
9.8
5.5
6.0
7. 5
9.8
5.4
6.0
7. 5
6.4 10.2 10.9 10.9
3.8 6.9 6.9 6.8
2.6 4.0 4.0 4.0
9. 4 9. 5 9.5
10.2 9.5 9.0
24. 6 24 6 24. 5
21. 6 21.1 21. 2
9.3 11.5 10.2 10.1
12.2
28. 4
18.7
12.5
10.4
28. 5
19. 5
11.2
10.7
28. 5
19. 5
11.0
11.8 10.2 10.3
26. 3 25. 8 25.8
18.9 18. 4 18.'7
5.5 9.5 7.2 7.2
9.0
2.6
6.0
3.6
10.4
2.7
4.3
4 5
10.1
2.9
6.1
5.1
10.1
10.3
2.1 2.3 4.4
4 8
5.4
3.9 ....... 4 8
11.7
9.8 10.0 9.9
18.1
16.5 15.4 15.0
20.7
16.6 15.9 15.6
13.1 ....... 13.0 13.3 13.0
14 5
15.8
14 4
13.3
14 0
15.5
14.1
13.3
9.7 10.0 10.0
13.3
14 6
15.0 14 4 14.8
13.8
17.5 16.5 16.5
12.8 ....... 9.9 10.2 9.9
7.2
74.9
62.0
15.5
7.2 6.6 7.1 7.1 5.6 6.7 6.9 6.9
72.9 60.3 60.9 60.9 45.0 68.9 67.6 67.1
51.1 48.6 45.9 45.9 29.3 49.1 45.4 45.6
15.4 16.0 16.0 15.8 ....... 16.5 14.2 14 4
8.4
83.3
57.0
17.2
8.7
82.2
53.8
15.4
8.6 5.4 6.5 6.7 6.8
82.8 50.0 73. 9 82.4 82.4
54 0 26.3 46.6 44 0 43.1
15.0 —
15.3 13.6 13.5
13.4
41.5
61.2
13.2 14.5 14.3 14 3
14 4 13.5 13.7 15.3 15.0 15.1
42.9 34.0 35.0 35.0
40. 7 40. 9 41. 2 2 14.5 2 13.1 2 11. 7
64 4 68.2 63.1 64.4 ..... 51.7 56.9 60.6 47.1 53.9 53.5 —
8.8
5. 7
7.8
8.4
10.5 9.7 9.7
24. 7 24. 8 24.8
22. 5 22. 7 22.7
11.7 11.5 11.4
5.6
3.0
2.6
9.6
3.0 2.0
5.6
4.8 .......
8.9
5.3
5.2
8.6
8.8
3.7
6.1
3.5
8.9
2.7
7.0
4.4
2 P e r pound.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1133]
33.2
23. 7
24. 3
53.6
33.6
20.6
21 7
40.0
9.6
3.6
7.3
5.. 2
34 4
20.6
21 6
48.2
9.8
3.6
6.5
4 4
14 7 14 6 14.4
38. 6 25. 0 25.6
46.7 42.9 46.9
184
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
Chicago, 111.
A rticle
U n it
Sirloin ste a k ................
R ound s t e a k . .. ..........
R ib ro a s t___________
C huck ro a s t....... .........
P o u n d .. .
. .. d o .........
. .. d o ____
. ..d o .........
P late b e e f .. .. ---------Pork ch o p s-------------Bacon, sliced—............
H am , sliced ................
. .. d o .........
. .. d o ____
. .. d o ____
. .. d o ------
Lam b, leg o f-----------H ens_______________
Salmon, canned, re d .
M ilk, fresh_________
C ineinnait, Ohio.
C leveland, Ohio
Sept. 15-
Sept. 15Sept. 15Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15, 15,
15,
15, 15,
15,
1927
1927
1927
1927
1913 1926
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts
24.3
21.4
20.3
15.9
Cts.
44.8
36.9
35.7
25.4
Cts
46.9
38.0
35.9
25.7
11.9 15.0 15.0
21.8 42.9 36.8
32.6 55.4 50. 1
32.2 57.8 54.4
Cts. Cts
47.2
38.3
35.8
26.6
Cts. Cts.
23. 7 38.9
21.2 35.1
18.5 30.8
14.5 21.9
C ts.
Cts
Cts. Cts. Cts.
39.6 40.2 25.4 40.
35.6 36.1 22.9 34.
31.1 31.1 18.9 27.9
22.6 22.8 16.9 22.9
11
15.4
15.5 15.8
42.6 22.7 41.9 37.4
50.9 26.0 46.5 40.9
54. 5 29.8 60.6 54.4
15.8
40.3
40.6
52.2
11.7
24.4
29.6
37.3
13.0
45.1
52. 1
63.0
43.1
36. 7
30. i
24.7
42.4
36.3
30.3
24.9
14.2
39.5
45.8
53.8
14.4
43.5
45.1
53.3
19.9 40.6 39.1 38. 5 16.8 37.8 36.1 35.4 18.7 37.8 38.5 37.4
. .. d o ____
19.21 37.9 36. 2 36. 1 26.0 37.2; 35.5 33.5
. .. d o ____
39.4 36.2 35.1
. .. d o ____
37.7 34.7 35.9
37. 5: 31.2 33.0
35.9 33.6 34.3
Q u a rt____
14.0 14.0 14.0
14. Q 13.3 13.3
13.7 14.0 14.0
M ilk, ev ap o rated .
15-16 oz.
10.9 11.3
10.8 11.3 11.3
11.1 11.4 11.4
can.
B u tte r_________________ P o u n d __ 35.3 50.5 50.3 52.7 38.0 50.8 49.5 51.1 38.3 55.5 53.9
57.1
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r . .. d o ____
27.0 27.0 27. 1
30.3 27.7 28.0
32.2 29.2 29.3
su bstitu tes).
Cheese------- ---------- ------ . .. d o ____ 25.7 40.9 42. 42.0 21
36.0 36.4 37.4 24.0 36.2 38. 7; 38.4
L a rd ___________________ . .. d o ____
15.0 21.9 19. 1 19. 4 14.3 20.8 17.1 18. 1 16.4 23.6 20.3 20.6
V egetable lard su b stitu te. . .. d o ____
26.3 26.3 26. 5
26. 1 25.9 26. 1
27.6
26.8
Eggs, strictly fresh............ D ozen__ 30.1 50.5 42.3 46.0 30.1 46.7 40.3 45.9 36. 8 55.8 26.8
43.9 52.8
8.0
11.2
B read _____
F lo u r_____
Corn m e a l..
R olled o a ts .
P o u n d ___
. ..d o ____
. .. d o ____
. ..d o ____
Corn flakes___
W heat cereal--.
M acaro n i_____
R ic e .. . . ______
8-oz. p k g ..
28-oz. pkg
P o u n d .—
...d o .........
Beans, n a v y -------P o tato es------------Onions__________
C abbage..................
.d o .
-d o .
-d o .
-d o .
Beans, b a k e d ____
Corn, c an n e d ____
Peas, canned_____
Tom atoes, can n ed .
No. 2 can.
do.
do.
-- .d o .
Sugar, g ran u lated .
T e a _____________
C oflee___ _______
P ru n e s .__________
Pound.
-_do__
—do. ..
R aisin s. .
B ananas _
O ranges..
d o . ..
D o zen .
. . d o . ..
do.
6.1 9.8 9.9
2.
5.4 5.2
2.8 6.0 6.6
8.3
8.5
10.1
9.9
5. 1
6.4
8.6
9
9.5
24.5 25.1 25.2
19.0 19. 19
9.0 11.6 11.
10.8
9.2
3.8
5.0
4.1
9.6
3.2
5.5
4.0
9.
3.6
6.4
4.2
4.8
3.3
12.6 13.0 12.8
16.5 16.0 15.7
16.7 16.8 16.6
14.0 13.9 13.
8.8
9 .2
6. 0
4. 0j
8. 6
10.4
24.7
18.21
11.4
7.5
4. 31
4. 7¡
4. 0
10.7
14.8
16.7
11.5
8,9
5. 8
4. 2
8.8
ao
5.8
4.5
8.8
9.3 9.4
24.8 25.
18.4 18.3
9.9 9.7
8,6
3. 7
5. 8
4.4
8.7
3.3
4. T
4.1
10.4
14.
16.8
11.9
10.6
5.6
3.2
2.9
5.4
9.5
7.7
5.7
5.7
9.4
7.7
5.6
5.6
9.4
11.2 9.7 9.8
25.2 25.7 25.7
21.7
21.5
9.0 11.8 11.3 10.9
21
2.0
15.2
16.6
11.7
5.2 6.7 7. 1 7.1 5.6 7.0 7.5 7.5 5.6
55.0 73.2 73. 5 72.0 60.0 77.7 75.5 75.5 50.0
30.7 51.2 47.9 47.1 25.6 46.4 42.6 42.5 26. 5
18.4 17.3 17.3
17.1 15.4 15.2
15.4 15.2 15.0
40.0 39.2 39.
53.2 57.8 63.0
7.9
6.0
15.2 14.6 14.6
36.3 36. 1 3 6 .1 ____
47. 7Í 51. 4 52. 2f........
8.8
7.6
4.4
5. 3
4. 5
8.7
3.2
6.3
4.7
3.4
5.0
4.6
12.9
17.1
17.8
13.5
12.9
16.9
18.2
14.1
13. 1
16.6
18.2
14.1
7.5 7.4
81.6 81.8
50. 3 49.9
15.2 15.3
14.7 14.8
10.3 10.3
56.0 59.8
i The &
'teak for w hich prices are here quoted is «tiled “ sirloin” in th is city , b u t in m ost of th e other
cities included m this report it w ould be know n as “ r a m p ” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1134]
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
185
C L E S O F FO O D IN 51 C IT IE S O N S P E C IF I E D D A T E S —C ontinued
Columbus, Ohio
D allas, Tex.
D etroit, M ich.
D enver, Colo.
Fall R iver, M ass.
SeDt. 15—
Sent. 15—
SeDt. 15—
Sent. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Sept. Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15,
15, 15,
15, 15.
15.
15, 15, 15,
1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
40.7
36.1
30. 8
24.6
41.7
37. 1
32. 2
26.0
41.9
37.6
32.3
26.5
23.0
21.3
20.8
16.9
36.3
33.0
27.4
23.5
37.7
34.1
28.8
23.7
36.9
34.2
27.9
23.9
35. 5
32.8
25. 6
20.9
35. 5
32.0
25.3
20.7
26.3
21.0
20.0
15.0
43.0
35.3
30.5
23.0
44.3
37.9
32.9
25.1
44.8
37.6
32.8
25.1
16.0
39. 5
53.6
58.8
16.6
36.2
48.2
54.2
16.8
37.7
48.2
51.8
13. 2
22.0
38.3
32.5
18.2
38.2
49. 7
63.2
17.7
35.6
46.2
57.1
18.5 9.7 11.1 12. 2
37.4 20.4 39.4 34.9
47.0 29.0 52.6 46.2
56.2 33.3 61.5 51.8
12.2
37.4
47.3
51.6
11.0
22.3
24.7
27.0
14.2
46.4
54.7
65.0
15.1
40.3
48.2
58.4
13.9
15.3
44.8 22.2 40.8
48.5 25.7 46.5
55.8 3a o 58.4
44.6
37.1
39.8
12.0
44.4
36.0
36.3
12.0
44.2 23.3 44.3 45.0 43.4 16.0 37.8 37.0 36,8 16.0 41.2 40.7 38.9 19. 2
35.4 18.7 31.1 30.7 30.7 19.7 30.2 29.4 29. 6 20.5 39.7 36.9 36. 7 24.5
35.9
35.5 33.8 34.5
37.0 33.5 35.0
40.2 35.9 37.2
12.0 ÏÔ.0 12.0 13.0 13.0 8.4 12.0 12.0 12.0 8. Ö 14.0 14.0 14.0 9.5
24.3
21.4
17.8
15.8
34.9
31.6
24.3
19. 7
11.3 11.5 11.6 ........ 13.0 13.1 13.1 ........ 10.8 10.7 10.7
11.2 11.4 11.4
Cts.
Cts.
13.9
37.0
43. 6
53.9
15.0
30.5
43.1
52.9
42.3
42. 7
34. 8
15.0
41.5
43.7
34.8
16 0
135. 6 160.9 166. 3 165.3
2a 4 46.5 49. 7 49.4
23.2 31.8 34.4 33.6
i a 4 22. 4 25.1 25.3
42. 2
43.0
3a 8
14.4
12.7
12.7 12.8
51.1 50.6 53.4 38.3 52.8 50.2 52.1 38.6 44.9 43.7 48,3 35.9 53.1 51.9 55.3 35.3 51.3
29.7 27.7 28.0 —
33.9 30.5 30.6 ........ 29.0 24.9 24.6 ........ 28.6 26. 6 26.8 ........ 30.4
51.9 52.6
30.5 30.8
35.2
20.1
26.0
42.8
36.1
16.6
26.5
33.6
8.1
5.6
3. 7
9.4
7.7
5.3
3.7
9.3
36.9 20.0 34.9 36.8 38.9 26.1 37.0 37.1 37.9 20.7 37.9 39.1
16.7 16.5 25.7 23.4 23.3 16. 5 22.8 19.0 19.1 16.9 22. 6 18.9
25.2 22.6 22.4
27. 1 26. 7
26.2
25. 2 23.7 23.4
40.4 (*) 45.3 35.3 43.0 32.1 46.1 37.5 40.7 32.0 48.0 40.9
7.7 5.3 9.5 9.5 9.5
5.3 3.2 5.6 5.5 5.5
4. 1 3.3 4. 5 4. 5 4.5
9. 2 ........ 10. 2 10.5 10.3
10.8 9.7 9.8
25.0 26.4 26.1
21. 7 21.0 21.0
13. 6 12.1 12.1
7.7
4.2
5. 5
4.5
8.5
3.4
7.2
4.6
12.1
15. 7
15. 1
12.7
12.6
14. 1
14.7
13.3
—
8.8
3.3
6.1
4.2
12.6
13. 9
14.8
13.3 —
11.2
27.6
21.4
9.3 12.9
2.8
10.6
27. 2
21. 5
11.6
13.2
18. 6
22.1
12.6
—
a3
4.6
4.2
8.5
ao
4.4
4.5
7.6
8.0
4.3
4.4
7.6
5.6
3.1
2.8
1.8
__
13.0
18. 4
21.4
12.6 —
9.9 10.6 10.7
3. 1 3.2 2. 5
4.3 6.1 4.8
2.2 2.2 2.4
11.8
14.8
15.7
12.3
11.0
14.1
14.8
12.0
10.9
13.9
15.2
11.9
8.5
5.4
6.0
9.5
14.7 14.0 14.0
310.8 310. 9 310. 3
42,5 44.6 48.5 —
9.1
5.6
6.8
9.4
10.6 9.8 9.8
25.9 25.5 25.7 __
22.3 22.4 22.1
8.4 12.7 11.8 11.8 10.0
11.3
25.3
24. 5
11.9
10.1
25.0
24. 2
11.0
10.0
25. 0
24.2
11.1
Ì.9
9. 7
3.2
5.3
3.6
10.6
2.8
7.0
4.7
10.8
2.9
5.5
4.5
11.3
16.4
17.2
12.7 ........
12.4
16. 6
18.5
11.9
12.1
16.5
18.1
13.2
11.5
16.3
18.1
13.2
8.3
3.6
4.9
4.1
8.6
2.9
5.9
3.3
. 11.7
16. 5
17.3
11.7
11.5
16. 2
16.9
12.5
9.1
2.9
4.7
3.5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1135]
7.2 7.2
63.8 63.8
48.7 48.8
14.8 14.5
15.8 15.0 14.8
14.5 13.8 13.9
33.9 33.9 35.0 __ 3 9. 4 3 9. 6 3 9. 6
52.6 56.9 60.1 —
49.5 54.0 54.6
3 Per pound.
3 N o quotation.
40.4
18.8
26.7
68.5
9.2
5.8
6.7
9.4
7.2 7.8 7.8 5.9 7.8 8.0 a o 5.9 7.5 7.8 7.8 5.7 7.2 7.5 7.5 5.7 6.8
89.3 90. 2 88. C 66.7 104. 7 107. 5 107.1 52.8 69.5 69.2 68.6 43.3 74.4 75.5 74.5 44.2 59.9
51.6 48.6 47.9 36.7 60. a 56. 7 57. 1 29.4 51.6 48.9 48.9 29.3 52. 1 48.3 47.8 33.0 52.7
19.2 17.1 16.7
18.4 15.7 14.8
15.7
17.4 17.0 16.6
21. 1 20.7 21.1
15.2 14.6 14.5
16.5 16.5 16.3
37. 2 38. 6 38.6
33. a 35. C 35. C
48.8 56.2 54.0 ........ 54,0 53.2 54.7 —
40.4
18. 1
26.4
56.3
9.2
6.3
6.7
9.4
Ï.9
—
8.2
5.7
5.8
9.4
39.4 23.2 37.9
19.4 15.3 21. 3
26.8
26.7
47.8 46.9 68.2
8.5 6.2
5.4 3.4
6.0 a s
9.5 ........
—
11.1 9.6 9.8
24.8 24.6 24.8
20.3 19.7 19.7
8.6 11.2 9.9 9.8
10.6
27.2
21.5
11.7
10.5 11.0 11.2
5.3 5.6 5.0
6.0 7.9 7.4
5.3 6.4 6.1
13.4
17. 9
21.4
12.3
5.5
2.6
2.6
—
186
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
H ouston, Tex.
Article
U nit
Indianapolis, In d .
Jacksonville, Fla.
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. Aug. Sept.
Aug Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15, 15, 15,
15,
15, 15,
15,
1926 1927 1927
1927
1927
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
Sirloin steak..
R ound steak.
R ib roast___
C huck roast.
P o u n d ____
___ do..........
___ do..........
___ do ..........
P late b e ef.. . .
Pork c h o p s...
Bacon, sliced.
H am , slic ed ..
.d o .
.d o .
-do.
.d o .
17.
37.9
51.
57.1
17.8
33.6
46.5
52. 1
18.0
35.5
46.6
50.8
12. 5
22. 8
30.8
31.7
Lam b, leg of_______
H en s___ _____ _____
Salmon, canned, red.
M ilk, fresh________
___ do.
___ do.
___ do.
Q u art..
35. 7
40.5
36.4
15. 6
34.3
32.9
30.8
15.6
34.2 20. 7
34.6 21.0
32.6
15.6 8.0
M ilk, evaporated___________
B u tte r____ ________________
Oleomargarine (all b u tter
su b stitu tes).
Cheese____________________
L a rd ______________________
Vegetable lard s u b stitu te ___
Eggs, strictly fresh_________
15-16 oz. can.
P o u n d ____
___ do ...........
11.5 11.6 11.6
10.8 10.8 10.8
11.9 11.9 11.9
52.2 47.9 49.2 36. 8 50. 5 50. 4 52.2 39.8 54.0 51.8 53.3
29.7 27.8 27.6 —
30. 5 29. 4 29.2
32.1 30.9 30.3
___ do........
___ do........
___ do........
Dozen.......
31.9 33.5
22.6 21.3
21.0 16.8
41.8 35.5
B read ...........
F lour.........
Corn m eal..
Rolled oats.
Pound.
___ do..
___ do..
___ do..
Corn fla k e s............
W heat c e r e a l......
M acaroni.................
Rice...........................
8-oz. pkg__
28-oz. pkg.
P o u n d ___
___ do........
11.8 9.5 9.2
25. 6 25.0 25.0
18.4 18. 0 18.6
9.0 8.9
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
9.5 10.1 10. 2
4.
5.0 4.7
4.9 7.0 5.9
5.4
4.
2.1
7. 7
4.5
5. 1
4.3
8. 7
3.3
7. 3
4. 6
8. 7
3.0
6. 3
4. 5
Beans, b ak ed..........
Corn, canned_____
Peas, c a n n e d .. . . . .
Tom atoes, canned.
No. 2 can.
----- do___
___ do___
___ do___
11.1 11.0 11.0
14.9 13.9 14. I
13.6 13.7 13.3
10. 1 10.6 10.5
_
10.6
15.0
15..2
11.3
10.3
13. 9
13.7
13.0
10. 3
13. 8
13. 6
12. 6
Sugar, granulated..
T ea_______ ______
C offee.....................
P ru n es......................
Pound.
___ do..
___ do..
___ do..
7.0 6.9 6.9 6.0 7.3 7. 5 7.6 5.9 7.3 7.6 7.5
82. 84.7 84.8 60.0 80. 7 87.9 85.3 60.0 101.6 98.9 97.7
45.0 40.9 40.5 30.0 51.1 47.4 47. 5 34.5 50.3 47.3 47.3
16.3 15.4 14. 5
19.3 18. 5 17. 9
18. 3 16 8 16 4
R aisin s..
B ananas.
Oranges..
___ do.
Dozen.
___ do.
14.7 14.5 13.9
28.3 26.2 26.2
39.8 45.6 39.1
Beans, n a v y .
Potatoes........
O n io n s.........
Cabbage___
33.8 35.0 34.6 26.0 39. 1
32.0 33.2 33.5 25.2 38.2
27. 1 27. 1 27. S 17.8 29. 4
21.0 21.6 21.3 16.3 24.7
8.8
5.8
4.2
8.9
8.5
5.1
4.3
8.9
41.4
39. 1
30.4
25.2
41.3
38.6
30.8
25.3
25.8
21.5
22. 5
15.0
37. Í
32. Í
29. 1
20.9
35.4
31. 7
27. 1
19.8
35.4
31.3
27. 1
20.1
15.4
41.9
49.0
62. 1
15. 7
36.1
42.4
52.5
16. 1
40.8
42.3
52. 7
11.4
23.5;
29. 0!
30.3
12.5
39.4
49.4
58.0
12. 5!
32.9
42. 8i
51.4
12. 8
33.3
42.1
49.5
42.5
39.8
35. 8
12.0
42.5
36.3
33. 5
12.0
39.0 20.8 38.8 36.21 38.0
36.6 23. 5 39.3 32.9 34.0
34.0
38.4 33.8 33.9
12.0 12.3 22.0 20.3 20.3
34.4 21.3 35. 1 37.2
21.3 15. 2 20. 1 16.8
17.8
20. 8 27.4
41. 5 30.4 43.5 33.1
8.5 5. 1
5. 1 3.2
4.5 2.6
8.9
35.7
21.3
22.9
53.1
8. 1
5.5
4. 2
8. 3
6. 2 11.0 10. 9 10.9
3.8 6.9 6.6 6.6
3. 1 4.3 4.3 4.3
9. 8 9. 3 9 6
10. 1 9.4 9. 3
25. 1 25. 1 25.6
19. 2 19. 7 19. 6
9.2 12.1 10.7 10.6
11. 2 10 0 9 9
24.6 24.8 24.4
20.0 19 4 19 4
6.6 11.2 9.6 9.4
8.1
5.7
4.2
8. 1
8.1
5.5
4.2
8. 3
37.7 22.5 34.4 34. 5
17.4 15.5 24.0 21. 1
27.4
25. 4 22. 5
37.3 36.7 59.5 46.1
15. 9 15.2 15.2
31. 4 30. 5 31. 6
48.3 50.8 51.3
2.6
10.3 9 6
5. 1 4.3
7. 4 7. 9
5. 4 4. 9
11.4
20. 7
19.6
10. 4
9 3
4.4
72
46
10.7 10.8
17 8 17 8
17.8 18.1
10.1 9 8
16.4 14.7 15.3
29. 2 31. 0 28. 3
95.3 60.0 60.0
1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is called “ sirlo in ” in th is city, b u t in m ast of the other cities
included in this report it w ould be know n as “ porterhouse” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1136]
187
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
C L E S O F FO O D IN 51 C IT IE S ON S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —C ontinued
L ittle Rock, Ark.
K ansas C ity, M o.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Louisville, Ky.
M anchester, N . H .
Sept. 1 5 Sept. 15—
Sept. 15— Aug. Sept. Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1927 1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1913 1926 1927 1927
1913 1926
1913 1926
1913 1926
1913 1926
Sept. 15—
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. C ts. C ts. Cts. C ts.
39.6 38. 7 39.0 25.0 34.2 36.5 37.3 24.0 36.8 37.6 39.0 23.0 36.4 ÓÍ. b 37.2 137.0 158. 1 162.4 160.0
24.7
22.3
17.7
15.4
34.8 34. 7 34.2 20.0 31.6 34.5 35.4 21.0 30.3 30.8 31.6 20.0 32.3 33.3 34.6 30.5 47. 1 48.6 46.9
30.2 29. 7 29.9
27.2 27. 5 27.4 20. 0 27.3 28.0 30.0 19.6 29.6 29.0 31.2 18.2 26.6 27. ò 27.1
20.0 20.1 20.5 17.5 22.2 22.5 22.8 15.8 20.3 21.0 20.7 15.9 19.4 21.3 21. 3 16.8 23.9 24.9 24.6
12.1
22.8
31.3
30.3
13.1
42.8
52.4
60.8
21.0
13.9
35.5
44.6
51.7
14.5 13.0
40.5 21. 5
45. 1 36.7
51.7 30.0
15.5
37.6
54. 3
58.9
16.7
33.6
46.9
50.8
17.8 12.1
35.3 25.4
47.7 33.1
49.6 35.8
13.8
47.3
62.1
71.8
13.6
45.8
54.7
66.4
14.0 13.1
47.6 21.6
54.4 29.5
68.1 29.0
16.4
38.9
52.0
55.7
17.7
35. 6
46. 9
50. 4
17.3
37.1 23. 0
47. 7 24.0
50.0 29.5
16.9
36.9
39.0
46.3
17.5
40.8
38.7
45.1
18.3 35.0 36.5
16.8 32.9 30.1
38.8 35. 5
9.3 13.0 13.0
35.3 20.0
29.8 20.0
35.8
13.0 10.0
39.5
29.7
36.1
15.0
40.8
28.3
32.1
15.0
41.4 18.8
28.4 26.2
32.8
15.0 10.0
36.8
44.6
34.4
15.0
36.1
40.3
31.3
15.0
37.4 17.8
40.7 21.8
32.3
15.0 8.8
39.2
38.0
38.2
12.0
41.3
33.3
31. 3
12.0
41.3
39. 0 39.1
32.9 25.0 44.1 42.5
32.4
37.0 33.3
12.0
.Ö 14.0 14.8
38.3
41.9
34.1
14.8
16.7
41.8
42.8
51.3
21.8
8
12.9 12.9 12.9
11.9 12.0 12.0
11.9 12.0 12.0
10.2 10.3 10.2
11.7 11. 7 11.8
38.8 51.0 48.4 51.4 42. 5 51. 7 50.5 50.9 43.5 54.4 51.6 54.9 39.6 53.2 51.4 52.4 39.0 53.3 53.8 54.2
26.3 25.8 25.8
31.6 26.2 26.2 . . . . 31.4 27.4 27.4
27.7 25.5 25.5 . . . . 30.2 27.5 28.2
.. . .
21.8 35.7 35.9
16.4 22.9 19.0
27.3 27.4
28.8 42.1 33.7
6. 0
3. 0
2.8
—
9.8
5.6
4.9
9.4
9.6
5.2
4.9
9.0
38.3 22.5
19.7 16.3
24.8
47.1 30.0
36.9
21.8
30.6
45.1
37.0
18.0
28.0
33.8
9.6 6.0 9.5 9.2 9.2 6.0 8.6 8.4 8.5 5.7
5.1 3.6 6.4 6. 1 6.0 3.5 5.4 5.2 5.2 3.5
4.9 2.5 4.1 4. 1 4.0 3.3 5.4 5. 4 5.6 2.5
10.2 10.0 10.0 —
9.1 . . . . 10.8 10.0 10.2 —
9.3
6. 1
3.7
8.4
9.2
6.0
4.2
8.5
37.1 23.3
19.7 16.5
27.6
40.1 32.5
12.0 10. 1
26.9 26.7
20.3 19.9
8.7 11.8 9.9
10.0
26.9
19.9
10.1 8.3
—
9.2
3.7
5.4
3.7
9.6
2.3
7.0
4.1
9.6
2.2 2.4
6.0
4.3 —
—
12.7
15.2
15.6
12.3
12.3
14.2
14.9
11.4
2.0
12.4
14.3
14.9
11.4
—
34.3
24.0
24.1
44.4
36.8
21.5
20.9
37.1
37.2 19.5
21.5 17.9
20.5
42.5 46.3
12.1 10.2 10.2
25.7 25.9 26.4
20.4 20.2 20.2
10.2 8.8 8.9 7.7
9.5
4.6
6.3
4.4
8.5
4.9
7.2
5.5
9.3
3.9 1.7
6.3
4.3 — -
10.8
16.6
18. 7
10.6
10.5
16.6
17.6
10.7
10.2
16.0
17.6
10.1 — -
39.4
24.0
26.0
54.0
38.1
19.6
24.4
41.9
10.1 9.4 9.4
25.0 24.8 24.9
18.3 18.3 18.5
11. 1 10.2 10.0 8.3
8.9 10.0
3.8 3.7
4.7 5.8
4.3 5.1
11.3
16.2
17.7
215.4
11.0
15.8
16.9
215. 0
9.9
3.4 2.4
5.2
4.5 . . . .
10.8
15.7
16.4
215.0
. . . .
37.5 21.5 36.5 36.6 36.9
18.6 16.3 21.4 17.8 18.6
28.6
26.0 25.8 26.0
42.1 36.3 63.7 55.0 63.2
9.2 5.9
6.0 3.4
4. 2 3.5
8.5 —
10.6 9.5 9.6
26. 5 25.0 25.1
18.6 18.7 18.9
11.5 11. 2 11.4
7.9
4. 1
5.4
4.8
8.3
2.8
6.3
5.0
10.3
15.1
16.3
10.0
10.2
15.2
14.8
11.1
6.0
8.7
5.8
5.2
9.1
8.7
5.8
5.4
9.2
11.1
9.5 9.6
25.6 25.6 25.9
24.2 23.8 23.8
8.8 11.0 10.1 10.0
8.9
2.9 i. 6
6. 1
5. 1 —
10.2
15.4
14.8
11.1
8.7
5.3
9.0
.....
8.9
3.0
4. 6
4.1
9.2
2.8
5.8
3.3
9.2
3.0
4.9
3.3
13.7
17.4
19. 1
11.7
13.2
16. 1
17.3
12.7
13.2
15.7
18.0
12.5
5.9 7.4 7.6 7.5 5.7 7.7 7.9 7.7 5.7 6.7 7.0 7.0 5.7 7.3 7.5 7.5 5.6 7.0 7.3 7.5
54.0 86.4 89. 1 90.2 50.0 107.9 107.4 104. 5 54.5 75.8 74.9 74. 165.0 85.5 90.7 90.6 47.0 62.7 63.5 64.2
27.8 54.4 48. 7 48.5 30.8 53.9 51.3 50.8 36.3 53.6 51.4 51. 2 27.5 50.9 47.6 47.2 32.0 52. 2 47.7 47.9
17.9 16.9 18.9 __ * 15.8 14.1 13.7
16.8 14.0 13.5 —
18.2 17. 1 15.1 —
18.2 16.4 15.5 —
.. . .
15.0 14.9 14.8
310.2 310. 1 310.0
47.2 50.2 49.6
.. . .
15.6 15.5 15.3
3 9.5 3 9.0 3 8.3
48.4 47.3 50.9
2N o 2
68404°—27----- 13
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
.. . .
13.2 12.6 12.7
3 9.7 3 9.6 3 9.6
44.5 55.0 51.1
—
15.5 14.6 14.9
310. 1 3 9.5 3 9.9
45. 9 46.2 47.3
1 Per pound.
can.
[1137]
14.3 14.0 13.8
3 9.3 3 9.2 3 9.3
54. 1 58.5 56.5
188
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 5 — A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
M emphis, Term.
Article
U nit
M inneapolis, M inn.
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
Sirloin steak_____________ P o u n d ___ 24.0 36.7 38.6
R ound steak____ ____ ___ _-_do_____ 20. C 34. C 35.8
R ib ro ast.. ___________
21. C 27. 3 27 2
C huck r o a s t ____________
15.0 19.1 21.0
P late beef. _____________
Pork chops............................ ___do_____
Bacon, sliced____________ ___do_____
H am , sliced___________
. .. d o _____
M ilw aukee, Wis.
11.9
22.5
31. C
30.0
14. 8
36.3
45.3
58.8
17. 2
32.4
39.8
53.5
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
39.3
36.4
28 4
22 0
23.6
21.6
19 2
16. 4
39. 1
34.8
28. 7
24 4
41.3 41.4 24.0 32.8
36.8 36.7 21.3 30.7
29 4
2ft 7
20 ft
17 6
34.9
41. 2
52.8
12 0
21.6
28.6
29.0
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts
CU .
36. 6
32.3
29.2
24.2
36.1
31.8
28.6
23.2
14 4
13.6
43.2 36.7 41.3 20.8 39.4 34.0
51.8 46.3 45.9 27.7 52.8 46. 3
56.2 49.0 47.5 32.7 60.4 53.1
13.6
37.2
46.5
51.2
Lam b, leg of_____ ____ _ -__do_____ 20.6 40.0 37.9 38.0 20.5 38.6 39.8 38.2 14.8 35.1 35.9 34.3
H ens___________________ . .. d o _____ 19.5 31.4 29.8 30.0 19.8 33.6 31. 7 31.0 19. 4 30.8 30.7 30.3
Salmon, canned, re d _____ ___do_____
35.4 31.6 33.8
34.0 32.8 33.2
39.6 36.0 36.6
M ilk, fresh___________ . . Q u art........ 10.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 7.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 7.7 11.0 11.0 11.0
M ilk, e v a p o ra te d _______
B u tte r ..
____________
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r
substitu tes).
Cheese________ _____ ___
L a rd ___________________
Vegetable lard su b stitu te ..
Eggs, strictly fresh_______
15-16 oz.ean
11. 5 11.8 11. 6
11.1 11 2 I O
l l j ) 11.7 11.7
P o u n d ___ 38.0 51.3 51.2 52.4 34.8 49.8 48. 4 52. 5 34. 6 49. 7 47.3 50.4
__-do-------26.1 25.7 25.6
27.5 26.3 26.4
28.4 25.2 25.4
-_ .d o _____
___do_____
-__do_____
D ozen___
20.8 33.3 34.3
16.3 19.4 16.5
23. 5 21.8
29.0 42.8 35.5
36.8 21.3 34.0 35.5
16.9 15. 8 22.3 19.1
21.8
26.7 26. 7
39.2 30.0 41.6 36.6
B read _______ _________ P o u n d ___
F lo u r___________________
C orn1m eal______________ . . . d o -------Rolled oats____ _________ __-do_____
6.0
3. 5
2.2
Corn flakes______________ 8-oz. pkg_.
W heat cereal. . . . . . .
28-oz. pkg.
M acaroni______ _______
R ice._________ ______ ___
11.1 9.9 9 8
25.6 26.0 25.8
19 6 19 3 19 4
7.5 10.6 8.8 8.9
Beans, n a v y .......................... ___do_____
Potatoes_______ _________ ___do_____
O n io n s _______ _________
C abbage.............. .............. -_-do-------Beans, baked____________
Corn, canned____________ _-_do_____
Peas, canned_____
. . _ d o ____
Tom atoes, canned______ ___do_____
2.2
—
9.6
6. 3
3.7
9. 4
9.4
4.4
5. 3
4.0
9.5
0 1
4.1
9. 0
8.9
4.9
5 8
4.7
9.5
fi 1
4.1
9 0
9.3
3.8
5 1
4.1
11 8 11_2 11 0
16.1 14.8 H 7
17. 2 15 8 15JS
10 6 9 9 9 9
35.9 20.8 33.8 35.9 36.3
19.3 15.7 20.8 18.1 18.3
26. 6
27.3 26.6 27.0
43.1 29.6 42.6 33.1 37.9
5.7
9.0
9.0
9.1
5.6
9.3
3.3
5] 3
ft ft
5. 7
5.6
2. 5
5.3
10 4
25. 3 25.6 25.7
18.9 19. 1
11 9 10.5 10.5
9. 0 1L 9 10JV 10 6
8.2
3.5
¿6
8. 5
3.1
¿6
8.6
2. 8
1.4
3.4 ____
15. 6 15. 2 15. 5
8.9
5.1
5.4
7.9
10.1 10.0
2 4 .4 24. 7 24. 7
1.6
8.9
5.2
5.4
7.9
9.0
3.1
9.5
2.2
3.6
2.8
6.6
9.8
1
5.4
3.2
12.1 12.0
15. 4 13.2 13.5
14.1
13.4 13.3
H2
Sugar, granulated ______ P o u n d ___ 5.9 7.0 7.1 7.1 5.5 6.7 7.0 6. 9 5.8 7.3 7.5 7.3
T e a _____________ _______ _--do____ _ 63.8 96.7 98.6 9a 4 50.0 70.8 71.2 71.3 45.0 60.0 60.8 60.
C o S e e _________________
27.5 51. 0 47 6 47 3 27.5 47 1
30.8
50.5 50.2
P ru n e s ........... ___________
17. 5 14 7 14. 6
15.5 14.9
Raisins___________
15 6 14 7 14. 7
14.9 14.3
B ananas______ ____ ____
2 8 7 2 8 5 2 ft 4
MO. 7 210. 7
Oranges___________ _____ . . . d o . . . .
46. 2 49. 2 4L 6
49! 2 50. 8 52] 0
49.2 57.0 60.3
I
i Whole.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 3 8 ]
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
189
C L E S O F F O O D IN 51 C IT IE S O N S P E C IF I E D D A T E S —Continued
N ew ark, N . J.
Mobile, Ala
New H aven, Conn.
New Orleans, La.
N ew Y ork, N . Y.
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Sept. Aug .¡Sept
Aug. Sept.
15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15,
15,
192C 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1913 1926 1927 1927
1913 1926
1913 1926
Cta.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
@5.0
34.0
28.0
22.0
35.4
34.6
29.2
22.5
35.9
35.0
29.1
23.6
28.0
28.0
21.2
18.0
46.5
43.2
35.8
25.0
48.8
46.4
37.6
25.1
48.3
46.2
37.5
26.9
32.2
29.6
24.2
20.0
53.8
43.7
36.1
27.3
58.3
46.7
38.4
28.5
58.3
47.5
38.3
29.2
22.5
18.5
17.5
14.3
36.0
31.8
30.0
21.3
37.6
33.0
31.4
21.6
37.5
33.3
31.2
21.3
26.4
25.7
21.5
16.1
46.4
44.5
39.3
25.3
49.5
47.1
41.1
26.7
49.7
47.0
41.0
27.0
17.0
40.5
61.3
65.5
17.3
36.7
46.1
52.7
17.8
38.2
46.2
51.8
12.0
25.0
26.2
12 2 . 0
13.3
44.5
49.2
58.1
13.2
38.5
45.7
53.5
13.7
15.5 16.7
4L 7 24.0 43.8 38.2
46.0 29.3 51.8 45.5
53.8 32.8 63.8 58.0
15.9
42.0
44.7
57.3
11.2
25.0
32.1
28.8
17.5
39.7
50.6
56 1
17.2
37.4
46.2
50.4
17.7
40.4
46.4
50.1
14.6
23.0
26.2
30.0
20.0
46.3
52.2
65.4
21.0
40.5
48.0
58.7
21.4
44.5
48. 5
59.4
40.0
37.2
40.6
17.8
41.4
34.2
31.2
17.8
41.4 20.8 39.7 39.0 38.9 20.5 40.8 40.5 40.0 20.0 39.7 39.3 38.8 15.3 37.7
33.6 23.6 38.6 36.8 37.3 24.2 42.5 40.7 40.2 22.5 38.2 35.1 37.1 21.8 40.3
31.3
36.7 30.2 31.4
39.5 37.1 37.4 __ _ 36.2
35.3 31.2 33.9
17.8 9.0 15.0 15.0 16.0 9.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 9.5 14.0 14.0 14.0 9.0 15.0
38.3
38.4
31.2
15.0
38.3
38.7
33.0
16.0
11.1
11.7 11.7 11.5
11.2 11.3 11.3
11.0 11.2 11.2
11.9 12.1 12.1
53.3 52.4 52.4 39.2 53.5 52. 6 55. 5 35.2 51.1 52.1 52.4 36.8 51.7 52.0 53. 5 37.4 53. 5
30.2
30.6 29.3 29.3
30.5 29.1 29.8
30.9 29.8 29.5
30.5 28.7 28.7
11.1 11.1
52.6 55.7
27.6 27.7
35.7
21.8
21.8
52.6
38.6
19.7
25.9
52.6
39.8
20.5
25. 9
60.6
9.7
5.7
6.5
8.7
9.7
5.5
6.4
8.6
36.1
19.3
20. 0
40.7
37.3 24.8 39.8 39.5 44.1 22.0 38.1 39.2 ' 39.4 21.4 35.2 36.9
19.2 16.6 22.4 19.5 19.4 15.6 22.2 18.5 18.5 15.1 21.8 19.3
21.2
25. 7 25.6 25.6
25.9 25.6 ' 25.5
21. 9 : 18.5
45.6 49.6 61.8 48.8 59.4 45.7 67.1 56.6 64.4 32.0 45.0 40.6
9.6 10.1 10.1
6.5 6.1 6.1
3.9 4.1 4.1
8.7 8.4 8.5
5.6
3.7
3.6
11.3 9.5 9.5
25.1 24.4 24.3
20.9 20.6 20.7
11.3 10.0 10.0
8.9
4.9
5.3
4.8
8.8
4.8
6. 4
5.3
10.9
17.5
16.2
.10.8
10.5
15.7
15.6
10.8
9.5
5.6
6.5
8.4
9.2
6.0
6.7
9. 3
9.2
5.6
6.8
9.3
9.2
5.5
6.8
9.1
10. 8
24.6
21.9
9.3 11.9
10.1
24.8
22.2
10.8
10.0
24.9
22.2
10.3
—
9.5
3.5
5. 7
4.3
9.5
2.8
6. 9
4.4
9.3
3.1
5.9
4.5
—
11. 5
18. 8
20.2
12.5
11.1
18.6
18.9
13.2
11.5
18,4
18.4
13.8
9.5
5.5
6.5
8.5
6.0
3.2
3.2
10.0 8.8 8.6
24.3 24.1 24.1
21.1 21.5 21.4
9.0 11.3 10.8 10.7
8.6
4.4 2.5
5.4
4.8 :---------10.3
15.1
15.4
10.5
9.3
5.8
6.6
8.5
—
9.4
3.5
5. S
4.1
9.8
3.0
6.1
5.0
9.8
3.3
5.5
4.5
10.7
16.6
17.8
10.9
10.8
15.2
15.8
11.2
10.6
15.7
16.8
10.9
1.8
5.1
3.8
2.9
8.9
7.0
4.0
8 9
8.8
6.7
4.2
8.9
37.9 19.6 37.8
19.2 16.3 22.3
26.2
19.0
42.6 44.2 64.0
8.8
6.7
4.4
8.9
6.0
3.2
3.4
10.1 9.8 9.7
24.4 24.5 24.6
9.9 10.7 10.7
7.4 9.9 9.9 9.7
—
8.3
4.5
3.9
4.2
—
10.9
15.1
17.0
10.3
2.3
8.6
4.3 :
4.9
4.8
10.6
14.8
17.0
10.8
8.6
4.2
4.6
4.6
10.8
14.7
17.0
10.6
10.0
24.0
20.9
8.0 10.9
8.8 8.6
24. 0 23.9
20.9 21.1
9.7 9.7
10.2
3.6
5.6
3.8
10.0 10.2
3.2 3.3
6.5 5.4
4.0 3.7
10.6
14.9
15.4
10.4
10.7
13.9
14.7
11.5
2.5
—
9.6
5.7
6.4
8.6
10.9
14.3
14.4
11.3
7.0 7.1 7.2 5.4 6.4 6.9 6.8 5.5 6.7 7.2 7.2 5.4 6.4 6.8 6.8 5.1 6.2
79.8 77.8 80. C 53.8 63.5 62.8 61.0 55.0 60.7 57.4 58. £ 62.1 82.0 78.8 78.8 43.3 64.6
50.3 47.5 47. S 29.3 49.8 45.8 46.3 33.8 52i£ 49.3 48.9 26.1 36.5 35 6 35.6 27.2 47.2
18.4 16.6 15.6 —
18.4 17.0 16.6 —
15.6
15.5 14.5 14.5 —
16.9 15.6 14.6 —
6.6 6.4
66.3 66.5
44.4 45.2
13,9 13.4
14.6 14.2 13.8
21. A 23. £ 21. £
45.5 49.3 47.5
13.9 13.9
37.1 35.4
04.6 65.8
14.6 14.3 14.2
38.1 37.5 38.3
54.4 57.4 59.0
—
14.0 14.0 13.8
34.2 35.9 33.2 '__
52.2 61.0 59.6 —
*Per pound.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1139]
14.1 13.8 13.7
16.4 16.7 17.5
45.0 49.4 45.6
—
14.7
37.3
61.3
190
M O N T H L Y LA B O R R E V IE W
T a b l e 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
Norfolk, Va.
Article
U nit
Omaha , N ebr.
Sept. 15—
Sept. Aug. Sept.
15, 15, 15,
1926 1927 1927 1913 1926
Peoria, 111.
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug. Sept.
15,
15,
15,
15,
15,
1927 1927 1926 1927 1927
Sirloin stea k ______ ______ _. P o u n d _____
R ound stea k ........................ .
R ib ro ast............................... ____ d o _____
C huck ro a s t.......... ....... ........... ___ .d o ............
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
42.1
36. 3
32. 7
23.6
38.4
36. 2
26.2
21.7
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
42.2
36. 5
33.4
23.3
25. 6
22. Í19. 1
16.7
C ts.
42. C
35. 4
32.4
23.6
40.1
37. 8
27.4
22.9
39.9
38.1
27. 8
23.1
35.6
34.1
25.3
21.7
36.1
34 8
25.5
22.6
35.7
34. 6
25.5
22.5
P late beef________________ ____d o _____
Pork chops_______________
-do_____
Bacon, sliced-- _ ________
H am , sliced...........................
16.0
39.9
50.1
53. 2
16.2
36.2
44. 3
47. 8
16.3
38.2
43. 1
46. 7
11.4 12.3
22. C 40. 9
28.6 55. 3
29. 0 62. 4
12.8
35. 7
48. 9
53. 8
13.2
38.6
48. 2
51. 2
14.7
38. 1
53. 0
58. 6
15.0
33.2
50 8
54. 2
14.8
35.8
48 8
65.0
L am b, leg o f ._____________ ____d o _____
H e n s ____________________
Salmon, canned, re d .......... ____d o _____
M ilk, fresh........................ .......
41. 1
37. S
37.9
17. 5
41.7
35. £
33.9
17.5
41.3
35.1
35.1
17. 5
17.5
16. S
36.5
32. 6
38.6
11. 3
37.9
29. 6
34. 4
10. 8
37.5
30. 9
35.1
11. 3
40.7
34. 8
38. 1
11 7
42.5
32. 9
33.5
13 0
40.0
32. 4
34.8
13 0
11.6
49. 1
30.2
11.8
48 4
26.2
11.8
48 3
26.1
11.5
11.4
11.2
30.0
2 7 .7
27.7
34. 7
24. 1
27.9
39.6
36. 3
19. 6
25.9
30.9
38 0
19. 7
25. 9
35.8
35. 7
23 0
26.9
41.4
36 2
18 8
27. 1
33.0
36. 6
18. 8
27.8
39.4
M ilk, e v ap o rated __________
B u tte r________ _ _______
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r
su b stitu tes).
Cheese_________ ________
L a rd _____________________
Vegetable lard s u b stitu te ___
Eggs, strictly fresh_______
15-16 oz. can. 11.1 11.7 11.8
54. S 55. 3 55. 3
____ d o _____ 28.6 26.8 26.3
33.7 35. 2
21. 6 18. 8
____ d o -------- 23.2 23.0
D ozen........... 48. 1 40.5
B r e a d _________________
F lo u r___________ _______
Corn m eal-_ ______
_
Rolled o ats______ _________
Beans, n a v y ______________
Potatoes.......... ......... _ _____
Onions___________ ________
C abbage__________________
Beans, b a k ed _____________
Corn, can n ed_____________
Peas, c an n e d .. ______ __
Tom atoes, canned_________
23.3
17. 8
9. 9
5. 7
4. 7
8.6
5. 2
2. 8
2. 5
10 2
5. 0
5. 0
10. 3
9 7
4. 6
4. 6
10.1
9 7
4 6
4. 7
10.1
10 1
5 8
4. 7
9 1
10
5
4
9
0
3
8
2
10 0
5 3
4.9
9 2
10.3 9.7 9.7
24.2 25.0 25.2 _
19. 3 19. 1 19. 1
12. 0 11. 5 11.5
8. 5
12.5
28.3
21 1
11. 7
10.3
27. 9
21 3
11. 1
10.2
27.9
21 3
11.1
11.9
25.3
20 0
12 1
10.2
26.3
10.2
26.3
11 5
11 4
9. 7
3 6
5. 7
3. 6
10 2
2 9
6. 9
3. 8
10. 3
2 6
54
3. 6
8
3
6
3
4
6
2
4
8 9
8 9
8 3
4 2
6 9
3 8
13.6
16. 2
15. 8
13. 7
13.0
16. 4
15. 3
12. 9
13.0
16 2
15 3
12. 8
12.2
15 3
18 0
13 7
14 4
16 9
12 6
14 6
17 1
12 5
7. 3
78 8
7 7
77 8
53 4
16. 4
7 6
77 8
53 4
16. 4
7
67
51
20
8
70
47
17
8 4
70 9
46 9
8.0
4. 4
5. 7
4.6
N o. 2 c an . -
36. 6
35.8
19. 2
22.9
51.9
9. 9
5.9
4. 4
8. 7
Corn flakes________ _____
8-oz. p k g ___
W heat cereal______________ 28-oz. pkg
M acaroni_________ . _____
R ice______________________
8.2
9 9
5. 7
4. 6
8. 7
8. 2
3. 8
7.0
4. 9
8. 2
3. 9
5. 6
4.5
28.3
1. 7
9.9 9.9 9.9
16. 4 14. 7 14. 7
21. 9 19. 2 18. 7
9. 7 9. 9 9. 9
Sugar, gran u lated _________
Tea_____________________
Coffee__ _________________
P ru n es________ _______ ___
6. 6 6. 9 6. 9
91.1 95.8 96.4
51.1 47. 7 46. 9
15.7 16. 0 15. 7
R a i s in s __________________
B ananas____________ _____
Oranges......................................
14.7 14.3 14.5
33. 5 34. 5 34. 5
55. 0 53. 8 50. 6
6.1
56. 0
30.0
17. 8
5
9
9
2
2 7
h
. i
4
8
8
4
15 9 15. 2 15. 2 15 6 14 5
a 11 6 3 10 7 3 11 0 3 9 8 3 9 8
45.1 44.5 46.5 44.9 48.2
li.i
14 5
39 6
51.0
1 T he steak for w hich prices are here quoted is called “ sirloin” in this city, b u t in m ost of th e other
cities included in th is report it w ould be know n as " p o rte rh o u se ” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[Í140]
191
B E T A IL P K IC E S O F FO OD
CLEG O F F O O D IN 51 C IT IE S ON S P E C IF I E D D A T E S —C ontinued
P ittsb u rg h , Pa.
P hiladelphia, Pa.
P o rtland, Me.
P o rtland, Oreg.
Providence, R. I.
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15, 15,
15,
15, 15, 15, 15, 15,
15,
15,
15,
,1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927 1927
1927 1927
1913 1926
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927
Sept. 15—
C ts.
131.7
(27.1
22.3
*8.2
12.5
23.2
28.2
32.6
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
27.7
24.7
22.2
17.5
47.2
40.2
34.1
25.1
49.8
42.0
35.7
27.1
49.8
41.9
35.5
27.7
1 63.2
47.7
30.3
21.6
1 66.1
49.3
32.5
22.7
i 64.7
48. 5
32.2
22.3
23.9
21.4
19.5
16-9
29.3
26.6
25.5
17.9
31. 5
28.8
26.3
19.8
31. 7 >40.2
29,0 31.6
25.8 24.2
19.7 18.8
12.8
25.2
30.4
31.6
12.7
44.7
56.6
66.0
13.8
42.0
51.3
60.8
14.1
45.4
51.4
59.3
16.4
43.5
46.9
62.8
18.7
38.8
43.5
55.2
18.3
42.7
42.9
55.7
13.9
24.4
31.5
32.5
12.7
41.2
58.2
59.4
14.2
36.8
53.6
56.3
14.3
18.1
39.6 22.Ö 47.7
53.3 22.2 47.3
55.8 34.3 64.9
40.8 20.0 40.5 42.0 41.0
39.0 25.8 42.1 42.0 42.1
32.2
38.4 30.3 31.8
13.0 8.6 14.0 14.0 14.0
39.8
42.6
38.9
13.8
42,3
41.8
32.1
13.8
39.1 16.4 35.2 36.9 35.8 18.0 42.4
40.8 21.3 34.2 31.7 31.6 25.0 42.6
33.4
38.3 32.8 33.7
37.8
13.8 9.7 12.0 12.0 12.0 9.0 14.8
Cts.
i 56.0 159.8 i 59.8
43.5 46. 7 45. 9
36.6 38.4 38.3
26.6 28.2 27.8
12.9
47.9
49.8
62.8
13.7
43.6
46.2
57.9
19.7 40.7 41.6
22.9 41.4 38.9
37.1 29.2
8.0 12.0 13.0
14.0
45.6
45.7
56.4
Cts.
C ts.
11.4 11.7 11.7
11.5 11.2 11.1 12.4 12.6 12.7
10.8 10.9 10. 7
12. 5
42.5 56.3 55.0 57.5 39.3 54.1 53.6 56.5 53.3 54.7 55.0 42.0 53.1 51.5 54.4 38.2 52.4
28.2
30.0
30.7
28.3
28.5
31.0
30.7
27.5
27.5
29.
5
30.3
27.3
26.8
.
.
.
.
.
........
........
........
25.0 39.2 39.0
15. 9 22. 1 18.0
25.6 25.4
39.7 54.3 42.4
4.8
3.2
2.7
9.5
5.8
4.8
8. 6
9.4
5.2
4.7
8.8
40.0 24. 5
18.0 15.7
25.4
52.1 34.8
9.4
5.2
4.8
8. 6
10.1 9.4 9.5
24.4 24. 7 24.6
20. 7 20. 7 20.7
9.8 12.4 11.3 11.3
8.7
4. 5
5.2
4.1
9. 1
3.3
5.5
4.1
10.5
15.0
15.2
........ 11.3
10.8
14.3
15. 0
11.7
2.2
........
_
5.5
3.2
2.8
38.0
22.6
27. 5
51.2
39.8
18.5
27.4
43.4
9.3
5.6
6.2
9. 3
9.0
5.2
5.8
9. 0
40. 1
18. 6
27.3
49.7
37.7
21.4
25.2
64.0
38.3
18.1
26.7
56.9
37.9 20.8 37.8 37.2 38.5 22.0 36. 2
18.2 18.3 24.3 20.2 20.3 15.7 21. 1
26.9
28.7 28.6 28.3
27. 0
63.1 40.0 46. 9 35.1 43. 5 46.0 70.2
9.0 10. 1 10.3 10.3
5.3 5.8 5.5 5.5
5.9 5.1 5.0 5.0
9.1 8.0 8.0 8.0
10.5 9.8 10.0 11.6 9.6 9.6
25. 2 25.2 25. 1 25.9 25.4 25.6
23. 1 23.3 23.3 24.9 24.4 24.0
9.2 12.8 11.7 11.4 13.0 12.5 12.3
9.0
3.5 2. 1
4.9
3.8 ........
8.2
4.0
6.2
5.2
8.9
2.9
6.5
4.7
8.9
3.2
5.3
4.4
5.6
2.9
3.4
11.3 9. 5 9.6
26.9 26. 7 26.6
17.3 18.3 18.2
8.6 11.0 10.3 10.5
9.5 10.0 10.4
3. 1 2.9 2.6 1.3
4.9 5.7 4.9
4.0 3.8 2.7 ........
10.9
12.5 12.4 12.8 15.0
16.2 15.8 16.0 16. 7
14.5
15.0
17.0 16.6 16.9 18.6
11.7 ........ 12.4 12.4 11.9 11.6
14.4
13.8
17.7
12.8
9.4 9.3 9.3
5.1 5.1 5.1
5.0 6.1 5.5
10.1 10. 4 10. 2
5.9
3.5
3.1
9.2
6.1
5.1
9.1
10.8
25.4
23.4
9.3 11.8
.....
.....
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
17.9
42.0
42.2
55.6
18.0
46.7
42.4
53.8
41.4 40.1
39.7 39.2
32.2 33.1
15.5 15.5
12.1
51.4
27.1
12.1
52.0
28.1
36.9 37.2
18.4 18.6
26.5 26.2
59.8 68.0
9.1
6.0
5.0
9.1
9.1
5.8
5.2
9.1
9.6 9.5
24.9 24.9
23.4 23. 2
10.6 10.8
10.1
2.8
5.2
4.8
10.1
3.1
4.7
4.3
14. 1
13.4 12.0 12.0
11.2
18.4 18.9 18.3
14.4
17.8
17.5
18.7 18.3 18. 1
19.6
13.1 ........ ■! 16.6 8 16.8 2 10.6 ........ 13.6
11.2
16.8
18.4
13. 1
11.2
17.2
18.9
13.1
14.7 14.3 14.3 13.6 13.4 13.1
40.6 38.3 38.2 3 10.8 3 11.1 3 11.6
52.0 60.8 60.0 61.0 66.3 66.4 —
* No. 2
C ts.
9.3
3.4
4.7
3.3
9.9 11.1 11.2
2. 6 2.8 2.7 1.8
3. 5 4.5 3.7
4.2 3.7 3.8 ........
5.0 6.6 6.7 6.7 5.8 7.1 7.3 7.3 6.8 7.3 7.3 6.3 7.2 7.3 7.2 5.3 0.7
54.0 72.2 67.6 67.8 58.0 85.2 83.3 83.0 61.6 62. 2 62.2 55.0 75.8 77.1 78.0 48.3 61.8
24.5 46. 1 38.5 39.2 30.0 51. 5 46.8 46. 0 53.8 49.4 49.5 35. 0 52.8 51.3 51.3 30.0 53. 5
........ 14.7 13.6 13.3 ........ 18.7 16.4 16.3 15.4 14.5 13.8 ........ 13.3 11.5 11.4 ........ 16. 5
13.9 13.6 13.4
30.4 30. Cl 29.6
63.9 52.3 56.9
C ts.
> 70.9 1 75.3 >75.3
49.6 52.5 52.1
38.5 40.5 40.1
28.7 31.4 30.4
can.
13.9 13.6 13.5
a 12.6 3 12.7 3 12.8
45.5 50.2 52.5
8 Per pound.
[1141]
14. 3
33.1
61.3
7.0 7.0
60.6 60.8
48.9 48.8
14.8 13.6
13.8 14.0
32.5 33.3
65.5 69.5
19 2
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
Rochester,
N . Y.
R ichm ond, Va.
Article
Unit
St. Louis, Mo.
Sept. 15-
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug Sept.
Aug Sept.
15, 15, 15, 15,
15, 15,
1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
15,
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
Cts. Cts. Cts.
Sirloin steak_______________ P o u n d .
R ound s te a k ............................ ____ d o ..
R ib ro ast...... ...................... ....... ........ d o ..
C huck r o a s t .. . ......................... ____ d o ..
20.0 35.1 36. 6 37.6 35.4 36. E 36.1 24. c 36. Í 38.0 38.3
P late beef___
P ork c h o p s ...
Bacon, sliced.
H am , sliced...
12.5 15.9 17.1 17.3 14.0 13.7 14.4 12.4
22.0 43.6 37.8 41.5 45.9 40.9 44.4 21.0
27.0 48.6 42.4 42.8 47.6 41.5 41.6 27.5
26.0 49.0 45.8
60.2 53.7 54.1 27.3
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
22.6 39.6 42.0 41.8 42.1 43. { 44.2 26.0 37.7 39.2 39.0
18.9 31.5 32.5 30.5 30.4 32.5 32.3 19.5 30.3 30.8 30.8
15.5 22.9 23.8 23.6 24.8 25.6 26.1 15.6 21.0 22.8 22.5
14.1
39. S
48.8
59.1
L am b, leg of_______
H e n s ._____________
Salmon, canned, red .
M ilk , fre s h ........... .
___ do.
___ do.
___ do.
Q u a rt..
19.3 45.6 43.2
19.8 35.5 33.2
36.8 34.5
10.0 14.0 14.0
M ilk , evaporated........ .............
B u tte r_____________________
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r
substitutes).
Cheese_______________ ____ _
L a rd _________________ ____
Vegetable lard s u b stitu te ........
Eggs, stric tly fresh....... .......
15-16 oz. can
P o u n d ........ .
........d o .........
12.6 12.7 12.4 11.6 11.4 11.3
10.3
57.2 56.0 56.1 51.5 51.6 52.4 36.8 53.6
31.9 31.4 31.4 30.8 29.2 29.8 ........ 27.7
21.8 35.8 36.6 36.8 35.0 36.5 38.6 19.3 33.7
15.4 21.9 18.1 18.8 20.8 17.7 18.4 14.3 18.6
25.9 25.9 25.9 24.6 24.3 24.7
26.0
46.9 37.6 43.2 55.6 40.2 48.0 27.3 42.9
___ do..........
___ do..........
___ do_____
D ozen_____
B re a d ....................... ...............
Pound.
F lo u r______________________ ------ d o ..
C orn m eal__________ _______ ------ d o ..
R olled oats_________ ____
..d o ..
C orn fla k e s...
W heat cereal.
M acaroni___
R ice.................
8-oz. pkg_.
28-oz. pk g .
P o u n d ___
----- do........
Beans, n a v y .
Potatoes........
O nions_____
Cabbage........
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
Beans, b a k e d ............................. No. 2 can..
C orn, c an n e d .................... .
___ do ___
Peas, canned________ _______ ___ do........
Tom atoes, canned_____ _____ ----- do____
Sugar, gran u lated......................
T e a ...............................................
Coffee......................................
P ru n e s ..........................................
Pound.
___ d o ..
........ d o ..
........ d o ..
R aisins........ ........... ................ .
___do.
B ananas...................... ....... ......... D ozen.
O ranges.......... ............................ ----- do.
5.4
3.3
2.2
9.4
6.0
4.6
9.1
9.4
5.6
4.9
8.6
38.3
41.6
36.8
12.5
8.9
5.8
5.6
9.4
38.7
38.6
31.5
12.8
9.0
5.5
5.7
9.2
9.0 5.5
5.4 2.9
6.2 2.5
9.4 ........
9.7 9.7 10.3 9.4 9.4
25.8 25.8 25.9 25.4 24.8 25.0
20.2 20.4 20.9 21.0 19.5 20.3
10.0 13.2 12.0 11.9 10.8 10.4 10.0
9.3
4.6
6.7
4.8
9. 0
3. 6
7. 6
3.9
9.1
3. 4
7.1
4.0
8.9
3.7
5.3
3.2
8.9
2.6
6.0
3.3
9.4
2.5
4.9
2.5
10.1 10.1 10.1 10.4 10.3 10.2
15.4 14.8 15.1 16.1 15.0 16.6
20.3 18.9 18.8 18.4 17.2 18.0
10.1 10.5 10.5 13.8 13.1 13.4
9.8
5.4
4.3
8.7
10.9 10.9
52.7 55.3
26.8 26.7
36.0
15.2
25.8
36.2
36.8
15.9
25.5
40.7
9.9
5.3
4.6
8.4
9.9
5.3
4.7
8.5
10.1 8.8 8.9
24.4 24.8 24.7
21.1 19.9 20.1
8.4 10.8 10.2 10.2
2.0
7.9
4.3
5.2
3.5
8.7
3.5
6.4
4.1
8.7
3.4
5.9
4.0
10.6
15.9
16.5
11.1
10.4
15.2
15.2
11.3
10.3
15.2
15.3
11 3
5.4 6.9 7.0 7.1 6.4 6.6 6.6 5.5 7.1
56.0 91.4 91.4 91.5 6a 7 69.8 69.7 55.0 73.6
27.4 49.5 45.6 46.2 47.9 41. 4 44.3 24.4 48.3
17.9 15.4 15.5 16.9 15.8 15.2 ........ 18.4
14.8 14.1 14.1 14.3 14.6 14.6
15.0
37.7 36.7
37.7 34.0 36.4
32.9
55.0 53.5
52.4 54.6 56.2 —
48.0
[1142]
15.2
37.4
43.0
51.0
38.7 18.3 37.5 37.7 37.4
38.1 17.1 34.6 31.9 31.7
34.2
37.9 33.7 34.0
13.5 9.0 13.0 13.0 13.0
10.8
1 No. 2 A
l can.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
9.4
5.5
4.7
8.5
43.6
32.9
34.0
14.0
15.0
35.0
42.7
51.3
7.2 7.2
76.5 76.5
45.3 45.1
17.4 17.7
14.4 14.4
31..5 32.5
51.9 54.1
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
193
C L E S O F FO O D IN 51 C IT IE S O N S P E C IF I E D D A T E S —C ontinued
Salt Lake C ity,
U tah
S t. P au l , M inn.
San Francisco,
Caiif.
Savannah,
Ga.
Scranton, Pa.
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug. Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15, 15,
15. 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15,
15,
15,
1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
1913 1926 1927
Sept. 15—
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
C ts.
37.0
31. 9
30.3
23.9
40.1
34.7
31. 6
25.9
39.9
34.1
32.1
24. 6
22.6
20.0
19.4
15.0
30.9
27.3
23.6
17.9
33.2
30.6
25.9
19.6
33.1
30.6
25. 1
19.6
21.3
19. 7
21.1
15.0
31.5
28.9
29.4
18.8
C ts.
27.2
23.6
20.4
16.8
33.2
30.1
30. 1
19.7
33.2
30.4
30.6
19.7
34.6
28.8
28.8
18.7
35.8
30.0
27.9
19.0
35.8
29.6
27.9
18.8
26.0
22.5
23. 0
17.6
51.4
42.6
37.5
27.7
52.6
44.4
37.8
28.7
10.6
21.4
26.3
28.8
13.2
38.2
50.3
56.6
14.7
32.7
44.4
48.2
14.5
37.6
45.2
48.2
12.5
23.8
30.0
30.0
12.5
40.7
53.0
61.0
14.2
35.6
46.9
57.1
14.2
39.4
46.9
57.5
13.8
23.7
34.4
33.0
14.4
46.6
65.0
69.5
15. 1
42.6
57.5
63.3
15.5
43.3
56.7
63.8
14.8
36.2
47. 1
51.1
16.3
32.3
41.9
45.0
15.8
32.5
41.9
45.0
11.9
22.5
27.5
31.7
11.9
47.2
54. 1
64.1
13.3
41.3
48.3
58.9
13.7
44.0
47.9
56.5
32.8 17.5 34.3 35.2 35.1 16.5 37.8
28.8 23.3 32.9 29.6 29.8 24.2 44. 1
33.5
37.5
36.2 34.8 35.3
11.0 8.7 11.3 11.0 11.0 10.0 14.0
37.7
41.4
30.6
14.0
38.8
41.8
32.0
14.0
41.0
35.5
39. 1
17.0
41.0
31.1
33.5
17.0
40.0 19.0 45.9
32.6 22. 7 45.1
36. 2
34.3
17.0 8.8 12.0
46.4
43.4
34.0
12.0
46.1
42.5
35.4
12.0
16.7 34.2 33.6
19.6 30.8 29. 1
39.1 36.3
7.8 11.0 11.0
10.2 10.5 10.4 11.2 11.4 11.6
11.6
11.9 12.0 12.2
10.6 10.6 10.7
35.6 49.0 46. 0 48.6 39.6 49.0 48.2 51.2 42.9 54.8 53.7 56.0 54.5 52. 1 53.1 36.4 51. 6
27.5 24.8 23.2 —
30.2 28.0 27.2 ........ 31.4 27.0 26.0 34.6 32.2 31.1 ........ 29.2
—
21.0 33.9 35.8
15.4 21.5 18. 3
27.1 28.1
28.1 41.8 33.8
_
6.0
3.0
2.3
—
36.1 24.2 29.5 30.7 30.9 19.5 38.5 38.3 39.2
18.7 19.8 24.8 20.5 21.0 18. 7 25.3 22.7 22.8
28.2 28.2 28.1
28.5
29.9 29.2 29.0
38.8 36.6 44.8 34.0 38.7 46.4 53.5 40.7 47.2
9.9 10.0 9.3 5.9
5.8 5.4 5.3 2.5
5.3 5.2 5. 7 3.4
9.9 10.2 10.3 ........
11.9
26. 7
18.7
iö .6 12.2
10. 7
26. 4
18.7
10.5
10. 2
26. 7
18.8
10.4
9.3
3.1
5.2
3.4
9. 5
2.4
7. 3
2. 6
9. 6
1,7
5. 4
2.0
13. 7
15.3
15.9
........ 14. 1
13. 6
14.3
15.3
14.3
1.3
9.9
4.2
5. 6
8.9
9.7
4.2
5.6
8.8
9.7
4.1
5.6
8.8
—
10.5
25.9
16.2
8.5 12.0
1.4
9. 4
2.6
2. 7
3.1
9. 5
2.4
5.3
3.0
9. 3
2.0
3.1
3.0
13.9
14.4
15. 5
14.1 ........
14. 3
15.3
15. 8
14.7
12. 9
14.4
15. 5
13.9
13.0
14. 4
15.7
13.6 —
5.7 7.6 7.4 7.4 6.2 7.8 8.1
45.0 69.9 68. 1 65.7 65.7 88.3 86.5
30.0 52.8 50.8 52.4 35.8 56.7 55. 1
........ 16.7 15.1 15.8 ........ 15.2 14.3
15.8 15.4 15.6
211.4 210.3 210. 5
51.4 53.4 55. 7
36.1 18.3 35.1
18.9 16.5 22.4
26.3
17.5
49.5 39.3 54.1
1. 7
9.5 10.3 10.3 10.5
3.5 3.6 3.3 4.9
4.0 4. 3 4. 1 6. 7
4.6
13. 5
18. 2
18. 6
115.3i
10.9
25.6
23.6
8.4 11.8
10.0 9.9 10.2 9.6 9.7
25.3 25.3 24.4 24.3 24.3
15.8 16.1 18.2 18.2 18.3
11.5 11.3 10.5 9.7 9.6
13.0 12.8
18.2 17.9
17. Ç 17. 6
15.1 U5. 1
12.1
15.6
16. 6
10.0
9.4
3.8
6.9
5.3
9.8
4.1
6.7
4.8
12.1 12.2
15.2 15.2
16. 7 16.8
10.0 9.9
Î.8
—
53.7
44.5
38.5
28.8
11.9 11.9
51.7 53.0
28.4 28.2
35.4
18.9
26.0
44.5
35.9
19.8
25.9
50.9
10.7 10.7
5.9 5.9
7.8 7.8
9.8 9.8
10.1
25.1
23.1
11.2
10.1
25.1
22.9
11.2
10.9
3.6
5. 1
3.4
10.6 10.8
2.9 3.0
6.7 5.6
3.5 3.2
11.1
17.4
17.8
12.2
11.4
16.8
17.2
12.2
11.2
16.6
16. 9
12.2
8.1 5.6 6.9 7.0 7.0 6.9 6.9 7.0 5.8 6.8
86.5 50.0 68.8 72.4 72.8 82.5 81.7 82.2 52.5 67.3
54.4 32.0 53.5 52. t 51.7 48.3 45.5 45. 1 31.3 52.4
14.3 ........ 15.2 12.7 12.0 15.9 14.9 14.2 ........ 17.7
7.2 7. 1
71.2 71.3
49.1 49.4
16.1 15.6
13. 1 13.2 12.8 14,9 14.6 14.2
28.3 31.3 30.0 32. 1 29.6 29.6
47.6 50.3 51.3 47.6 46.9 46.5
14.7 14.6
32.9 32.9
59.5 60.5
14.5 13.7 13.3
213. 5 212.8 2 12.1
43.0 48.3 50.5
—
2 P er po u n d .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
35.2
18.1
17.0
45.9
9.8 9.5 9.5 10.4 10.7 10.7 5.6 10.4
5.7 5.7 5.6 6.8 6.6 6.6 3.5 6.4
7.8
6.3 6.5 6.4 3.7 3.7 3.8
9.5 10.0 10.1 8.8 8.6 8.6 ........ 10.0
5.9
3.4
3.5
12. 5 10. 2 10.0
25. 5 25. 5 25. 7
20.2 19.9 20.1
8.2 11.2 9.6 9.2
35.2
21.6
20.3
54.6
C ts.
[1143]
—
15.0
32. 9
52. 7
194
M O N TH LY
LA BO R R E V IE W
T able 5 —A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D IN 61
C IT IE S ON S P E C IF I E D D A T E S —C ontinued
Seattle, W ash.
U n it
A rticle
Springfield, 111.
Sept. 15—
Aug. Sept. Sept. Aug.
15,
15,
15,
15,
1927 1927 1926 1927
1913 1926
W ashington, D . C.
Sept. 15—
Sept.
Aug. Sept.
15,
15, 15,
1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
Sirloin steak ................... P o u n d _____ 24. C
R ound stea k ...... ...........__ ____d o _____ 20.7
R ib r o a s t .......................... ........d o _____ 19.3
16.0
33.5
29.3
26.9
19.1
34.7
30.6
27.7
20. 5
34.8
30.7
28.2
20.4
35.9
35.4
24. C
21.4
37.1
36.1
24.4
22. 6
37.1
36.5
24.4
22. 5
27.4
24. 1
21.3
17. 3
46.7
40.4
34.3
25.1
50. 1
43.1
34.8
26. 4
49.3
42.8
34.9
25.9
P late beef........ ............... . ____d o __ __
13.0
24. 3
32.5
30.0
14.8
42.5
62.0
65.0
15.1
38.6
57.0
60.0
15.4
40.5
57.3
59.5
14.1
40.0
50.7
58.9
14.2
31.4
46.3
50.4
14.5
35.0
45.8
49.6
12.4
24.1
28.5
30.0
13.8
47. 5
53.1
62.1
13.9
42.2
43.8
57.2
14.2
44.2
43.8
57.2
L am b, leg of__ ........ ....... ------d o _____ 19.3
H ens______ ____ _____ ____do__
23.3
___ _do __ __
Q u a r t... . . . 8.6
36.5
33.7
37.7
13.0
36.6
33.2
35.8
12.0
35.8
31.1
35.8
12.0
39.5
36.7
41.0
12.5
41.3
33.0
34.4
14.4
38.8 19.4 41.2
33.0 22.5 40. S
36. 2
38.0
14.4 8.2 14.0
40.7
37.1
33.1
15.0
38.5
38.3
33.3
15.0
M ilk, evaporated _____ 15-16 oz. can.
B u tte r ___ _____ ______ P o u n d ... . 40. Ö
Oleomargarine (all but- ........ d o _____
ter substitu tes).
........ do _
21.7
17.6
Vegetable lard substi- ____ d o _____
tute.
Eggs, strictly fresh_____ D o z en ... . . . 43.3
10.6
53.0
30.8
10.6
52.6
27.2
10.6
53.5
26.7
11.6
51.3
30.6
11.7
49.6
27.9
11.6
12.0 12.1 12.0
51.8 38.7 54. 3 53. 7 57.2
28.1
31.5 28.9 27.9
34.6
24.3
28.4
35.1
20.7
27.3
35.2
20.8
27.4
37.4
18.0
27.5
36. 2 23. 5 38.8 39. 1 39.9
18. 6 15.3 21. 7 17.8 18.6
25.9 24.5 24.7
27.5
49.5
37.9
46.4
35.3
21.9
28.0
«
41.4
33.2
39.8 34. 5 55.6 42.2 56.4
9.8
4.9
4.9
8.9
9.7
5.0
5.6
8.6
9.7
4.8
5.7
8.5
10.1
6.0
4.9
10.0
10.3
5.6
4.9
10.1
10.3
5. 5
4.9
10.1
5.7
3.8
2.6
11.8
27.6
18.2
12.9
10.4
27.5
18.1
12.0
10.2
27.5
18.1
12.4
11.6
26.9
19.0
11.5
10.2
27.3
18.9
10.9
10.3
27.5
19.3
10.9
10.8 9.5 9.5
24.8 24.4 24.3
23.8 22. 6 22.5
9.4 12.8 11.5 11.6
10.2
2.6
3.9
4.1
11.1
3.1
5.0
4.9
11.5
2.4
4.0
4.4
8.9
4.0
5.3
4.1
9.1
3.6
6.7
3.4
9.5
3.0
5.8
3.9
12.9 11.9 11.6
18.6 17.1 17. 3
19.7 18. 3 18.4
117.9 1 16.7 1 16.4
10.9
15. 1
16. 9
13.8
10.3
14. 5
15. 9
13.6
10.4
14. 5
16.1
13.6
7.6
81.1
52.7
17.3
7.9
83.8
49.7
16.0
8.0 5.3 6.7 6.8 6.9
84. 6 57.5 90.6 91. 2 91.2
49.7 28. 8 48.6 43. 0 41.0
16.0
17.8 16.0 16.3
C ts.
Bacon, sliced__________ ____d o _____
H am , sliced...... ................ ........ d o _____
B read. . . . ___________
F lour. ______________
Corn meal .......................
Rolled o a ts........................
P o u n d _____
____ do__ __
____do _
........ d o _____
W heat cereal..................... 28-oz. pkg .
M acaroni...................
P o u n d .-. _
R ic e .................................. ........ d o _____
Beans, n a v y ____ . . . .
P o ta to e s ....... ................ ____do_. __
O nions.. ___________ . ___do _____
C abbage......................... . ____d o _____
Beans, baked ________
5.2
2.9
3.2
7.7
1.4
No. 2 c a n ...
Tom atoes, canned_____ ____d o _____
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ........... P o u n d _____ 6. 6
Tea _______ ____ ____
50.0
C offee... ___ _____ ____d o _____ 28.0
Prim es________________ ____do _____
R aisins______________ __ _do __
B ananas....................... . . D o z e n ____
O ranges.............................
7.0
79.0
52.1
15.8
7.3
75. 9
49.0
13.3
14.8 14.0 13.9 16.0 15.3 ■15.4
2 13.6 2 12.5 3 12.4 2 10.0 2 10.0 2 9.3
48.0 50.0 52.6 51.0 49.0 52.3
1 P er pound.
1 N o. 2}4 can.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
7.2
75. 7
49.2
13.2
[1144 ]
2.0
8.8
6.5
5.2
9.2
8.2
4.3
6. 0
4.8
10.6
15.4
16. 5
10.2
9.1
5.8
6.2
9.3
9. 0
3.4
6.3
4.4
9.1
5.9
5.2
9.3
8.8
3.6
5.8
4.1
10.0 10.2
14. 3 14.3
15. 9 15. 0
10.1 9.8
15.0 14. 6 14.4
34. 7 31. 8 32.7
57.4 56. 8 63.2
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
195
Comparison of Retail Food Costs in 51 Cities
T"1ABLE 6 shows for 39 cities the percentage of increase or decrease
1 in the retail cost of food 3 in September, 1927, compared with
the average cost in the year 1913, in September, 1926, and in August,
1927. .For 12 other cities comparisons are given for the one-year
and the one-month periods; these cities have been scheduled by the
bureau at different dates since 1913. The percentage changes are
based on actual retail prices secured each month from retail dealers
and on the average family consumption of these articles in each city.4
T a bl e 6 . —P E R C E N T A G E C H A N G E IN T H E R E T A IL C O ST O F FO O D IN S E P T E M B E R ,
1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H T H E C O ST IN A U G U S T , 1927, S E P T E M B E R , 1926, A N D W IT H
T H E A V E R A G E C O ST IN T H E Y E A R 1913, B Y C IT IE S
C ity
Percent Percent
Percent age de
age in
age in
crease
crease
crease
Septem Septem
Septem ber, 1927, ber, 1927,
ber, 1927,
com
com
com
pared
pared
pared
w ith
w ith
w ith 1913 Septem A ugust,
1927
ber, 1926
Percent
Percent age de
age in
crease
crease
Septem
Septem ber, 1927,
ber, 1927,
com
com
pared
pared
w ith
w ith 1913 Septem
ber, 1926
C ity
A tla n ta __________
B altim ore________
B irm ingham _____
B oston___________
B ridgeport—. ..........
59.1
59.2
59.4
57.2
3.4
4.0
4.0
1.4
1.4
1.3
1.2
0.4
2.5
1.8
M inneapolis______
M obile. .............
N e w a r k ..................
N ew H aven _____
N ew O rle a n s_____
B uffalo____ ______
57.2
C harleston, S. C __
Chicago _ ______
C incinnati_______
55.8
64.8
55.1
3.3
3. 0
3.7
2.0
4. 7
1.7
11 0
1.0
0.6
0.4
N ew Y o rk . . . . .
N orfolk. ________
O m aha. ...............
Peoria __________
P h ilad elp h ia_____
C leveland________
C olum bus_______
D a lla s .,_________
D e n v e r._________
D e tro it.....................
54.3
4.0
3. 6
1.2
3.0
2.1
2.1
1. 0
0.7
0.2
1.8
P itts b u r g h ___. . .
Portland, M e . . _ . .
Portland, Oreg____
Providence ______
R ic h m o n d .. _____
39.5
57. 5
61.1
St. Louis_________
57.5
Salt Lake C i t y ___
San F ra n c is c o ____
31.8
50.2
Scran to n .. . . . .
S eattle______ ____
Springfield, 1 1 1 .....
W ashington, D. C._
58.7
43.2
53.6
36.3
63. 1
Fall R iv e r................
54.6
Indianapolis___ _ .
Jac k so n v ille _____
K ansas C ity ______
48.9
49.7
46.5
20 .1
3. 6
5.0
7. 6
6.2
1.8
0. 7
0.7
1. 1
1.7
L ittle Rock _____
Los A n g e les____
Louisville___ ____
M anchester______
M e m p h i s . . . .........
M ilw au k e e .............
45.4
42.9
49. 7
54. 1
46. 2
56.4
3.7
2.5
3.7
0.4
2.7
2.5
>0.6
1.7
2.1
1.6
i 0.3
1.1
1 Decrease.
47.2
50.4
55.2
53.5
60. 2
47.1
57.7
56.0
63.8
Percent
age in
crease
Septem
ber, 1927,
com
pared
w ith
A ugust,
1927
5.6
3. 2
2 0.2
1.6
1.0
0.1
0.1
4.0
1.6
0.8
0.1
2. 2
5.7
2.8
2.6
3.0
1.5
0.7
20. 1
2.4
2.9
1. 5
0.3
1.6
4.0
2.0
0.1
2.0
1. 7
1.7
3.3
2.8
5. 6
2.5
2.0
2. 7
1. 1
i 1.0
0.5
1.1
4. 5
1.8
2.6
2.5
2.7
1.1
1.4
0.2
0.4
3.2
2 Increase.
Effort has been made by the bureau each month to have all sched
ules for each city included in the average prices. For the month of
September 99.3 per cent of all the firms supplying retail prices in the
51 cities sent in a report promptly. The following-named 45 cities
had a perfect record; that is, every merchant who is cooperating with
the bureau sent in his report in time for his prices to be included in
the city averages: Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Bridgeport,
3 F or list of articles see note 6, p. 177.
«T he consum ption figures used from Jan u ary , 1913, to D ecem ber, 1920, for eaeh article in each city are
given in the L abor Review for N ovem ber, 1918, pp. 94 and 95. T h e consum ption figures w hich have been
used for each m o n th beginning w ith Jan u ary , 1921, are given in th e L abor Review for M arch, 1921, p . 26.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1145]
196
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Buffalo, Butte, Charleston, S. C., Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus,
Dallas, Detroit, Fall River, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville,
Kansas City, Los Angeles, Louisville, Manchester, Memphis, Mil
waukee, Minneapolis, Mobile, Newark, New Haven, New Orleans,
New York, Norfolk, Omaha, Peoria, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
Portland, Me., Portland, Oreg., Providence, Richmond, Rochester,
St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Savannah, Scranton, Seattle, Springfield,
111., and Washington, D. C.
The following summary shows the promptness with which the
merchants responded in September, 1927 :
R E T A IL P R IC E R E P O R T S R E C E IV E D F O R S E P T E M B E R , 1927
Geographical division
Item
Percentage of reports receiv ed .. ...................
N u m b er of cities in each section from
w hich every report was receiv ed ..............
U nited
States
N o rth
A tlantic
South
A tlantic
N o rth
C entral
South
C entral
99.3
99. 7
100. 0
99.4
99.0
98.0
45
13
7
5
8
12
W estern
Retail Prices of Coal in the United States a
HE following table shows the average retail prices of coal on
January 15 and July 15, 1913, September 15, 1926, and August
15 and September 15, 1927, for the United States and for each
of the cities from which retail food prices have been obtained. The
prices quoted are for coal delivered to consumers, but do not include
charges for storing the coal in cellar or coal bin where an extra
handling is necessary.
In addition to the prices for Pennsylvania anthracite, prices are
shown for Colorado, Arkansas, and New Mexico anthracite in those
cities where these coals form any considerable portion of the sales
for household use.
The prices shown for bituminous coal are averages of prices of the
several kinds sold for household use.
T
T a b l e 1 .— A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S OF C O A L P E R T O N OF 2,000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E
H O L D U SE , ON JA N U A R Y 15 A N D JU L Y 15, 1913, S E P T E M B E R 15, 1926, A N D A U G U ST 15
A N D S E P T E M B E R 15, 1927
1913
1927
1926
C ity, and k in d of coal
Jan. 15
U n ite d S ta te s:
P e n n sy lv a n ia a n th r a c ite —
Stove—
Average price___ ________ _
In d ex (1913=100)____________
C h estn u tAverage p rice._______ _____
In d ex (1913=100)____________
B it u m in o u s Average price_______________ . . .
In d ex (1913=100)______________
A tlanta, Ga.:
B itu m in o u s.....................................
Baltimore, M d.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
S to v e ........... ...............
_
C h estn u t__________
B itu m in o u s_____________
1 P er to n of 2,240 pounds.
Ju ly 15
Sept. 15
Aug. 15
Sept. 15
$7. 99
103.4
$7. 46
06.6
$15. 55
201.3
$15.15
196.1
$15.38
199.1
$8.15
103.0
$7.68
97.0
$15.30
193.4
$14. 80
187.0
$15. 03
189.9
$5.48
i00.8
$5.39
99.3
$9. 35
Ì70.3
$8. 99
Ì65.4
$9.30
169.3
$5.88
$4. 83
$8.15
$7. 58
$8.35
17.70
1 7.93
1 7.24
1 7.49
» 16.00
1 15. 50
7.58
1 15. 75
1 15. 00
8.18
1 16.00
» 15.25
8.18
° Prices of coal were form erly secured sem iannually and published in th e M arch a nd Septem ber issue.
Since Ju n e, 1920, these prices have been secured and published m o nthly.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 4 6 1
197
RETAIL PRICES OF COAL
T a bl e 1.—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F C O A L P E R T O N O F 2,000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E
H O L D U SE , ON JA N U A R Y 15 A N D JU L Y 15, 1913, S E P T E M B E R 15, 1926, A N D A U G U S T 15
A N D S E P T E M B E R 15, 1927—C ontinued
1913
1927
1926
C ity, and kind of coal
Jan. 15
Ju ly 15
B irm ingham , Ala.:
$7.53
$7.30
$7. 49
8.25
8. 25
7.50
7. 75
16. 25
16.00
16.00
15. 75
16.00
15. 75
15.00
15.00
14. 50
14. 50
14.50
14. 50
13. 75
13.39
13.74
13.34
13. 99
13. 59
$6. 75
6. 99
$6. 54
6. 80
10. 95
10. 95
10. 95
1 6. 75
‘ 6. 75
11.00
11.00
11.00
8.00
8.25
4. 97
7. 80
8.05
4. 65
16. 90
16.65
8. 91
16.70
16. 20
9.16
16. 95
16. 45
9.32
3. 50
3. 38
7.50
7.10
7.08
7. 50
7. 75
4.14
7.25
7. 50
4.14
15. 35
14. 95
9.19
15.05
14. 70
8.92
15.10
14.70
8.94
7.36
6.85
7.21
B u tte , M ont.:
Chicago, 111.:
P ennsylvania anthracite—
C incinnati, Ohio:
C leveland, Ohio:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
C h e s t n u t ______ ____ ____ ______
C olum bus, Ohio:
D allas, Tex.:
A rkansas anth racite—
D enver, Colo.:
Colorado an th racite—
8. 25
7. 21
15. 50
13.33
14.33
12.21
15. (7
12.71
8.88
8. 50
5.25
9. 00
8. 50
4.88
16.00
16. 50
10.73
15. 90
15.90
9.78
16.10
16.10
10.25
8.00
8. 25
5. 20
7.45
7. 65
5. 20
16.00
15.50
9.90
15.50
15.00
9. 21
16.00
15.50
9. 38
8.25
8.25
7. 43
7.61
16. 75
16.25
16. 50
16.00
16. 75
16.25
11.50
11.60
11.80
3. 81
3.70
7.18
6.96
7.26
7.50
7.00
14.00
12. 00
13,00
4. 39
3. 94
14. 10
15.50
7. 75
13.50
15.00
7.90
14.00
15. 17
7.83
6.00
5. 33
14.00
10. 35
13.50
9.96
13.50
10.15
13. 52
12. 50
15. 63
15. 55
16.25
4. 20
4.00
6. 63
6. 94
7.01
10.00
10.00
8.60
8.50
17.50
17. 50
17. 25
17.00
16.50
17.25
2 4. 22
7.25
8. 30
8.30
D etro it, M ich.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
F all R iver, M ass.:
Pennsylvania anth racite—
H ouston, Tex.:
Indianapolis, In d .:
Jacksonville, Fla.:
K ansas C ity , M o.:
A rkansas an th racite—
L ittle Rock, A rk.:
A rkansas an th racite—
Los Angeles, Calif.:
Louisville, K y.:
M anchester, N . H .:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
M em phis, T enn.:
B itum inous........... .................... ..................
i Per to n of 2,240 pounds.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Sept. 15
$4.01
B ridgeport, Conn.:
Pennsylvania anth racite—
C harleston, S. C.:
Aug. 15
$4.22
Boston, M ass.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Buffalo, N . Y.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Sept. 15
24. 34
2 P er 10-barrel lot (1,800 pounds).
[11471
198
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
T able 1 . -A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F C O A L P E R T O N O F 2,000 P O U N D S ; F O R H O U S E
H O L D U SE , ON JA N U A R Y 15 A N D JU L Y 15, 1913, S E P T E M B E R 15, 1926, A N D A U G U S T 16
A N D S E P T E M B E R 15, 1927—C ontinued
1913
1927
1926
C ity, and k in d of eoal
Jan. 15
Ju ly 15
Sept. 15
Aug. 15
Sept. 15
M ilw aukee, W is.:
Pennsylvania an thracite—
C h e s tn u t..............................................
B itu m in o u s ...............................................
M inneapolis, M inn.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove...... ...............................................
B itu m in o u s.................................................
M obile, Ala.:
$a oo
8. 25
6. 25
$7.85
8.10
5. 71
$16. 80
16. 65
9. 75
$16. 40
15. 95
9. 29
$16.65
16. 20
9.29
9.25
9. 50
5.89
9.05
9. 30
5.79
18.10
17. 95
11. 09
17. 90
17. 45
11.16
18.15
17.70
11.66
9. 64
9. 46
9.08
N ew ark, N . J.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
N ew H aven, Conn.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
S to v e ..........- ........................................
C h e s tn u t....................................... .......
N ew Orleans, La.:
N ew Y ork, N . Y.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
C h e s tn u t................................. ..........
Norfolk, Va.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
6. 50
6. 75
6. 25
6. 50
14. 00
13. 50
13. 75
13. 25
14.00
13.50
7. 50
7. 50
6. 25
6. 25
15.35
15.35
14. 65
14. 65
14.90
14.90
1 6. 06
1 6. 06
9. 32
9. 32
9.32
7.07
7.14
a 66
6.80
14. 75
14. 54
14.08
13. 79
14. 33
14.04
16. 00
16. 00
9. 09
14. 50
14. 50
8. 55
15. 00
15. 00
8.80
10.02
9. 75
10. 02
6.81
6. 96
6.94
C h estn u t ................. ...........................
B itum inous......... .................. .....................
O maha, N ebr.:
Peoria, 111.:
B itum inous..................................................
Philadelphia, Pa.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove______________ ____________
C h estn u t.......... ..................................
P ittsb u rg h , Pa.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
C h e s tn u t.............................................
Portlan d , M e.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove.....................................................
C h estn u t............................................ .
Portlan d , Oreg.:
6.63
6.13
1 7.16
1 7. 38
i 6. 89
i 7.14
i 15. 79
1 15. 54
4 14.89
1 14. 39
i 15. 04
4 14. 54
i 8. 00
3 3.16
i 7. 44
3 3.18
15.13
5. 55
14. 63
5. 53
15.00
5.76
16. 80
16.80
16. 56
16. 56
16.74
16.74
9. 79
9. 66
13. 37
13. 33
13.64
4 8. 25
4 7. 50
4 7. 75
4 16. 25
4 8. 25
4 16. 00
4 16. 00
4 15. 75
4 16. 25
4 16.00
8.00
8. 00
5.50
7.25
7. 25
4.94
15.92
15. 92
9.67
15. 50
15. 50
9. 61
15.83
15.83
9. 77
14. 60
14. 15
14. 35
13. 90
14.60
14.15
16.93
16. 68
6. 35
16. 70
16. 25
7.44
16.75
16.30
7.57
Providence, R. I.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
R ichm ond, Va.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Rochester, N . Y.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
St. Louis, M o.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
B itu m in o u s...................... ............................
8. 44
8. 68
3. 36
7.74
7. 99
3.04
4 Per ton of 2,240 pounds.
3 Per 10-barrel lot (1,800 pounds).
8 Per 25-bushel lot (1,900 pounds).
4 The average price of coal delivered in bin is 50 cents higher th a n here shown.
delivered in bin.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1148]
P ractically all coal is
199
INDEX NUMBERS OF WHOLESALE PKICES
T
1 .— A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F C O A L P E R T O N O F 2,000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E
H O L D U S E , O N JA N U A R Y 15 A N D JU L Y 15, 1913, S E P T E M B E R 15, 1926, A N D A U G U S T 15
A N D S E P T E M B E R 15, 1927— C o n tin u ed
able
1926
1927
1913
C ity , a n d k in d of coal
Jan. 15
St. Paul, M inn.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Salt Lake C ity, U tah:
Colorado an th racite—
San Francisco, Calif.:
N ew Mexico an th racite—
Colorado an th racite—
Ju ly 15
Seattle, W ash.:
Sept. 15
$9.05
9. 30
6.04
$18.10
17.95
11. 30
$17. 90
17. 45
11. 40
$18.15
17. 70
11.96
11.00
11.00
5.64
11.50
11.50
5.46
18.00
18.00
8.04
18.00
18.00
7. 73
18.00
18.00
8. 34
17.00
17.00
25.50
25.00
25.50
17.00
12.00
17.00
12.00
25. 00
16.67
24.50
15. 40
25.00
16.63
» 11. 25
5 10. 38
5 11. 75
10.48
10.23
10.75
10.50
4.25
4.50
4. 31
4. 56
11.00
10.67
7.63
7. 70
10.20
9. 77
9. 76
4. 38
4. 44
4.44
1 15. 80
1 15. 51
1 15. 25
1 14. 73
1 15. 51
1 14.99
1 11.04
1 8.75
1 7. 75
1 10. 67
1 9. 00
1 7.78
Springfield, 111.:
W ashington, D . C.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove...... ....... ........................................
Aug. 15
$9.20
9.45
6. 07
Savannah, Ga.:
Scranton, Pa.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
S e p t. 15
17.50
17.65
B itum inous—
1 7.38
17.53
111.00
19.00
1 7.88
1 Per to n of 2,240 pounds.
t All coal sold in Savannah is w eighed b y th e city. A charge of 10 cents per to n or half to n is made.
T his a d ditio n al charge has been included in th e above price.
Index N u m b ers o f W h olesale P rices in S ep tem b er, 1927
(R evised Series)
HOLESALE prices of commodities in ^September averaged
higher than in August, according to information collected
in representative markets by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
of the United States Department of Labor. The bureau’s revised
index number, computed on prices in the year 1926 as the base, and
including 550 commodities or price series, stands at 96.5 for Sep
tember compared with 95.2 for the month before, a rise of 1)4 Per
cent. Compared with September, 1926, however, with an index
number of 99.7, a decrease of 3)4 per cent is shown.
Farm products rose from a level of 102.2 in August to 105.9 in
September, due to advances in hogs, calves, beef steers, alfalfa hay,
cotton, eggs, and lemons. Small price increases were shown for
barley, oats, and rye, while corn and wheat declined sharply.
Foodstuffs were generally higher than in August, this being par
ticularly true of butter, cheese, and most meats. Hides and leather
produets advanced slightly, as did textiles and coal, while petroleum
products were somewhat cheaper.
W
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1149]
200
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Iron and steel products and nonferrons metals averaged lower than
in August. Lumber also was cheaper, while no change in the general
price level was reported for brick and Portland cement. Chemicals,
including fertilizer materials and mixed fertilizers, were slightly
higher, while cattle feed and crude rubber in the group of miscella
neous commodities were lower than in the month before.
Of the 550 commodities or price series for which comparable infor
mation for August and September was collected, increases were
TREMO OF WHOLESALE PRICES.
shown in 171 instances and decreases in 134 instances. In 245
instances no change in price was reported.
Comparing prices in September with those of a year ago, as meas
ured by changes in the index numbers, it is seen that farm products
and hides and leather products were considerably higher, while
decreases are shown for all other groups of commodities. These
decreases range from less than 1 per cent in the case of textiles and
house-furnishing goods to 71^ per cent in the case of building materials
and 17 per cent in the case of fuel and lighting.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1150]
201
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES
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 B Y G R O U P S A N D S U B G R O U P S O F C O M
M O D IT IE S
[1926 = 100]
1927
Septem
ber, 1926
Groups and subgroups
A ugust
P u r
chasing
power
Septem
of the 1926
ber
dollar in
Septem
ber
C ents
Farm products_______________________________________ _ _
G rains____ _____
_________ _________ ________________
Boots and shoes___ ______________________ _______ ____
O ther leather p ro d u cts-- _____ _________ _____________
Silk a n d ra y o n
_ _ ____
_ _ . . . . . . ...... ................ __ __
A nthracite c o a l,____________________ ______ ___________
B itum inous coal. - ..................... ............................................
Coke -- _ ________________________ - ______ _
_______
M a n u fa c tu re d g a s_ -___ _ _______ ______ ___________
M etals an d m etal products _________________ _____ _______
Iron a n d steel - -___________ _ _ _
.......... ...........
A utom o b iles..
_______________________
_______
____
B uilding m aterials_______________________________ . .
..
L um ber______________________ _____ _____ _______ ______
B rick. . ________ _______ ____ _ . . . ___ _ . .
_____
99.3
95.3
103. 7
97. 7
99. S
101.1
101. 6
98. 0
98.8
95. 8
9ft I
99.8
100. 0
* 98.9
100. 0
99.0
98. 4
98. 5
»1. 5
98.4
98.2
95.. 3
99.0
105. 4
101. 2
99. 8
102. 2
100.0
102. 3
99. 8
99. 5
98. 5
97. 7
99. 4
102. 1
102. 7
99. 8
100. 2
101.0
101.1
97.0
100.0
99. 5
99.5
99. 4
94.2
95.6
95. 7
85.1
91. 4
100,0
99.7
102.2
108. 3
98. 2
102. 8
94.2
98. 8
90.3
95.0
111. 7
131.3
114.3
103.3
103. 3
96. 2
100. 2
86.6
97.3
95. 7
84.1
95. 7
101. 9
93. 8
99.6
66.5
98.0
95.1
92.5
99.. 3
102.2
100.7
92.9
92.2
93.2
96. 591. 9
92. 5
93. 0
95. 4
100.2
86. 7
91. 2
' 89.7
98. 6
97.8
100. 0
89.9
125. 4
92.0
71. 9
77.9
100.0
95.2
105.9
102. 9
104. 9
107. 6
98. 5
105. 6
92 2
95.8
112. 5
128. 4
115. 4
105. 6
104. 9
98. 5
106.1
86. 6
97.3
95. 9
84. 2
96. 5
102 4
94.0
97.8
66.4
97. 6
94. 7
90; 7
99. 3
102. 2
100. 7
92 I
91. 0
93.2
96. 5
93. 2
90.0
92. 3
98. 4
101. 4
86. 7
92.1
91. 7
98. 6
97. 6
99.3
89. 2
117.7
92 4
69. 2
77.4
100. 2
96.5
94.4
97.2
95.3
92.9
103. 6
94. 7
108. 5
104. 4
88. 9
77.9
86. 7
94. 7
95. 3
101. 5
94. 3
115. 5
102. 8
104. 3
118. 8
103.6
97. 7
106. 4
102. 2
150. 6
102. 5
105. 6
110.3
100. 7
07. 8
99.3
108. 6
109. 9
107.3
103. 6
107.3
111. 1
108.3
103. 7
98.6
115.3
108. 6
109.1
101. 4
102. 5
100. 7
112. 1
95.0
108.2
144.5
129.2
99.8
103.6
Average Wholesale Prices of Commodities, July to September,
1927
N CONTINUATION of the plan of publishing each quarter in the
Labor Review a detailed statement of wholesale price changes,
there is presen ted herewith a list of the more important commodities
included in the bureau’s revised compilation, together with the latest
record of price changes available at the time of its preparation. For
convenience of comparison, index numbers based on average prices in
theyearT926 as lOOareshown in addition to themoney prices wherever
such information can be supplied. Index numbers for the several groups
and subgroups also are included in the table. To show more minutely
the fluctuation in prices, all index numbers are published to one decimal
fraction. Figures are given for July, August, and September, 1927.
I1151J
I
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
202
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Ju ly , 1927
A ugust,
1927
July,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
95.3
103.2
108.3
115.7
96.5
105.9
102.9
119.5
A L L C O M M O D IT IE S ....................
G R O U P L—F A R M P R O D U C T S ..........
B arley, m alting, p er bushel, Chicago..........
Corn, per bushel, Chicago—
C ontract grad es.........................................
N o. 3, m ixed______________ ____ ____
O ats, No. 2, w hite, per bushel, C hicago....
R ye, No. 2, per bushel, C hicago...................
W heat, per bushel—
N o. 2, red w inter, Chicago...................
No. 2, hard, K ansas C ity ................ .......
No. 1, n o rth ern spring, M in n eap o lis...
No. 2, dark n o rth ern spring, M inneapolis........................................................
N o. 1, hard w hite, P ortland, O reg___
No. 2, red w inter, St. L ouis_________
(6) L iv esto ck a n d p o u l t r y ........ ...........................
C attle, per 100 pounds, Chicago—
Calves, good to choice, vealers_______
Cows—
F a ir to good.........................................
Good to choice...... .............................
Steers—
F air to go o d ........................................
Good to choice...................................
Hogs, per 100 pounds, Chicago—
F a ir to choice, heavy b u tc h e rs..............
F a ir to choice, light bu teh ers.................
Sheep, per 100 pounds, Chicago—
Ewes, native, all grades, fair to b e s t...
Lam bs, w estern, fair to good _______
W ethers, fed, poor to b e st.......................
Po u ltry , live fowls, per p o u n d —
Chicago.........................................................
New Y o rk ....................................................
(c) O th e r f a r m p r o d u c ts __________________
Beans, m edium , per 100 pounds,N ew Y ork.
C otton, m iddling, per pou n d —
G alveston______________ ____________
N ew Orleans...... ... ....................................
N ew Y o rk ...................................................
Eggs, fresh, p er dozen—
W estern, B osto n .......................................
Firsts, Chicago............................................
E x tra firsts, C incinnati....... ....................
C andled, N ew O rle a n s...........................
Firsts, N ew Y o rk ......................................
E x tra firsts, P h ilad elp h ia...................... .
No. 1, extras, San Francisco...................
F ru it—
Apples, fresh—
Baldwins, per barrel—
Chicago___________ ________
N ew Y o rk .................................
W inesaps, m edium grade, per box,
Portland, Oreg___________
Lemons, choice or fancy, California,
per box, Chicago________________
Oranges, choice, California, p er box,
C hicago.................. . . . . .
H ay, per to n —
Alfalfa, K ansas C ity ______________
Clover, mixed, No. 1, C in c in n ati____
T im othy, No. 1, Chicago____
Hops, prim e to choice, Pacifies, per pound,
Portland, O re g ...................................
M ilk, fluid, p er loo pounds—
Chicago_________ ______ ____ _____ _
New Y o rk ........ .......................................
San Francisco. ........................ ..................
Peanuts, per pound, Norfolk....................... .
1 N o quotation.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
$0. 786
$0. 803
$0,829
94. 1
97.6
107.0
113.3
1. 021
.999
.477
1. 096
1.085
1. 065
.478
.968
.990
.974
.491
.973
134.6
135.8
110.9
114.8
143.0
144.7
111. 1
101.5
130.5
132.4
114. 2
102.0
1.428
1. 401
1.440
1. 395
1.400
1. 427
1.315
1.323
1.323
92.6
93.6
93.0
90.5
93.5
92. 1
85.2
88.4
85.4
1.486
1.378
1.455
1.461
1.348
1. 452
1.360
1. 315
1.444
95.6
96. 0
93.6
95 3
93.9
93.9
93.4
98.2
87.5
91.6
92.9
104.9
13. 031
13. 900
14. 906
107.4
114.5
122.8
7. 013
8.038
7.090
8. 095
7.075
8. 031
121.7
123.9
123.0
124.8
122. 7
123.8
10.825
12.300
11. 300
12. 575
11. 781
13. 313
123. 5
129.1
129. 0
132.0
134.4
139.7
8. 975
9. 969
9.185
10. 510
10. 850
11. 638
72. 8
76. 0
74.5
80.1
88.0
88.7
5.313
14. 219
6. 500
5. 575
13. 575
6. 500
5.188
13. 563
6.813
80. 6
103. 8
79.4
84.6
99. 1
79.4
78.7
99.0
83.3
.215
.248
.220
.248
. 199
.273
6. 531
6. 700
6.650
85. 5
83.1
95 9
120! 0
87.5
83.3
102.8
123.1
79.3
91.5
107.6
122.2
. 179
.177
. 180
.200
.197
.203
.216
.214
.218
104. 8
104.9
102. 6
117.4
116.9
116.0
127.1
127.2
124.5
.248
.232
.260
.183
.248
.275
.223
.283
.265
.314
.258
.281
.330
.260
.336
.328
.385
.284
.343
.404
.318
69.4
69.3
73.1
53.9
69. 6
69. 6
74. 7
79.3
79.0
88.3
76.0
79.0
83.5
87.3
94.3
97.8
108.2
83.9
96.3
102.2
106.8
(l)
(')
0)
4.125
(0
4.031
102. 3
100.0
(>)
0)
1. 638
8.469
8. 800
76.8
12.938
152.0
158.0
232.2
7.156
8. 325
8.844
120.1
139.8
148.5
15. 550
14. 750
18.000
16. 375
15. 550
19.300
18.000
14.125
17. 625
73.9
66.4
76. 7
77.9
70.0
82.2
85.6
63.6
75.1
.199
.175
.203
82.5
72.6
84.1
2.994
3. 517
3.140
.059
2.994
3. 517
3. 140
.061
2.994
3. 936
3.140
.061
101.9
98.2
100.3
120.0
101.9
98.2
100.3
122.4
101.9
109.9
100.3
122.4
[1152]
W H O L E SA L E P R IC E S
203
O F C O M M O D IT IE S
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S . JU L Y , A U G U ST , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Ju ly , 1927
A ugust,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
July,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
G R O U P 1.—F A R M P R O D U C T S -C o n .
(c) O th e r f a r m p r o d u c t s — Continued.
Seeds—
Alfalfa, per 100 pounds, K ansas C ity ..
Flaxseed, per bushel, M inneapolis___
T im o th y , p er 100 pounds, C hicago___
Tobacco, leaf, average w arehouse sales,
Vegetables, fresh—
Potatoes*, white,*per 100 pounds—
Chicago.................................................
(0
$30. 620
2.215
4.440
$15. 000
27. 361
2.271
3. 880
$16. 500
26. 480
2.197
3.370
96.2
95.1
72. 7
91.0
86. 0
97.5
63.5
100.2
83.2
94.4
55.1
8.786
15. 730
15. 594
103. 7
185. 7
184.1
4.632
2.425
1. 531
189.3
99.1
62.6
1.635
2.138
2.017
3.406
2. 081
1.990
1.856
2.406
1.580
1. 938
1.962
1. 913
46.4
70.9
53.4
118.6
59.0
66.0
49.1
83.8
44.8
64.3
52.0
66.6
(■)
0)
(>)
Potatoes, sweet, per % -bushel, PhilaWool, per pound, B oston—
Ohio, grease basis—
Fine delaine..................................... .
H alf b lo o d ...........................................
Territory, scoured—
Foreign—■
A rgentine
crossbreds,
q u arter
A ustralian, Geelong 56’s, scoured
M ontevideo,
one-fourth
blood,
.390
.460
.450
.440
.390
.460
.450
.440
.390
.460
.450
.450
97.1
98.6
97. 5
96.3
97.1
98.6
97.5
96.3
97.1
98.6
97.5
98.5
1. 095
1.006
1.105
1.023
1.125
1.023
95.1
96.1
96.0
97.7
97.7
97.7
112.0
.292
.315
.318
103.0
111.2
.660
.660
.660
97.3
97.3
97.3
.361
.375
.376
97.9
101.7
102.0
G R O U P I I .—F O O D S ..................... ..
B u tter, cream ery, per pound—
B oston—
Chicago—
F ir s ts ............................ .......................
N ew Orleans—
N ew Y o r k E x tra __________________________
F irsts . _______ ________________ _
P hiladelphia—
F irsts .
______ ________________
San Francisco—
Cheese, whole m ilk, per p ound—
M ilk, condensed, per case, N ew Y o rk........
M ilk, evaporated, per case, New Y o rk ----M ilk, fluid. (See F arm products.)
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
94.3
98.5
98.8
105.6
.416
.396
.367
.419
.399
.371
.459
.426
.386
94.8
93.9
93.8
95.5
94.8
94. 9
104.6
101.0
98.7
.399
.386
.368
.370
.412
.399
.374
.373
.449
.428
.386
.398
93.0
93.0
94.2
93.7
96.1
96.3
96.0
94.5
104.8
103.3
98.9
100.7
.449
.410
.440
.428
. 450
.420
94.3
89.5
92.5
93.4
94.6
91. 6
.416
.394
.369
.417
.400
.378
.465
.430
.394
93.8
94. 0
95.3
94.1
95.2
97.3
104.9
102.5
101.5
.426
.411
.381
.413
.430
.414
.388
.429
.474
.453
.410
.468
93.7
92.8
93. 7
93. 7
94.6
93.4
95.4
97.5
104.3
102.3
100.7
106.2
.418
.399
.441
.425
.468
.442
95.8
95.4
101.3
101.7
107.4
105.7
.223
.243
.204
5.825
4. 581
.235
.253
.210
5. 825
4. 575
.249
.262
.222
6.000
4.575
102.9
107.2
89.1
99. 5
104.3
108.4
111.2
91.8
99.5
104.1
114.9
115.3
97.0
102.4
104.1
1 N o quotation.
68404°— 27------ 14
93.9
97.9
[1153]
204
M ONTHLY
LABOR R E V IE W
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U ST , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
Continued
Index numbers
Average prices
(1926-100.0)
Commodity
Ju ly ,
1927
Au
gust,
1927
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
A ugust,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
$0.182
.200
$0,185
.200
$0.191
.213
110.8
117.2
112. 7
117.2
116.3
124.8
19. 500
.294
20. 400
.265
23.000
.240
83.0
112.4
86.8
101.3
97.9
91.7
G R O U P I I — F O O D S —C ontinued
(6) M e a ts ...........__.................................................
Beef, fresh, carcass, steers, p er pound—
Chicago____________________________
N ew Y o r k .____ ____ ____ ___________
Beef, cured, family, per barrel (200 pounds),
N ew Y o rk ______________ _____ _____
L am b, fresh, p er p ound, C hicago................
M u tto n , fresh, dressed, per pound, New
Y ork..................................................................
Pork, cured—
Bacon, per pound, Chicago................
H am s, p er p ound, C hicago.....................
M ess, p e r barrel (200 pounds). New
Y o r k . . . ................................... ...............
Sides, clear, p e r pound, Chicago__ ___
Sides, rough, p er p ound, C hicago____
Pork, fresh, dressed hogs, p er pound, C hi
cago_____________________ __________
P o u ltry , p er pound, dressed—
Chicago_________ _______ _______ . . . .
N ew Y o rk ____ ________ ____________
Veal, fresh, good, per pound, C h ic a g o ..'II
(c) O th e r f o o d s ..........................................................
Beans. (See Farm products.)
B read, loaf (per po u n d before baking)—
C h icag o .._____ ____________ ____ ___
C in cin n ati.......... ................. ............... .
N ew Orleans_____________________ II
N ew Y o rk ________’ _____________ I ’ "
San Francisco___ ______ ________ ____
Cocoa beans, Arriba, per pound,N ew Y ork.
Coffee, B razilian grades, per pound, New
York—
Rio, No. 7__________________________
Santos, No. 4___ ________ __________I
Copra, South Sea, per pound, N ew Y o rk ..
Crackers, soda, per pound, N ew Y o rk___
Eggs. (See F arm products.)
Fish—
Cod, pickled, cured, per 100 pounds,
Gloucester, M ass_________________
H erring, pickled, per pound, New
Y ork___________ ____ _____ _______
M ackerel, salt, p er pound, N ew Y o rk .
Salmon, canned, A laska, red, per
dozen cans, factory________________
Salmon, sm oked, Alaska, p er pound.
N ew Y o rk ____ _______ ___________
Flour, rye, w hite, p er barrel, M inneapolis.
Flour, w heat, per barrel—
Stan d ard p aten ts, h a rd w inter, B uf
falo_____________ _________ ______
F irst clears, B uffalo__________ I I I I I I '
Short p aten ts, w inter, K ansas C ity
Straights, w in ter, K ansas C ity _______
S tan d ard p aten ts, M inneapolis______
Second p aten ts, M inneapolis..................
P aten ts, P o rtlan d , O reg____________
Short p aten ts, soft w inter, St. L o u is.I
Straights, soft w in ter, St. L ouis____
Stan d ard p aten ts, soft w inter, Toledo
F ru it, canned, p er dozen, N ew Y ork—
Peaches, 2)Ys__..................... ..
Pineapples, 2 'A ’s ____________
F ru it, dried, p er pound, N ew York—
Apples, e v ap o rated .................................
C urrants, cleaned........ ....................
Prunes, California, 60-70’s _________ II
Raisins, coast, seeded.......... ....................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
90 5
.156
.136
.115
108.4
94.3
79.8
.270
.243
.254
.235
.257
.224
88.8
79.0
83.5
76.2
84.5
72.9
33.000
. 172
.168
31. 800
. 167
. 158
32.250
. 174
.161
88. 1
85.7
84.7
84.9
83.1
79.5
86. 1
86.6
81.3
. 183
.183
.183
73.1
73.1
73.1
.218
.260
. 195
.218
.270
.223
.230
.274
.234
80.4
82.9
104.2
80.6
86.0
118.9
85.0
87.3
125.1
94 1
.075
.069
.070
.070
.069
.203
.075
.069
.070
.070
.069
.194
.075
.069
.070
.070
.069
.181
100.0
97.6
97.8
100. 0
89.8
112.8
100.0
97.6
97.8
100.0
89.8
107.3
100.0
97.6
97.8
100.0
89.8
100.6
.142
. 169
.052
. 140
.139
. 170
.052
.140
. 135
. 178
.052
.140
78.1
75. 7
90. 2
100.0
76.3
76.4
90.0
100.0
74.3
80.0
89.5
100.0
6.500
6.750
7.000
89.6
93.0
96.4
.145
.090
.160
.090
.180
.100
109.8
90.0
121. 1
90.0
136.3
100.0
2.694
3.020
3.050
81.0
90.8
91.7
.420
5. 950
.430
5.080
.430
4.988
109.6
106.2
112.2
90.7
112. 2
89.1
8.030
6.990
7. 585
6. 920
7.813
7. 556
8.012
6.940
6.295
6. 575
7.313
7.113
7. 531
6.769
7.600
7.320
7. 757
7.244
6. 306
6.406
7. 213
6.613
7. 263
6.644
7.069
6.819
7 .12S
6.869
5.819
6. 275
92.4
83. 5
94.4
95.4
02..7
92.7
100.3
88.6
88.6
86.2
84. 1
84.9
93.7
93.3
90.2
89.8
97.2
92.5
88. 7
84.0
83.0
79.0
90.4
91.6
83.9
83.7
89.3
87.7
81.9
82.3
1. 775
2. 250
1.775
2.250
1.775
2.250
91. 0
104.7
91.0
104.7
91.0
104.7
. Ill
. Ill
.068
.069
.126
.108
.065
.069
.131
. 113
.061
.069
94.2
123.5
86.5
75.1
106.5
119.3
82.7
75.1
111.2
125.9
78.6
75.1
[1154]
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S
205
O F C O M M O D IT IE S
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O P C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index-num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Ju ly ,
1927
G R O U P II.—FO O D S—C ontinued
(c) O th er fo o d s—C ontinued.
F ru it, fresh—
Apples. (See F a rm products.)
B ananas, Jam aicas, p er bunch, New
Y o rk .______ _____________ _____ Lemons. (See F a rm products.)
Oranges. (See F a rm products.)
Glucose, 42° mixing, per 100 pounds, New
Y ork___________________ _______ . . .
H om iny grits, w hite, per 100 pounds, m ill..
L ard , prim e, contract, p er pound, New
Y ork____________ _________ __________
M eal, corn, p er 100 pounds—
W hite, m ill______________ ____ _____
Yellow, fancy, Philadelphia_________
Molasses, N ew Orleans, fancy, p er gallon,
N ew Y o rk _________________________ .
O atm eal, in 90-pound sacks, p er 100
pounds, N ew Y ork__________ ________
Oleomargarine, stan d ard , uncolored, per
p ound, Chicago______________________
Oleo oil, extra, p e r po u n d , Chicago---------Pepper, black, p e r pound, N ew Y o rk .. . .
Rice, head, d e a n , per p ound, N ew Orleans—
B lue Rose, m edium to good-------------H onduras, m edium to choice------------S alt, Chicago—
American, m edium , per barrel (280
pou n d s)__________________________
G ranulated, p er to n _______ ______ _
Sugar, p er p ound, N ew Y ork—
G ran u lated ....... ................ ..........................
Raw , 96°..............................................
Tea, Form osa, fine, per pound, N ew Y o rk ..
Vegetables, canned, per dozen—
String beans, N ew Y o rk .........................
Corn, fa c to ry ................... .........................
Peas, N ew Y o rk ___________________
Tom atoes, N ew Y o rk .................... .........
Vegetables, fresh—
Onions. (See F a rm products.)
Potatoes. (See F a rm products.)
Vegetable oil—
Coconut, p er p ound, N ew Y o rk-------C ottonseed, p er po u n d , N ew Y ork___
Olive, per gallon, N ew Y o rk ------------Soya bean, p er p ound, N ew Y o rk -----V inegar, cider, p er gallon, N ew Y o rk .........
G R O U P I I I —H ID E S A N D L EA TH ER
PR O D U C T S
................
H ides, per p o u n d , Chicago—
C o u n try cows........ .................. ................ .
Packers ’—
H eavy, n ativ e steers.................... .
H eavy, Texas s te e rs -.....................
Skins, per pound—
Calf, No. 1, country, Chicago----------Goat, B razil,first selection, N ew Y ork.
Sheep, p ack ers’, per p elt, C h ic ag o .....
C hrom e calf, B grade, per square foot,
B o s to n _________ ___________ _______
Glazed k id , to p grade, p er square foot,
H arness, California oak, p er pound, general m a rk e t......................... ..........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
A ugust,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
J u ly ,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
te m
ber,
1927
$1.631
$2.025
$2.025
66.5
82.6
82.6
3.160
2.145
3.160
2.121
3.160
1.850
91.9
137.7
91.9
136.1
91.9
118.7
.132
.128
.133
87.8
85.1
88.6
2.145
3. 210
2.121
3.388
1.850
3.080
137.7
120.5
136.1
127.2
118.7
115.7
.650
.650
.650
123.1
123.1
123.1
3.597
3.472
3.417
117.1
113.0
111.2
.215
.134
.358
.215
.131
.3.54
.239
.135
.372
94.2
111.3
139.7
94.2
109.1
138. 1
104.7
112.4
145.3
.041
.061
.041
.062
.041
.054
67.0
83.6
66.2
84.3
65.9
73.4
2.195
6.600
2.195
6.600
2.195
6.600
100.0
87.9
100.0
87.9
100.0
87.9
.059
.045
.082
.345
.056
.045
.086
.345
.058
.048
.097
.345
107.3
104.4
85.8
97.3
101.5
103.9
90.0
97.3
106.0
110.4
101.5
97.3
1.150
.975
1. 225
1.500
1.150
.955
1.225
1.500
1.025
.950
1.150
1.500
128.8
108.3
93.1
104.7
128.8
106.1
93.1
104.7
114.8
105.5
87.4
104.7
.096
. 110
.095
2. 150
. 125
.120
. 190
.097
. 113
.100
2.390
.125
.120
.200
.099
.117
. 107
2.150
.125
.120
.205
90.8
91.4
80. 5
112.5
111. 0
95. 2
102.3
91.3
93.4
84. 0
125.1
111. 0
95.2
107.6
93.4
97. 1
90.5
112.5
111. 0
95.2
110.3
111.7
133.5
111. 7
131.3
112.5
128.4
.173
.171
.176
179.4
176. 7
182.0
.219
.199
.215
.195
.224
.213
156. 4
148.9
153.2
146.1
159.9
159.6
.226
.759
.221
2.250
.212
.760
.210
2.250
.210
.768
.210
1.606
130.5
103.6
142.6
103.8
113.5
122. 3
103.7
135.3
103. 8
114.3
121.1
104.8
135.1
74.1
115.4
.510
.510
.510
112.5
112.5
112. 5
.675
.675
.675
100. 0 100. 0
100.0
.478
.495
.495
109.5
113.3
[1155]
113.3
206
M O NTHLY
LA BO R R E V IE W
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
Com m odity
Ju ly ,
1927
G R O U P I I I .- H I D E S A N D L E A T H E R
P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(6) L e a th e r —C ontinued.
Side, black, chrome, tan n ed , B grade, per
square foot, B o s to n ................................ .
Sole, oak, per pound, B oston—
In sides........................................................
Scoured backs.............................................
Sole, union backs, steers, per pound, New
Y o rk________ _______________ ________
(c) B o o ts a n d s h o e s , f a c to r y ...............................
C hildren’s, per pair—
C h ild ’s gun m e ta l.....................................
L ittle b o y ’s, ta n calf, blucher.................
M isses’, gun m e ta l....................................
Y o u th s’, ta n calf, b lu ch er........ ..............
M en ’s, per pair—
Black, calf, b a l . . . .......... ....... ....................
Black, calf, blu ch er..................................
Black, dress, welt, side le a th er..............
Black, vici k i d . . . .................................... .
Chocolate, el,k, b lu ch er............................
Dress, m edium grade................................
G un m etal, b lu c h e r.................................
M ahogany, chrome, b a l_____________
T an, dress, welt, calf.......................... .
T an , dress, welt, side le a th e r______ _
W ork, m edium grade........................... .
W om en’s, per pair—
Black, kid, dress.......................................
B lack, kid, M cK ay sew ed.............. .
M edium g rad e........................................
B etter g ra d e ...............................................
Colored c alf...............................................
P a te n t leather p u m p _______ ________
(d) O th e r l e a th e r p r o d u c ts ....... .........................
Gloves, per dozen pairs, factory—
M en ’s . . . . ........ ................................... .........
W om en’s....... ...................... .......................
H arness (composite price), per set...............
Suitcases (composite price), e a c h .................
T raveling bags (composite price), each ___
G R O U P I V —T E X T IL E P R O D U C T S .,
(o) C o tto n g o o d s ............ ........................................
B lankets, colored, per pair, B o s to n ............
D enim s, M assachusetts, 28-inch, per yard,
m ill..................................................................
Drillings, brow n, per yard", mill—
M assachusetts, 30-inch.............................
Pepperell, 29-inch.....................................
D uck, per yard, mill—
Eight-ounce, a r m y ........... ................. .
W ide, 36-inch. . . ________ ____ ______
Flannel, per yard, m ill—
Colored, 2 7 -in ch ______________ _____
Unbleached, 33-inch_________ _______
Gingham , per yard, mill—
Amoskeag, 27-inch..................................
Security, 32-inch.......................................
Hosiery, per dozen pairs, mill—
M en ’s, combed y a r n ................................
W om en’s, silk m ercerized.__________
M uslin, bleached, per yard, mill—
F ru it of th e L o o m .....................................
L o n sd a le ____________ _____ ___ ____
R ough R id er________ ___________’
N ainsook, W a m su tta _______________
Percale, Scouts, 381^-inch, per yard, m ill..
P rin t cloth, per yard, mill—
T w enty-seven in ch ......... ..........................
T hirty-eight a n d one-half in c h .............
Sheeting, bleached, per yard, mill—
10/4, P e p p e re ll.............................. .............
10/4, W a m su tta ..........................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
A ugust,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
July,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
te m
ber,
1927
$0.370
$0. 370
$0. 370
146.1
146.1
146.1
.390
.510
.390
.530
.410
.530
110.4
116.4
110.4
120.9
116.1
120.9
.490
.500
.525
114.4
103. 0
116.7
122.5
HI5 8
1. 330
1.473
1. 568
1. 663
1. 330
1.473
1.568
1.663
1.615
1.663
1.900
1. 853
100.0
100.0
100. 0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
121.4
112.9
121.2
111.4
5.000
6.400
3. 286
6.000
1.967
3. 550
4.750
3. 650
5.000
3. 448
2.250
5.000
6. 400
3. 400
6.000
1.974
3. 550
4. 750
3. 650
5.000
3.600
2.250
5.000
6. 500
3.400
6.220
2. 000
3.550
4. 750
3. 650
5.000
3. 600
2.250
101. 6
100. 0
102.7
100.0
114.1
106. 0
103. 3
101. 4
101. 6
102.2
109.8
101.6
100.0
106. 3
100.0
114.6
106.0
103.3
101.4
101. 6
106.7
109.8
101.6
101.6
106.3
103.7
116.1
106.0
103.3
101.4
101.6
106.7
109.8
4.000
3.650
2.200
3.050
4.250
3.750
4.000
3. 650
2. 200
3. 050
4.250
3. 750
4.000
3. 650
2.200
3. 050
4. 250
3. 750
98.2
101.4
110. 0
107.0
102.4
104.2
101 ß
98.2
101.4
110.0
107.0
102.4
104. 2
98.2
101.4
110.0
107.0
102.4
104.2
184-0
33. 840
22. 560
45. 869
8.070
6.597
33. 840
22. .560
47. 448
8. 070
6.597
33. 840
22. 560
49. 592
9.543
6.894
100.0
106.7
105. 5
102. 1
101.3
96.2
100.0
106.7
110.3
120.8
105.8
98 5
1.034
1.070
1.108
100.0
106. 7
102.0
102.1
101.3
94 3
ßß 1
83.7
sa 6
89.7
.164
.173
.201
97.0
102.1
118.8
. 123
. 114
.133
. 127
.142
. 144
92.9
89.4
101.2
99.6
107.8
113.2
.187
.382
.201
.396
.215
.468
94.7
91. 5
102.1
94.7
108.9
112.0
.110
.165
.111
. 181
. 123
.218
87.4
93.8
87.8
102. 7
97.3
123.7
.091
.123
.095
.123
. 100
. 130
101. 1
100.0
105.6
100.0
111.1
106.0
1. 550
2.275
1.600
2.275
1. 600
2. 275
95.4
97. 7
98.5
97.7
98.5
97.7
.162
.137
.154
.225
.127
. 164
. 141
. 157
.225
. 130
. 166
. 147
. 160
.243
. 145
90.6
91.0
107. 6
98.8
98. 3
98.3
93.2
109.7
98.8
100.8
99.5
97.5
112.0
106.7
111.9
.056
.075
.060
.084
.065
.089
100.9
99.2
115.5
110.7
125.1
118.6
.371
1.140
.404
1.140
.404
1.140
89.2
100.0
97.0
100.0
97.0
100.0
[1156]
W H O LESA LE
P R IC E S
QF
207
C O M M O D IT IE S
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U ST , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
July,
1927
G R O U P I V .—T E X T I L E P R O D U C T S — Con.
(a) C o t t o n g o o d s—C ontinued.
Sheeting, brow n, p er yard , m ill—
In d ia n H ead, 36-inch________________
4/4, Pepperell ___________________ 4/4, T rio n ___________________ ______
Thread, 6-cord, 100 yards, per spool, mill - .
Ticking, Amoskeag, 32-inch, per yard, m ill.
U nderw ear, m ill—
M en ’s shirts a n d draw ers, per dozen
garm ents_____
______________ _
W om en’s union suits, per dozen...........
Y arn, per p ound, m ill—
C arded, w hite, n orthern, 10-1/s, conesCarded, w hite, northern, 22-1/s, cones.
C arded, single w arp, 40/ls, southern
sp in n in g ----------- -------------------------T w isted, 20/2, carded, w eav in g .......... .
T w isted, 40/2, carded, w eaving....... .
R ayon, p er pound, N ew Y ork—
150 A denier................................................
150 B denier________________________
300 A denier___________ . . . --------------300 B denier________________________
Silk, raw, per pound, New Y ork—
C hina, steam filature, th ird categ o ry ..
Jap an , double extra cracks...............
Jap an , 13-15_____ ______ ___ ____ _
Silk, spun, per pound, N ew Y ork—
Domestic, 6 0 /1 ____________________
Domestic, 60/2... __________________
Im ported, 200/2, first q u a lity ________
Hosiery, per dozen pairs, m ill—
W om en’s, pure silk . _______________
W om en’s, artificial s ilk . _________ _ _
M en ’s, silk, mercerized to p , heel, and
toe_________ _____________________
B lankets, all wool, 4 to 5 pounds, per
pound, m ill______________ _____ ______
Flannel, No. 6400, 54-inch, p e r yard, m ill..
Overcoating, p er yard, m ill—
H e a v y ..........................................................
L ig h t.......... ........................................ .........
Suiting, per yard, mill—
Serge, 116 M . B ____________________
Serge, 11-ounce, 56-58 in ch ___________
Uniform serge, fine grade, 12-ounce___
Uniform serge, m edium grade, 12-ounce
U nfinished w orsted, 13-ounce________
Trousering, 2,900 range, cotton w arp, 11ounce, per yard, m ill ..................................
U nderw ear, m en’s, m ill—
Shirts an d draw ers, per dozen garm ents
U nion suits, per d o z e n .. ----------------W om en’s dress goods, per yard , mill—
Flannel, 12-ounce. . ................................
Flannel, W F D , 54-inch_____________
French serge, 39-inch__________ _____
Sicilian cloth, 54-inch, cotton w arp___
Y arns, per pound, m ill—
2/32s, crossbred stock, w h ite _________
2/40s, half-blood, w eav in g ....................
2/50s, fine, w e a v in g ................................
B inder tw ine, stan d ard , per bale (50
po u n d s), m ill_____________ ______ _ . .
B urlap, 10/^-ounce, 40-inch, per yard, mill.
Septem
ber, 1927
July,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
te m
ber,
1927
$0.110
.119
.087
.036
.207
$0.119
.128
.098
.036
.230
$0.143
.139
.110
.036
.260
89. 5
96.9
93. 8
100.0
101. 3
97.4
104. 6
105.9
100. 0
112.4
116.7
113.2
118.0
100.0
127.1
6. 039
8. 500
6.177
8.870
6.287
9.500
88. 3
86.1
90.3
89.8
92.0
96.2
.305
.354
.333
.387
.377
.406
94.2
98.7
102.6
107.8
116.3
113.2
.481
.313
.456
.512
.347
.475
.547
.389
.518
94.7
96. 8
96. 5
87.4
100.7
107.1
100.6
86.6
107.6
120.1
109.6
86.6
1.500
1.450
1.300
1.280
1.500
1.450
1.300
1.280
1.500
1. 450
1. 300
1.280
82.9
85.7
81.1
84.9
82.9
85.7
81.1
84.9
82.9
85.7
81.1
84.9
5. 418
3. 989
6. 442
5.292
5. 270
3.915
5. 282
5.145
5.265
3. 906
5.304
5.096
85. 3
85. 7
90. 0
85.4
83.0
84. 1
87.4
83.1
82.9
83.9
87.8
82.3
4.077
4. 978
4.978
3. 920
4. 704
4.508
3. 881
4. 704
4.508
86.9
83.4
86.1
83.5
78.8
77.9
82.7
78.8
77.9
10. 780
2. 450
10. 780
2. 450
10. 780
2.450
88. 6
87. 8
88.6
87.8
88.6
87.8
4. 000
4.500
4.500
83.4
97.2
93.8
97.3
93.8
87.3
1.313
1.715
1.313
1.715
1.313
1.715
97.3
102.2
97.3
102.2
97.3
102.2
3.000
4.350
3.000
4. 350
3.000
4.350
98. 6
95. 8
98.6
95.8
98.6
95.8
3.848
2.048
2. 678
1. 935
1. 913
3. 848
2.048
2. 678
1.935
1.913
3.848
2.048
2. 678
1. 935
1. 913
100. 8
94. 5
97.3
96.9
95.4
100.8
94. 5
97.3
96. 9
95.4
100.8
94.5
97.3
96.9
95.4
1. 500
1.500
1.500
98.2
98.2
98.2
28.000
27.440
28. 000
27.440
28. 000
27. 440
93.3
90.3
93.3
90.3
93.3
90.3
2.255
1. 900
1.325
.975
. 510
.775
2.255
1.900
1.325
.975
.510
.775
2.255
1.900
1. 325
.975
(»)
.775
95. 6
97.7
91.3
94.3
111.3
97.8
95. 6
97. 7
91. 3
94.3
111. 3
97.8
95.6
97.7
91.3
94.3
1.350
1. 750
2.025
1.350
1. 775
2. 025
94.1
1.375
1. 775
94.4
2.014 . 96.1
93.9
94.1
95.8
96.1
95.7
95.8
95.8
95.6
85.8
6. 056
.093
6.056
.101
6.056
. 103
92.7
101.5
92.7
109. 9
92.7
111.8
5No quotation.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
August,
1927
[1157]
97.8
208
M O N T H L Y LA BO R R E V IE W
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Sep
te m
ber,
1927
August,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
$0.144
$0.149
$0.146
97.7
100.5
98.5
.069
.080
.083
77.0
89.3
92.1
1.946
1.946
1.946
100.0
100.0
100.0
.245
.076
.245
.076
.240
.076
97. 5
83.4
84 2
97.5
83.4
84 4
95.5
83.4
13.148
12.665
10.614
13. 209
12.779
10. 661
13.217
12. 942
10. 838
35 9
9¿ 5
95.3
99. 6
95.9
96.2
100.1
96.0
97.4
101.7
4.251
4.741
3.748
4. 275
4.904
3.780
4. 274
5.012
3. 760
98. 5
98. 9
109.5
93 7
99.1
102, 3
110. 5
99.1
104.5
109.9
6.000
3.044
6.000
3.075
6.000
3.000
108. 0
74.1
108.0
74.9
108.0
73.1
5.500
10.180
5.500
10.180
5.688
10.180
96.0
95.8
96.0
95.8
99.3
95.8
1. 026
1.807
1.015
99.«
97.3
98.3
.850
1. 155
2.900
.850
1.155
2.650
.850
1. 198
2.650
77.9
61.3
82.8
77.9
61.3
75.7
77.9
63.6
75.7
.900
.047
.870
.046
.850
.046
69.5
73.6
67.2
71.0
65.7
71.6
.079
.070
.088
. 066
.044
.074
.065
.087
.063
.051
.073
.061
.082
.061
.055
69.6
67.9
68. 5
64.8
49.0
64.9
62.3
68.1
61.3
57.4
64.0
58.6
64.1
59.1
61.5
.064
.070
.063
.068
.064
.068
74.6
67.0
72.8
64.9
74.4
65.8
97.7
98.0
97.8
Ju ly ,
1927
G R O U P IV .—T E X T IL E P R O D U C T S—Con.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
.
(d) O th er textile p ro d u cts—C ontinued.
H em p, m anila, per pound, N ew Y ork___
Jute, raw , m edium grades, per pound,
N ew Y ork_______ „___________________
Linen shoe th read , 10s, B arbour, per
p o u n d , N ew Y o rk ..... ...................................
Rope, pu re m anila, f^-inch a n d larger, per
pound, N ew Y o rk ____________________
Sisal, M exican, p e r po u n d , N ew Y o rk .___
G R O U P V.—F U E L A N D L IG H T I N G ..
(a) A n th ra c ite c o a l, per gross to n (c o m
p o site p rice)________________________
C h e s tn u t_______ ____
E g g .____________________________I " " "
P e a ___________________
(6) B itu m in o u s co a l, per n e t to n (c o m
p o site p rice)____ ____ _______________
M ine ru n ___________________ _____ ___ I'
Prep ared sizes_________________________
Screenings_____________________ ____ ___
(c) C oke, per n e t t o n .............................. ............
B eehive—
A labam a, foundry, o v e n .. .................
Connellsville, furnace, o v en _______ II
B y-product—
A labam a, B irm in g ham _____________
N ew Jersey, N ew ark.....................
(d ) M a n u fa ctu r ed ga s (c o m p o site price),
per 1,080 c u b ic fe e t__________________
(e) P e tr o le u m p r o d u c ts ___________
___
Petroleum , crude, per barrel", wells—' "
C alifornia_________________________
K ansas-O klahom a________________
P en n sy lv an ia....................... . . I l l " " "
Fuel oil, refinery—
O klahoma, per barrel..................... .......
Pennsylvania, per gallon....................... I
Gasoline, p er gallon, refinery—
C alifornia_______ ________ ______
O klahom a.............. .................. I . " I I . "
P en n sy lv an ia______ _________I . I l l "
N o rth T e x a s .________ _________
N atu ral, O klahom a..............
I
Kerosene, refined, p er g a llo n sta n d a rd , N ew Y ork__________
W ater w hite, r e f in e r y ............. . . I l l "
G R O U P V I.—M E T A L S A N D M E T A L
P R O D U C T S ________ _____ _
(a) I r o n a n d s te e l____________ ___
Iron ore, M esabi, per gross ton, lower lake
po rts—
B essem er....... ................ ......... ........ .......
N on-B essem er__ ____ ______ I "
Pig iron, p er gross to n —
Basic, furnace_________ ___________
Bessemer, P ittsb u rg h _______
F o u n d ry , N o. 2, northern, P ittsb u rg h
F o u n d ry , N o. 2, southern, Birm ing
h a m ________________ _______ _____
F erromanganese, furnace . . 111111111111
Spiegeleisen, furnace.........................
B ar iron, p er p o u n d —
Best, refined, P h ilad elp h ia____ _____
Common, refined, P ittsb u rg h _______
Bars, concrete reinforcing, %-inch and
larger, per 100 pounds, m ill____________
Nails, wire, p er 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h __
Pipe, cast iron, 6-inch, per n e t to n , New
Y ork___ ____
4.400
4.250
4. 400
4. 250
4.400
4. 250
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
17.500
20.260
19.760
17. 300
20.200
19. 360
17.063
19. 760
19. 260
94,3
95.0
95.8
93.3
94.8
93.9
92.0
92.7
93.4
17. 438
90.000
33. 750
17. 250
90.000
33. 500
17. 250
90. 000
33. 500
82.4
94.9
99.9
81.5
94.9
99.2
81.5
94.9
99.2
.028
.028
.028
.028
.027
.028
96.6
91.7
96.6
91.7
93.2
91.7
1.825
2.625
1.800
2.650
1.825
2.650
91.6
95.5
90.4
96.4
91.6
96.4
43.750
4 a 150
37. 7.50
85.2
78.2
73.5
[1158]
209
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , JU L Y , A U G U ST , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Ju ly ,
1927
GROUP
A ugust,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
V I.—M E T A L S A N D M E T A L
P R O D U C T S — C ontinued
(a) I r o n a n d s te e l— C ontinued
Pipe, black steel, per 100 feet, P ittsb u rg h ..
Skelp, grooved, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h .
Steel billets, open-hearth, p er gross ton,
P ittsb u rg h _____ ____ ______ __________
Steel m erchant bars, per 100 pounds,
P ittsb u rg h __________ _________ _______
Steel plates, ta n k , per pound, P ittsb u rg h ..
Steel rails, open-hearth, per gross ton, m ill.
Steel scrap, per gross to n ________________
Steel sheets, N o. 27, box annealed, per
pound, m ill__________________________
Steel, stru c tu ra l, p er 100 pounds, mill _ . .
Terne plate, No. 8 , 1. C. package, per 200
pounds, m ill____ _____ ________ _______
T in plate, domestic, stan d ard , coke, per
100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h ................................
W ire, fence—
B arbed, galvanized, per 100 pounds,
m ill______________________________
G alvanized, No. 9, p er 100 pounds,
P ittsb u rg h .______________________
Plain, annealed, per 100 pounds, Pittsb u rg h _____________________ ______
W oven, per 100 rods, P ittsb u rg h _____
$4. 261
1.800
$4. 261
1.800
$4. 261
1. 775
100.0
94. 7
100.0
94.7
100.0
93.4
33.000
33.000
33.000
94.3
94.3
94.3
1.800
.018
43. 000
12.063
1. 800
.018
43. 000
12.300
1.775
.018
43.000
12.250
90.2
95. 7
100.0
89.5
90.2
95.7
100.0
91.2
88.9
94.7
100.0
90.9
.032
1. 775
.032
1.800
.032
1.825
99. 4
90.6
99.4
91.9
99.4
93.2
11. 475
11.400
11.400
98.1
97.4
97.4
5. 500
5.500
5.500
100.0
100.0
100.0
3. 275
3, 300
3.300
96.3
97.1
97.1
3.000
3. 000
3.000
96.8
96.8
96.8
2.550
20. 030
2.550
20. 030
2.550
20. 030
96.2
100. 0
96. 2
100.0
96.2
100.0
89.3
92,5
90.7
A lum inum , p er pound, New Y o rk _______
A ntim ony, per pound, N ew Y o r k ______
Brass, sheets, per pound, m ill___________
Copper, ingot, electrolytic, per pound, refinery---------------------------------------Copper, sheet, hot rolled, per pound, New
Y o r k ____________________ _____ _____
Copper wire, bare, per pound, m ill______
Lead, pig, desilverized, per pound, New
Y o rk ________________________________
L ead pipe, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o r k ___
Nickel, ingot, per pound, N ew Y o rk------Quicksilver, per pound, N ew Y o rk .............
Silver, bar, fine, per ounce, N ew Y o rk___
T in , pig, Straits, per pound, N ew Y ork__
Zinc, sheet, per 100 pounds, L a Salle, 111__
Zinc, pig, slab, per pound, N ew Y o rk____
.254
. 120
.177
.254
.119
.182
.254
. Ill
.183
94. 1
75.0
92.9
94. 1
74. 5
95.9
94.1
69.8
96.0
. 125
.133
.130
90.4
96.0
94. 1
.203
.147
.210
.152
.210
.153
94.0
90.6
97.0
94. 1
97.2
94.2
.063
7. 735
.350
1. 617
.567
.639
8.793
.066
.067
8.090
.350
1. 586
.550
.645
9. 015
.067
.063
7. 900
.350
1.579
.558
.615
9.023
.066
156. 750
42.270
90. 720
76.000
156. 750
42. 270
90. 720
76.000
156. 750
42.270
90. 720
76.000
74.7
78.0
100.0
131.9
90. 8
97. 8
83.0
85.1
99.4
100.0
95. 7
99.0
100.0
79.2
81.6
100.0
131.0
88.1
98. 6
85. 1
86.8
99.3
100.0
95. 7
99.0
100.0
74.6
79.7
100. 0
130.5
89.3
94.1
85.2
85.3
99.3
100.0
95.7
99.0
100.0
15. 670
19. 470
84.310
59.140
325. 000
57. 710
104. 500
15. 670
19.470
84. 310
59.140
325. 000
57. 710
104.500
15. 670
19.470
84. 310
59.140
325. 000
57.710
104. 500
93.7
88.3
98.9
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
93.7
88.3
98.9
100. 0
100.0
100.0
100.0
93.7
88.3
98.9
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
7.260
16.170
7.210
15. 700
7.210
15.530
99.7
100.5
99. 1
97.5
99.1
96.5
30.400
77.420
61. 270
26. 600
114.000
680.000
103.070
30. 400
77. 420
61. 270
26. 600
114. 000
680. 000
103. 070
30.400
77.420
61. 270
26. 600
114. 000
680. 000
103.070
94. 8
98. 8
103.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
94.8
98. 8
103.2
100.0
100. 0
100.0
100.0
94.8
98.8
103.2
100.0
100. 0
100.0
100.0
102. 6
B uick___________________ ____ _________ 1,493. 000
Cadillac ___________ ____ _____________ 3, 563. 000
628.000
C hevrolet........ .......................... ............... .
1, 503. 000
3, 563. 000
611. 000
1, 503. 000
3,837. 000
611.000
101. 7
95. 5
102.3
102.2
102.4
95. 5
99.5
102.4
102.8
99.5
B inder, grain, each________ ____________
C ultivator, e a c h .......................... ................. .
D rill, grain, each_________ _____ ________
Engine, 3-horsepower, each______________
Harrow, each—
Spike, peg to o th ___________________
Spring to o th _______________________
Loader, hay, each________________ _____ _
M ower, hay, each__________ __________ 1
Picker, corn, each________ ____________
Planter, corn, each_________ ____ _____ _
Plow, tractor, each____________ _________
Plow, walking—
1-horse (composite price), each — ........
2-horse (composite price), e a c h ______
Rake, each—
S e lf-d u m p -------------- ----------------------Side delivery......................................... —
Separator, cream, each __________________
Shelter, corn, each ..
_________________
Spreader, m anure, each ------------------------Tractor, each _. __________________
Wagon, 2-horse, each_________ _______ _
(d) A u to m o b ile s
(c o m p o s it e p r ic e ), e a c h ,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1159]
102.2
210
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , JU L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
August,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
July,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
$878. 000
453. 000
3, 263. 000
$878. 000
453. 000
3,263.000
101.2
109. 8
90. 7
99.2
109.8
90.7
99.2
109.8
90.7
82.100
50.800
82.100
50.800
82. 250
51. 000
105.8
103.5
105.8
103.5
106.1
103.8
61.600
63.400
61. 550
61. 600
63. 400
61. 550
61.600
63. 400
61. 550
98.0
100.8
98.9
98.0
100.8
98.9
98.0
100.8
98.9
G R O U P V II.—B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S .
93. 7
93.9
92 1
(а) L u m b e r ........................... ..................................
Cypress, shop, per 1,000 feet, St. L o u is ..II
Douglas fir, per 1,000 feet, mill—
No. 1 common sheath in g____ ________
No. 2 an d b e tte r drop siding_________
G um , plain, sap, per 1,000 feet, St. L o u is..
Hemlock, northern, N o. 1, per 1,000 feet,
C h ic a g o ........ .................... ..........
M aple, hard, No. 1, per 1,000 feet, Chicago
Oak, plain, w hite, No. 1, per 1,000 feet,
C in cin n ati____________ . . . .
Pine, w hite, N o. 2, per i.OOOfeet, Buffalo I
Pine, yellow, flooring, p er 1,000 feet, mill
Pm e, yellow, tim bers, per 1,000 feet, mill
Poplar, No. 1, per 1,000 feet, C in c in n a ti..
Spruce, eastern, per 1,000 feet, B oston___
L ath , per M —
Douglas fir, No 1, Chicago.....................
Pine, yellow, No. 1, m ill______ ______
Shingles, per M , mill—
C edar, re d _____________ ____________
C ypress_______________ ____________
(б) B rick, p e r M _ .................... .................
Common, building, p la n t (composite
p r ic e ) ...............................................................
Brick, front, N ew Y o rk ..................... II I I I I I
P.rick, san d lime, p lan t _________
Paving blocks, 3J4-inch, St. Louis...... .........
(c) C e m e n t, P o r tla n d , p e r b a rre l, p l a n t
(c o m p o s ite p ric e )..................................... ..
(d) S t r u c t u r a l s te e l.....................................................
93 ö
July,
1927
G R O U P V I.—M E T A L S A N D M E T A L
P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(¿) A u to m o b ile s (c o m p o s ite p ric e ), e a c h ,
f . o . b . f a c to r y —C o ntinued.
D odge________ ____ ___ ______ __________ $884.000
F o rd ......................................................................
453.000
P a c k ard --............................................................ 3,263.000
(«) O th e r m e ta l p r o d u c ts ..................................
Sewing machines (composite price), each—
E lectric.......... ..............................................
T readle.......... .................... ..................
Stoves, cooking (composite price), each—
C o a l .._______ _______ _____________
G a s....................................
o n .................................
(e) P a i n t m a t e r ia ls ..................................................
B arytes, w estern, per ton, N ew Y ork."” " "
Bone black, pow dered, per pound, N ew
Y ork.............................. ...................................
Copal gum, m anila, per pound, m ill..........
L am pblack, velvet, per pound, N ew Y ork.
Linseed oil, raw , per pound, N ew Y o r k .. .
Litharge, commercial, per pound, New
Y o rk ...........................................
Lithopone, domestic, per pound,"'N ew "
Y ork.................................................................
P u tty , commercial, per pound, New
Y ork—...............................
R ed lead, dry, per pound, N ew Y ork .'H I I
Rosin, B grade, per barrel, N ew Y o rk____
Shellac, T . N ., per pound, N ew York
T u rp en tin e, Southern, per gallon, ¡New
Y o r k .............................................................
W hite lead, in oil, per pound, N ew Y orkI
Zinc oxide, leaded grades, per pound,
N ew Y o rk ................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ton ß
too 7
43. 750
43. 750
43. 750
89. 7
8 9 .7
89." 7
16. 510
29. 990
62.000
16. 510
29. 970
59. 667
16. 390
30. 230
55. 000
100.2
89. 6
112.0
100.2
89.5
107.8
99.4
90.3
99.4
34.000
51. 500
34. 000
51. 500
36^ 000
51. 500
99. 7
92.5
99.7
92.5
105.5
92.5
65. 000
47.000
38. 310
26. 500
53.000
32. 750
63.000
46.000
37. 680
25. 370
53.000
32.500
63. 000
45. 000
37. 490
24. 000
52.000
32. 250
98.5
93.9
84.9
95.2
95. 7
99.2
95.4
91.9
83.5
91.1
95.7
98.4
95.4
89.9
83.1
86.2
93.9
97.7
6.600
3. 280
6.433
3.100
6. 400
3. 260
87.0
66.1
84.8
62.5
84.3
65.7
2.470
5.750
2.660
5.750
2.790
5.750
90. 7
98.7
97.7
98.7
102.4
98.7
13.988
41. 500
11.000
42. 500
13.978
41. 500
11.000
42.500
13. 970
41. 500
11.000
42.500
100. 5
84.9
95.3
100.0
100.5
84.9
95.3
100.0
100.4
84.9
95.3
100.0
1.683
1.683
1.683
9 6 .5
9 6 .5
9 6 .5
31.900
30.500
30. 500
93.8
89.7
89.7
.055
. 100
. 120
.106
.055
.100
.120
.107
.055
.100
.120
.104
100.0
96.3
100.0
95.4
100.0
96. 3
100.0
96.0
100.0
96.3
100.0
92.8
.089
.093
.088
79.3
82.4
78.5
.053
.053
.053
95.8
95.8
95.8
.060
.099
9. 738
.572
.060
.103
10. 615
.525
.060
.098
10. 081
.505
150. 0
84.4
78.4
166. 7
150.0
87.4
85.5
153.0
150.0
83.6
81.2
147.1
.559
.138
.591
.138
.554
.138
60.1
90.3
63.5
90.3
59.5
90.3
.066
.0 6 6
.0 6 6
90.2
90.2
9 0 .2
[ 1160]
211
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , JU L Y , A U G U ST , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Ju ly ,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
July,
1927
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
93 0
$12.000
$12. Ò00
94 9
100.0
îo o ! o
1.840
1. 750
1. 750
103.8
98. 7
98.7
.320
.400
.320
.400
.320
.400
80.3
83.6
80.3
83.6
80.3
83.6
3. 000
3.135
3.600
3.135
3.600
3.135
92.3
100.8
92.3
100. 8
92.3
100.8
.907
.076
.902
.076
.895
.076
96. 5
97.1
95.9
97.1
95.1
97.1
8.764
8.762
8.846
97.6
97.5
98.5
9.743
9.701
9.702
97.6
97. 2
97.2
.595
.587
.586
93.7
92.4
92.3
14.000
14.000
14.000
100. 0
100.0
100.0
C h e m ic a ls ____ ______ . . . ____ __
Acid, per pound, New Y ork—
Acetic, 28 per cent, per 100 po u n d s___
B oric. . ________ . .
C arbonic________________ . . . _
M uriatic, 20°, works, p er 100 p o u n d s..
N itric, 42°, per 100 po u n d s________
Oleic, d istilled__________ _
Salicylic, U. S. P., N ew Y o rk _____
Stearic, triple-pressed. _ ________ _
Sulphuric, 6 6 ° , p er to n ____
Alcohol, per gallon, New Y ork—
D en atu red ____________ _____
Wood, refined_________ . _
A lum inum sulphate, commercial, p er 100
pounds, N ew Y ork__________ .
A m m onia, anhydrous, per p ound, New
'i ork__________
A nilin oil, p er pound, N ew Y ork___
Arsenic, w hite, powdered, per pound, New
Y ork_______________
Benzine, pure, per gallon, w orks__
Bleaching powder, per 100 pounds, w orks.
Borax, crystals, per pound, N ew Y ork___
C alcium arsenate, per pound, N ew Y ork.
C alcium chloride, 73-75 per cent, p er ton,
N ew Y o rk ___ _
C austic potash, 88-92 per cent, per pound,
N ew Y ork..... .................... . ._ __
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
$12.000
G R O U P V IIL — C H E M IC A L S A N D
D R U G S __________ ________
(a )
A u
gust,
1927
*
G R O U P V II.—B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S C ontinued
(/) O th e r b u ild in g m a te r ia ls ............ ..................
A sphalt, bulk, p er ton, refinery, ...............
C rushed stone, lj^-inch, per cubic yard,
N ew Y o rk_____________ :...................:
Glass, plate, per square foot, N ew Y ork—
3 to 5 square feet.................................
6 to 10 square feet...... .................... ...........
Glass, window, per 50 square feet, works—
Single A _______ _______ _____
Single B __________ ___ . . .
Gravel, building, p er ton, p la n t (composite price)__________ . . . .
Hollow tile, building, per block, C hicago..
Lime, building, p er ton, p la n t (composite
price)_________________ _ . . .
Lime, h y d rated , per ton, p la n t (composite
price)__________________ _________
Sand, building, per ton, p la n t (composite
price)__________ ______
Slate, roofing, sea green, per 100 square feet,
quarry _________________________
Copper, sheet. (See M etals and m etal
products).
Copper, wire. (See M etals and metal
products.)
Nails, wire. (See M etals and m etal products.)
Pipe, cast-iron. (See M etals and metal
products.)
Pipe, lead. (See M etals and m etal products.)
Pipe, black steel. (See M etals and metal
products.)
Reinforcing bars. (See M etals and metal
products.)
T erneplate. (See M etals and m etal products.)
Zinc, sheet. (See M etals and m etal products.)
August,
1927
io a o
95. 3
95 4
96
100.0
100.2
101.4
4
3. 375
.083
.0(50
1.010
6.500
.088
.400
.133
15.000
3. 375
.083
.060
1.050
6.500
.086
.400
. 133
15.000
3.375
.083
.060
1.050
6.500
.088
.400
. 133
15. 000
103. 7
93.1
100.0
108. 6
101.4
94.4
116.9
81. 4
102.7
103. 7
93.1
100. 0
112. 9
93.1
116. 9
81, 4
102.7
103.7
93. 1
100.0
112.9
101.4
94.4
116.9
81.4
102.7
.512
.660
.520
.578
.545
.550
139. 5
104.1
141.7
91.1
148.5
86.8
1.400
1.400
1.400
100.0
100.0
100.0
.115
.150
.115
.150
. 115
. 150
87.6
91.4
87.6
91.4
87.6
91.4
.038
.230
2.000
.043
.075
.038
.230
2.000
.043
.075
.040
.230
2.000
.041
.070
107.1
95.1
100.0
87.4
102.6
107.1
95.1
100.0
87.4
102. 6
114.3
95.1
100.0
85.0
95.8
21.000
21.000
21.000
100.0
100.0
100.0
.075
.075
.075
105.2
105.2
105.2
[1161]
101. 4
212
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , JU L Y , A U G U ST , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
July,
1927
August,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
te m
ber,
1927
G R O U P V III. — C H E M IC A L S A N D
D R U G S —C ontinued
(a) C h e m ic a ls —Continued.
Coal-tar colors, per pound, N ew Y ork—
Black, direct __..........................................
Brown, su lp h u r__________ ____ _____
Indigo, p a ste ___________ _____ ______
Jet, nigrosine ____ __________ ____
Copper sulphate, per pound, N ew Y o rk -.Copperas, per ton, w orks-----------------------Copra. (See Foods.)
Creosote oil, grade 1, per gallon, w orks___
Form aldehyde, per pound, N ew Y o r k .__
Lim e, acetate, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk . .
N aphthalene flake, per pound, N ew Y o rk ..
Sal soda, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk _____
Salt cake, ground, per to n , w orks ______
Soda ash, light, 58 per cent, per 100 pounds,
N ew Y o rk .. ____________________ _
Soda, bicarbonate, per pound, w orks..........
Soda, caustic, per pound, N ew Y ork -----Sodium silicate, 40°, per 100 pounds, w orks.
Sulphur, crude, p er to n , m in es.....................
Tallow, packers’ prim e, per pound,
Chicago............................................................
Toluene, pure, p er gallon, w o rk s..................
Vegetable oils, per pound—
Coconut, (See Foods.)
Corn. (See Foods.)
Palm , niger, N ew Y o rk .......... ................
Palm kernel, crude, N ew Y o r k . . . ___
Soya bean. (See Foods.)
$0. 400
.240
.140
.400
.049
13. 000
$0,400
.240
.140
.400
.050
13.000
$0,400
.240
.140
.400
.050
13. 000
116.2
113.0
100.0
87. 8
105.1
104.6
116.2
113.0
100.0
87.8
106.4
104.6
116.2
113.0
100.0
87.8
106.4
104.6
.100
.095
3. 500
.045
.900
18. 000
.160
.095
3.500
.045
.900
18. 000
.160
.090
3. 500
.045
.900
18.000
113.6
98.3
106. 7
81.8
89.0
90.0
113.6
98.3
106.7
81.8
89.0
90.0
113.6
93.2
106.7
81.8
89.0
90.0
2.290
.019
.038
.750
18.000
2.290
.019
.038
.750
18.000
2.290
.019
.038
.750
18.000
100.0
100.0
100.0
96.2
98.8
100. 0
100.0
100.0
96. 2
98.8
100.0
100.0
100.0
96.2
98.8
.078
.350
.078
.350
.085
.350
89. 4
100.0
89.8
100.0
97.7
100.0
.068
.089
.069
.091
.069
.092
85.3
89. 5
86.6
90.8
86.3
92.1
86.9
88. 7
86.7
.445
.370
3. 750
.445
.370
3. 750
.445
.370
3. 750
99. 5
126.2
77.2
99.5
126.2
77.2
99.5
126.2
77.2
.644
.640
.638
87.0
86.4
86.1
.126
. 125
.128
99.8
99.0
101.0
(6) D r u g s a n d p h a r m a c e u t ic a l s - _....................
Acid, New"York—
C itric, domestic, per pound, cry stals. . .
T artaric, per pound, crystals.................
Alcohol, grain, per gallon, N ew Y ork------C am phor, Japanese, refined, slabs, per
pound, N ew Y ork __________________
Castor oil, medicinal, p er pound, New
Y o r k ........................................ ......................
C ream of ta rta r, pow dered, p er pound,
N ew Y o rk .....................................................
Epsom salts, U . S. P ., per 100 pounds,
N ew Y o rk ....................................... .............
Glycerine, chem ically pure, per pound,
N ew Y o rk . ________________________
M enthol, im ported, per pound, N ew Y ork.
Opium , Ü. S. P .Tper pound, New Y o rk ___
Peroxide of hydrogen, U. S. P., per gross
4-ounce bottles, N ew Y o rk ........ ................
Phenol, U . S. P ., per pound, N ew Y o rk___
Quinine, sulphate, domestic, per ounce,
N ew Y o rk . ___________________ _____
Soda phosphate, commercial, per pound,
N ew Y o rk ___ , ____ __________________
Zinc chloride, granular, p er pound, New
Y o rk....................................... ..........................
.278
.278
.278
129.9
129.9
129.9
2.250
2.250
2.250
90.9
90.9
90.9
.242
4.320
12. 000
.240
4.188
12.000
.240
4. 150
12.000
87.9
84. 7
100.0
87.2
82. 1
100.0
87.2
81.4
100.0
7. 750
.160
7.750
. 180
7. 750
.175
100. 5
81. 3
100.5
91.4
100.5
88.9
.400
.400
.400
92.9
92.9
92.9
.033
. 033
.033
100.0
100.0
100.0
.064
.064
.063
98.6
98.6
97.5
8. 500
28.000
9.000
93.8
88.6
105. 6
108. 5
91. 2
87.3
105.6
108.5
88.6
105.6
108.5
(c) F er tiliz e r m a t e r ia ls _______________________
Acid phosphate, p er ton, B altim ore______
Bones, ground, p er ton, Chicago____ ____
K ainit, 12.4 per cent, per to n , N ew Y o rk __
M anure salts, 20 per cent, per ton, New
Y ork________________________________
M u riate of potash, 80-85 per cent, per ton,
N ew Y o rk .....................................................
N itra te of soda, 95 per cent, per 100 pounds,
N ew Y o rk ............ .......................... ...........
Phosphate rock, Florida lan d pebble, per
ton, mines.................................................... .
Sulphate of am m onia, per 100 pounds,
N ew Y o rk ............................... ................... .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
8.500
28.000
9.000
8. 375
28.000
9.000
92.1
12. 400
12. 400
12. 400
105. 2
105.2
105.2
36. 400
36. 400
36. 400
103. 6
103. 6
103.6
2. 390
2.250
2.268
93.7
88.2
88.9
3.000
3 000
3. 000
95. 5
95.5
95. 5
2. 300
2.338
2.375
87. 5
88.9
90.4
[ 1162]
213
WHOLESALE PRICES OP COMMODITIES
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , J U L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
C om m odity
Ju ly ,
1927
August,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
te m
ber,
1927
G R O U P V III.— C H E M I C A L S A N D
D R U G S — C ontinued
(c) F e r tiliz e r m a t e r ia ls —C ontinued.
Sulp h ate of potash, 90-95 per cent, per ton,
N ew Y ork __________________________
T ankage, per ton, C hicago.............................
$47.300
36. 650
$47.300
31. 700
$47. 300
32.488
102.7
105.9
102.7
91.6
102.7
93.9
35. 698
25.287
20.372
29.105
21.400
24. 510
35. 698
26.325
23. 606
30. 733
21.400
24.510
35. 698
26.121
25. 622
30. 705
21. 400
26. 090
86.6
92.1
90.9
73.0
89. 6
92.2
81.9
89, 7
92.1
94.6
84.5
94.6
92.2
81.9
92.1
93.9
91.8
94.5
92.2
87.2
(d ) F e r tiliz e r s, m ix e d , p er t o n ( c o m p o s it e
p r ie e )__________________________________
N ew E ngland.........._................ .......................
M iddle W e s t.............. ...................................
South C entral and S outhw est...... .............. .
M iddle A tlan tic................................................
South A tlantic, 8-3-3___________________
South A tlantic, o th er_______ _____ ______
G R O U P IN . -H O U S E -F U R N IS H IN G
G O O D S __________________
(o) F u r n it u r e , fa c t o r y (c o m p o s it e p r ic e )3___
B ed room , each—
B e d s .......... ..................... ...........................
C h airs_____________________________
Dressers and vanities......... ......................
R ockers___________________________
D ining room—
Buffets, china cabinets, a n d servers,
each________ ________ ______ ______
C hairs, set of six______ _____ _______
Tables, each _____________ _______
K itchen —
Cabinets, each____ _________ ____ ___
Chairs, per dozen___________________
Refrigerators, each_________________
Tables, e a c h .._______ _____________
L iving room, each—
C h airs____________________ ________
D av en p o rts_______________________
T a b le s ._______ ___________________
(6) F u r n i s h i n g s _______________________ ____
B lankets—
C otton. (See Textile products.)
Wool. (See Textile products.)
Carpets, per yard, factory—
A xm inster...................................................
Brussels............. .............. ......................
W ilto n .......................................................
C utlery, factory—
Carvers, per p air___________________
K nives and forks, per gross__________
Pails, galvanized iron, per gross, fa c to ry ...
Sheeting, 10/4—
Pepperell. (See Textile products.)
W am sutta. (See Textile products.)
Tablew are, factory—
D inner sets, 100-piece, semivitreous,
per s e t. . .
___________ ____ ___
D inner sets, 104-piece, vitreous, per set
N appies, glass, 4-inch, common, per
dozen__________ ______ __________
Pitchers, glass, Li gallon, common, per
dozen_________ . _________ ____
Tum blers, Ys p in t, common, per dozen.
Plates, w hite, granite, per dozen ___
Teacups and saucers, w hite granite,
per dozen........ .............. ....... .........
Ticking, Amoskeag. (See Textile products.)
Tubs, galvanized iron, per dozen, factory..
Sewing m achines, factory. (See M etals
and m etal products.)
91 7
98.0
98. G
98.6
97.8
97.8
97.6
30.842
7. 924
42. 799
7.522
30.842
7. 924
42. 799
7.522
30. 842
7. 924
42. 799
7. 522
0)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)1
(4)
(4)
(4)
( 4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
40. 333
49. 471
39. 710
40.333
49. 471
39. 710
40.333
49.471
39. 710
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
l4)
( 4)
39. 000
13. 860
18. 230
6.150
39.000
13. 980
18. 230
5.817
39.000
13. 740
17.770
5. 817
( 4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
38. 786
63. 393
22.450
38. 786
63. 393
22.450
38. 786
63. 393
22.450
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
99.1
100. 0
99.3
3.120
2.976
4.800
3.120
2. 976
4.800
3.120
2. 976
4.800
100. 0
97.1
94.6
100.0
97. 1
94.6
100.0
97.1
1.350
12. 500
21. 050
1. 350
12. 500
21. 050
1. 350
12. 500
21.050
100.0
100.0
96.1
100. 0
100. 0
96.1
100.0
100.0
96.1
19.860
45. 700
19. 860
45.700
19. 860
46. 518
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
101.8
94.6
.200
.200
.200
100.0
100.0
1C0.0
2.100
.160
.980
2.100
. 160
.980
2.100
. 160
.980
98. 1
87.3
100.0
98. 1
87.3
100.0
98.1
87.3
100.0
1.260
1.260
1.260
100.0
100.0
100.0
6.475
6. 475
6. 475
98.9
98.9
98.9
* Prices of in d iv id u al articles of furniture are only roughly comparable from m onth to m onth, owing
to frequent change of p attern s announced b y m anufacturers.
4 N o exactly com parable 1926 base price.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1163]
214
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S O F C O M M O D IT IE S , JU L Y , A U G U S T , A N D S E P T E M B E R 1927—
C ontinued
Index num bers
(1926=100.0)
Average prices
Com m odity
A ugust,
1927
A u
gust,
1927
Sep
tem
ber,
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly ,
1927
M IS C E L L A N E O U S ............
89.3
89. 9
89.2
(a) C a ttle fe e d ______ _____ _________________
Bran, p er to n , M inneapolis_____________
Cottonseed meal, prim e, per ton, M em phis
Linseed meal, per ton, N ew Y o rk _______
M iddlings, standard, per ton, M inneapolis.
125. 4
114.4
130.5
101.4
146.0
117 7
110.7
130.5
102.7
121.1
July,
1927
G R O U P IX .—H O U S E F U R N IS H IN G
G O O D S —C ontinued
<ti) F u rn ish in g s -—Continued.
Stoves, cooking—Coal. (See M etals and m etal products.)
Gas. (See M etals and metal products.)
Oil. (See M etals and m etal products.)
GROUP
X.
$24. 875
32. 750
46. 700
31. 500
$26. 400
37. 250
48. 375
34.200
$25. 563
37. 250
49.000
28. 375
115.4
107.8
114.7
97. 8
134.4
92.0
92. 0
92.4
41.184
51. 084
64. 350
41.184
51. 084
64. 350
41.184
51. 084
66. 825
105.6
104.4
105.0
105.6
104.4
105.0
105.6
104.4
109.0
3.250
3. 250
3.250
94.2
94.2
94.2
9.250
9.250
9. 250
83.9
83.9
83.9
28. 500
28.500
28.500
92.5
92.5
92.5
2. 600
2.600
2.600
90.7
90.7
90.7
(c) R u b b e r , c ru d e , p e r p o u n d , N ew Y o r k . ..
Para, island, f i n e _______________ _______
P lan tatio n , ribbed, sm oked sheets...........
.255
.352
.243
.352
.230
.339
72.0
67.1
72.2
71. 9
63.9
72.3
69 2
60.5
69.6
(d) A u to m o b ile tire s (c o m p o s ite price),
e a c h , f a c t o r y . ______ _______________
B alloon____ ____ ___________________ ___
C o r d ________________ _______________ _
F a b ric .......................... ................. ......... ...........
14.045
10.948
6.851
14. 045
10.948
6.851
14. 045
10. 948
6.851
77. 9
76.8
78.1
77:9
77 9
76.8
78. 1
77.9
77 4
76.8
78.1
77.9
100.0
100 0
100.2
. 170
.250
.170
.251
. 170
.255
94.4
94.6
94.4
95.0
94.4
96.5
. 109
.340
.102
.344
.105
.344
84.6
121.5
79.3
122.9
81.6
122.9
4. 180
4. 851
.058
4.180
4.851
.058
4.180
4. 851
.058
93.5
100.0
98.6
93.5
100.0
98.6
93.5
100.0
98.6
.696
8. 320
.696
8. 320
.696
8. 320
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
(5) P a p e r a n d p u lp _____________ _________
Box board, per to n , mill—
C h i p ..................... .......................................
M anila-lined ch ip ____________ _____ _
85-pound te st lin e r.............................. .
Paper—
N ew sprint, rolls, contract, per 100
pounds, m ills.................................... .
W rapping, m anila, No. 1, ju te, per 100
pounds, N ew Y o rk ...............................
W ood pulp—
M echanical, No. 1, domestic, per ton,
m ill______ ________ ______________
Sulphite, domestic, unbleached, news
grade, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk __
(«) O th e r m is c e lla n e o u s ......................................
C ylinder oil, per gallon, refinery—
O klahom a.............. .....................................
P en n sy lv an ia........ .................... ...............
N eu tral oil, per gallon, refinery—
Gulf C oast_____________ ______ _____
Pen n sy lv an ia_______________ _______
Soap, laundry, per 100 cakes—
C in cin n ati___________ ______ _______
P hiladelphia_______ ____ ______ ____
Starch, la u n d ry , per pound, N ew Y o r k ...
Tobacco, New Y ork—
Plug, per p o u n d ...................... ..............
Smoking, 1-ounce bags, per gross..........
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
4[1164 ]
LABOR AWARDS AND DECISIONS
Aw ards an d D ecisio n s
Clothing Workers— Chicago
rT'H E trade board in Chicago, in case No. 1094, June 8, 1927, commented upon mistakes of workers as follows:
W hat th e board conceives to be th e chief concern of th e firm, and w hat is the
chief interest of th e board, is th a t periodically there should be epidemics of mis
takes in this cutting room. Usually wdien disciplinary action is tak en b y the
firm in connection w ith m istakes th e same argum ent is m ade by th e union th a t
th e cutters selected for discipline are no more guilty th a n others an d frequently
not so guilty and th a t they should not pay th e penalty for th e others. The
board is forced to agree th a t frequently those suspended have b etter records
th an other cutters on th e floor, or th a t th e m istake a t th e tim e of suspension is
less serious th a n m istakes which they oj* other cutters have made a t other times
w ithout suspension. This, of course, is n o t an unusual situation. A firm will
p u t up w ith mistakes to a point where it feels th a t something drastic m ust be
done, w ith th e result th a t th e cutter who makes th e next m istake of a serious
nature is suspended. Ordinarily th e board has taken th e position th a t care
less work produced by m any if not m ost of the cutters in a cutting room will
not be corrected by th e discharge of a cu tter or a few cutters. There are other
more em phatic ways of impressing upon a group th a t each cu tter m ust exer
cise greater care. The organization itself should accept responsibility for cor
recting such a situation. In this case th e board understands th a t a num ber of
shop meetings have been held; th a t th e seriousness of th e m istakes have been
brought home to th e cutters n o t only by th e union b u t by th e firm; and th a t
individual cutters have been spoken to. The board can only say this: T h at if
these measures fail the firm m ust a t least be entitled to release those whose mis
takes are m ost flagrant. The board will give these two cutters and th e organi
zation another opportunity to minimize mistakes and would m ake th e suggestion
to th e firm th a t it cooperate wholeheartedly writh th e union in this further
attem p t, and th a t if further discipline shall prove necessary an attem p t be made
to select those whose record is poorest.
Fancy Leather Goods Industry— New York City
IN CASE No. 170, decided May 12, 1927, the chairman of the arbitration committee of the fancy leather goods industry of New
York used the following words relative to a stoppage in a certain
factory.
The im partial chairm an has before him a mass of contradictory evidence. I t
is, however, adm itted th a t th e shop chairm an had an argum ent w ith a fellow
worker of sufficient length and loudness to a ttra c t th e atten tio n of several others.
Also, th a t he refused to obey the repeated orders of th e foreman to retu rn to
his machine. H e denies th a t he incited th e workers of th e shop to leave. Some
thing, however, caused th e workers to im m ediately leave th e shop, following
him, th e whole transaction taking place in a very few minutes, and there is no
evidence th a t Mr. W. or any one having authority over th e different groups
attem p ted to dissuade th e workers from m aking th e stoppage.
The m ost lim ited view th a t can be taken of the action of Mr. W. shows th a t
he is n ot fitted for th e position of shop chairm an, and it is hereby ruled th a t
he is no longer to be shop chairm an in this shop. In addition, Mr. W. is to
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1165]
215
216
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
pay a fine of $25, which am ount is to he collected by the firm and paid into the
jo int grievance board fund.
If Mr. W .’s theory is correct and the several hundred workers of this shop
m ade a stoppage and walked out w ithout any request or direction, then this
group of workers is in a grave position. In any event, they did m ake a stoppage
and m ust receive discipline. I t is therefore ruled th a t every worker taking p art
in this stoppage should have deducted from his or her pay th e am ount which
could have been earned during th e hours or period of th e stoppage. In th e case
of pieceworkers th e tim e of the stoppage is to be ascertained and th e am ount
deducted is to be based on th e minimum rate set by th e agreement. The firm
is directed to subm it to th e im partial chairm an a list of those engaged in the
stoppage, showing th e tim e lost and the am ount to be deducted from each indi
vidual. For th e present these fines are suspended b u t will become operative at
th e discretion of th e im partial chairman.
On th e claim of th e firm for th e assessment of damages against th e union, the
chairm an finds th a t th e union lived up to th e requirem ent of th e agreem ent “ to
im m ediately order th e workers to resume work.” There was a delay, however,
occasioned by th e union taking th e position th a t even though Mr. W. had been
discharged he was to return w ith all the other workers. The chairm an believes
th a t this is a wrong m ethod of procedure in handling a case of discharge. Where
a firm makes a discharge, no direct action should be tak en by th e workers or th e
union to effect th e return of th e discharged worker. The discharge should be
settled by the im partial machinery, and, if the firm is a t fault, it should be made
to pay for its wrongful action.
Railroads-—Decisions of Train Service Boards of Adjustm ent
Eastern Region
DECISION of the Train Service Board of Adjustment for the
Eastern Region, made in Docket No. 414, decided September
22, 1927, shows the desire of the board to have the carrier, in this
case the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, observe strictly the seniority
clause in the agreement with their trainmen.
In this case the yardmaster called a yard brakeman at 5.30 a. m.
for work at 7 a. m. and, not finding him in, left a call for him at 6.30.
As the man was not at home at the last-named hour the yardmaster,
fearing that the second man on the list, who lived six miles away,
would be unable to report for work at 7 o’clock, called the third
man, who lived but two blocks distant.
The committee, claimed that according to the agreement the right
to preference of work was governed by seniority in service and that
the second brakeman, “ being the oldest man on the board at the
time, should have been called and used,” and that the yardmaster,
when unable to get the first man because of absence from home,
should have then called the second man, who would have been able
to get to work without delaying the engine. Claim was made for
one day’s pay for the second brakeman, and the board sustained the
claim.
Southeastern Region
Train Service Board of Adjustment for the Southeastern
Region rendered a decision September 28, 1927, Docket 282,
relative to requiring yard crews at St. Augustine to couple air hose
on freight equipment lined up for movement by through train.
The Florida East Coast Railway has general repair shops at St.
Augustine, but that city is not an inspection point nor does the
carrier employ car inspectors there. Outbound cars when ready for
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1166]
AWARDS AND DECISIONS— RAILWAY CLERKS
217
movement are placed by the switching crew on a specific track, to
be picked up later by the road crew. In order to avoid train delays
the carrier required the yard crew to couple the air hose on these
freight cars when placed on the pick-up track and test the air on
the cars. This the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen considered
to be contrary to the spirit of article 40, paragraph (a), of their agree
ment with the carrier, contending that this was not the duty of switch
men but of car inspectors, and appealed to the adjustment board for
relief.
The carrier insisted that the order was issued to prevent train de
lays and to advance the movement of freight trains. The board,
however, rendered a decision favoring the contention of the brother
hood.
Railroad Telegraphers—Washington Term inal Co.
A N ARBITRATION board, consisting of F. E. Blaser, represent
ing the Washington Terminal Co., B. C. Lewis, representing
the Railroad Telegraphers, and Leslie M. Shaw, appointed by the
United States Board of Mediation, rendered a decision October 1,
1927, relative to certain demands of the telegraphers in the employ
of the company. The arbitrators denied the request of the employees
for an annual vacation, but granted one day of relief each two weeks
without loss of pay, or overtime instead of the relief day, to all em
ployees “ filling positions necessary to the continuous operation of
the carrier.” The board also increased the pay of employees 2 centsper hour per position, to be apportioned as the parties migh t mutually
agree.
Railway Clerks—Illinois Central Railroad Co.
A R TH U R M. Millard, Phil E. Ziegler, Richard P. Dee, with
William Rogers Clay as chairman, constituting a majority of a
board of arbitration, rendered a decision, August 23, 1927, in regard
to demands made by the Brotherhood of Steamship Clerks, Freight
Handlers, Express and Station Employees, employed by the Illinois
Central and Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroads, increasing the
wage rates of the employees by 5 per cent.
G. J. Bunting and Edward C. Craig, representing the carrier, dis
sented from the award on the ground that an increase in the rates
was not justified by the evidence.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1167]
IMMIGRATION AND EMIGRATION
S ta tis tic s of im m ig r a tio n for A u g u st, 1927
By
J. J. K u n n a , C h i e f S t a t i s t ic i a n U n i t e d S t a t e s B u r e a u
of
I m m ig r a t io n
HE statistics for August, 1927, show 47,429 aliens admitted and
23,336 departed. During the same month 57,701 American
citizens returned to this country and 43,039 left for foreign
lands. Compared with the passenger travel for the previous month,
these figures for both aliens and citizens show a large increase in the
inward movement, but a decrease in the outward.
Nearly three-fifths of the aliens admitted in August, 1927, were
new arrivals coming to make their future homes in the United States,
28,418 being recorded as immigrants. The principal European
sources from which this permanent immigration was drawn were
Germany (3,232), Great Britian (1,594), Italy (1,491), the Irish
Free State (1,422), Poland (942), Sweden (649), Norway (507), and
France (423). The other countries of Europe sent 2,137 immigrants
during August. A large proportion of the August immigrants was
supplied by the Western Hemisphere, 15,606 immigrants being
recorded as coming from the Americas. Canada again led the list
with 8,131, followed by Mexico with 6,116. Central and South
American countries contributed 692; the West Indies, 501; and New
foundland, 166. Compared with the immigration for the previous
month these figures show an increase from all the principal sources,
except Italy and Mexico.
During August last, 1,574 aliens (1,048 male and 526 female) seek
ing admission to the United States were rejected for various causes
under the immigration laws, mainly for failure to secure visas from
American consuls. The vast majority of these aliens were debarred
at stations along the northern and southern land borders, 1,073
having been turned back to Canada and 273 to Mexico. Of the
remainder 103 were denied admission at New York and 125 at the
other seaports of entry.
Deportations for a single month again passed the thousand mark.
In August, 1,346 undesirable aliens were deported from the United
States under warrant proceedings, the principal causes for thendeportation being: Entering without immigration visa—surreptitious
entries—650; criminal and immoral classes, 228; and mentally or
physically defective, 172.
Of the 47,429 aliens admitted in August last, 26,195 arrived at
New York and 3,301 at the other Atlantic seaports; 1,726 landed at
Pacific ports, 622 at Gulf of Mexico ports, and 675 at ports in the
outlying possessions of Alaska, Hawaii, and Porto Rico. Eight
thousand six hundred and twenty-eight aliens entered the country
via Canadian border land ports and 6,282 came through the stations
T
218
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1168]
219
STATISTICS OF IMMIGRATION
along the Mexican border. Over one-fourth of the total, or 13,935,
came in under the immigration act of 1924 as natives of nonquota
countries, principally Canada and Mexico; 11,626 entered as immi
grants charged to the quota; and 9,488 as residents of the United
States returning from a visit abroad. Visitors for business or
pleasure numbered 6,376, and 2,464 were passing through the United
States with some foreign country as their destination. Two thousand
two hundred and thirty-five aliens were admitted this month as
wives and children of American citizens, and 1,305 were scattered
among the other admissible classes under the act of 1924.
T a b l e 1 .— IN W A R D A N D
O U T W A R D P A S S E N G E R M O V E M E N T D U R IN G JU L Y A N D
A U G U ST, 1927
Inw ard
O utw ard
Aliens
Aliens
de
Aliens departed
de
ported
U
nited
barred
U nited
after
States
States Total from
citizens Total land
citizens
enter E m i N on
N on
ing 2
Im m i im
de
m i Total arrived
ing 1 grant 2 em i Total 2 parted
grant grant
grant 2
Aliens adm itted
Period
1927
Ju ly -------------- 23, 420 15, 973 39, 393
A ugust, _ . . . . 28,418 19,011 47,429
Total —
51,838 34, 984 86, 822
29, 935 69, 328
57, 701 105, 130
2,002 9, 230 18, 509 27, 739
1, 574 6, 322 17, 014 23,336
65,686 93, 425
43, 039 66, 375
700
1,346
87, 636 174, 458
3, 576 15, 5521 35, 523 51, 075 108, 725 159, 800
2,046
1N ot included among inw ard num bers, as th ey were not perm itted to enter the U nited States.
2 D eported aliens are included among th e em igrant or th e nonem igrant aliens.
T a b l e 2 - I M M I G R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D T O A N D E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E P A R T E D
F R O M T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S D U R IN G JU L Y A N D A U G U ST , 1927, B Y R A C E OR P E O
PL E , SEX , A N D AGE G R O U P
Im m ig ran t
Race or people
A ugust,
1927
. . . . . ___________
A rm enian . . . _________
B ohem ian and M oravian (Czech) .
_ ____________
B ulgarian, Serbian, and M ontenegrin___ __________
C hinese___ _
________ _____ . . . . . ______ . .
C roatian and Slovenian___ ______ _ _____
C u b a n . ___ ________ . . . __________
D alm atian, Bosnian, and Herzegovinian _______ ____
D utch and F lem ish__________ I _____________
E ast In d ian ______________ _________ _____
E nglish______ _______ _________ . .
F in n ish .......... ................ ....... ...........................
F r e n c h ___________ ___________
R ussian................... ................................... .......................... . . .
G84040—27-
15
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1169]
Em igrant
Ju ly to
August,
1927
69
102
164
44
115
72
262
6
256
5
3,566
106
2, 204
3,991
264
1,259
2,753
222
1,374
67
4
35
121
5,996
152
219
226
82
168
130
543
11
467
7
6,816
137
3, 741
6,181
520
2, 320
4,733
443
2,733
104
7
47
202
12, 622
394
96
40
102
679
175
65
223
August,
1927
67
4
45
145
517
93
93
17
95
3
887
39
171
622
320
16
205
112
791
84
8
40
58
275
1
317
136
86
58
Ju ly to
August,
1927
126
10
275
294
777
114
237
31
238
9
2, 064
180
598
1, 797
524
38
433
399
2,300
158
11
134
178
568
1
1, 071
265
169
137
220
T
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
a bl e 2 —IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D T O A N D E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E P A R T E D
F R O M T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S D U R IN G JU L Y A N D A U G U ST , 1927, B Y R A C E OR P E O
P L E , S E X , A N D A G E G R O U P —C o n tin u ed
Im m igrant
Race or people
A ugust,
1927
R dthen ian (R u ssn iak )________________ _____ ______
Scandinavian (Norwegians, D anes, an d Sw edes)______
Scotch____________________________________________
Slovak____________________________________________
S p a n is h ..___ . . . ._ _______ . . . ______
. ___
Spanish A m erican____ _________ ________ _______
S yrian________________________ ._ __ __________ __
T u rk ish .. _ .
W elsh____ _ _____ _____ _______ . . . ________ _
W est In d ian (except C u b a n )______ ___ _
_ ___ _
O ther peoples_____________________ . ____________
T o ta l________________________________ ______
M ale____
______________
_ .
______ .
Fem ale____________________ . . . ___________________
U nder 16 years_____ _____ .
. . . . ___________
_
16 to 44 years___ _. . . . .
_____ _ _______ _ __ __
45 years a n d over_________
. . . . _________ _ _ . . .
E m igrant
J u ly to
A ugust,
1927
47
1, 553
2,086
122
141
412
39
9
155
85
80
28, 418
15, 369
13, 049
4, 771
20, 997
2,650
63
2,370
3,664
307
268
758
122
21
286
116
110
51,838
28, 272
23, 566
9,105
37, 754
4, 979
August,
1927
Ju ly to
August,
1927
15
239
203
76
179
187
38
10
12
38
20
6,322
4, 358
1, 964
325
4,407
1,590
20
596
535
143
517
399
53
40
22
60
31
15, 552
9,965
5,587
725
10,980
3,867
T a b l e 3 .— L A S T P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E OF IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D TO
A N D I N T E N D E D F U T U R E P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E O F E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E
P A R T E D F R O M T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S D U R IN G JU L Y A N D A U G U S T , 1927, B Y
COUNTRY
[Residence for a year or more is regarded as perm anent residence]
Im m igrant
Em igrant
C ountry
A ugust,
1927
A lbania................................... ...................................................
A ustria_____________ ____ _________________________
B elgium ____________________ ______ _____ ______ ____
B ulgaria _____________________ ___________________
Czechoslovakia _______ _______________________
...
D anzig, Free C ity of_____
______
_______ . . . .
D e n m ark ___________________ . . . _____
_____
E sto n ia ____________________ ______ ____ ______
F in lan d ____________
________ _____
________
France, including Corsica_______ ________________ _
G erm an y______ ____________________________ ____
G reat B ritain and N orthern Ireland:
E n g lan d _______________________________________
N orth ern Irelan d _____________________________
Scotland______ . . . ____ _ _. . . _. . _________
W ales______________________ ______________ . . .
G reece_________ _______ _____ _ ______ . _____
H ung ary __________________________ ____ _________ _.
Irish Free S t a t e . . . ___ ______ _ _______ _________
Italy, including Sicily and S ard in ia__________________
L a tv ia . . -------------------------------------------- ----------------L ithu an ia________ __ . . _________ ______ ________
L uxem burg_______ ________ _____________________
N etherlands_________
___________________________
N orw ay______________ . . . . . ___________________
Poland___________________ _______ ________________
Portugal, including Azores, Cape Verde, and M aderia
Islands____ _________ ______ . ______________
R u m a n ia __ _________________ .
___________ ____
R ussia.- __________ _______ ______ ___
_______
Spain, including C anary and Balearic Islands------------Sw eden_________ __________________________________
Sw itzerland_______________________ ____________ .
T u rk ey in Europe_____ _____ ____________ . . .
-----Y ugoslavia____ ______________________________ ____
O ther E u ro p e ..
------------------------- -------------T otal, E u ro p e--------------- -------------- ------------------
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1170]
Ju ly to
A ugust,
1927
August,
1927
Ju ly to
August,
1927
53
108
59
25
337
53
179
56
60
423
3,232
69
167
97
41
606
63
293
65
81
649
4,881
697
15
764
133
200
95
1,422
1,491
31
52
10
140
507
942
1,217
29
1,175
247
421
168
2,160
3,012
39
102
14
231
664
1,728
136
3
304
56
156
902
6
37
2
46
93
315
1,565
1
392
8
504
161
363
2,689
11
122
4
113
178
1,058
70
124
117
42
649
160
8
122
21
12, 397
122
205
245
88
972
273
63
192
46
20,425
130
100
27
143
98
52
4
220
10
4, 544
254
187
80
429
256
179
5
385
16
12,103
13
52
53
19
127
17
142
125
28
429
37
122
1
165
667
1,447
36
191
487
689
221
STATISTICS OF IMMIGRATION
T able 3 .—L A S T P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E O F IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D TO
A N D I N T E N D E D F U T U R E P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E O F E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E
P A R T E D F R O M T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S D U R IN G JU L Y A N D A U G U ST , 1927, BY
C O U N T R Y —C o n tin u ed
[Residence for a year or more is regarded as perm anent residence]
E m igrant
Im m igrant
C ountry
Ju ly to
August,
1927
August,
1927
A ugust,
1927
Ju ly to
A ugust,
1927
Persia----------- ------------ . -----------------------------------------Syria----------------------------- ---------------------------------------T u rk ey in A s ia ...________________________________ O ther Asia_________________________________________
138
11
71
17
6
18
9
25
5
247
18
114
79
6
86
11
54
1
524
8
95
8
4
34
5
6
3
791
21
175
18
8
48
28
14
T otal, A sia---------- ------------------------------------------
295
620
685
1,106
C an ad a---------------------------- --------------------------------N ew foundland--- ------------------------- - -------------------Mexico__________ _____ _________________ _________
C uba___________________________ ____ _____________
15,311
309
12,839
747
231
15
398
186
554
253
37
283
143
110
1
80
O ther S outh A m erica........................................... ..................
8,131
166
6,116
358
143
9
211
131
341
Ï58
486
134
600
306
256
3
178
12
282
T o tal, America_________ _____________________
15,606
30,590
1,065
2,257
O ther A frica .. . . ................................ .......................... ...........
A ustralia___ ________________________ ____________
New Zealand. _______ ______ ____________________ -
25
25
40
24
6
40
49
72
33
9
11
16
1
19
48
19
C hina------- --------- --------- ------------------------- -------------In d ia ------------------- -------- ----------------------------------------Ja p a n ------- -------- ------------------------------ ---------- -------- -
B ritish H o n d u ras__________________________________
O ther C en tral A m e ric a __________ __________________
_________
120
203
28
86
G rand to tal, all countries______________________
28,418
51, 838
6,322
15,552
T otal, others____________ ____ ____
T a b l e 4.—A L IE N S A D M IT T E D D U R IN G A U G U ST , 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 TO A U G U ST
31, 1927, S H O W IN G P R IN C IP A L C LA SSES U N D E R T H E IM M IG R A T IO N A C T O F 1924,
B Y P R IN C IP A L P L A C E S OF B IR T H , AS S P E C IF IE D
Aliens adm itted
Q uota im m igrant
Place of b irth
N o n im m ig r a n t
and
nonquota
im m igrant
T otal
during
August,
1927
G rand
total,
Ju ly 1
to
Aug. 31,
1927
August,
1927
Ju ly to
A ugust,
1927
August,
1927
J u ly to
August,
1927
A ustralia and Pacific is la n d s ___________
C anada, Mexico, a n d o th er A m erica..........
11,337
131
50
39
69
18,076
255
83
66
108
15,667
1.822
85
599
17,630
28, 544
3,386
153
1,220
34,931
27,004
1,953
135
638
17,699
46,620
3,641
236
1,286
35,039
T o t a l . . ________ _________________
11, 626
18,588
35, 803
68,234
47,429
86,822
E urope _______________________________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1171]
222
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T a b l e 5 — A L IE N S A D M IT T E D D U R IN G A U G U ST, 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 TO A U G U ST 31,
1927, B Y C L A SSES U N D E R T H E IM M IG R A T IO N A C T O F 1924
[The num ber of im m igrant aliens appearing in th is table and in Table 4 is not com parable w ith the num ber
of statistical im m igrant aliens shown in th e other tables, b y races, ports of en try , etc.]
A ugust,
1927
Class
Ju ly to
A ugust,
1927
N o n im m ig r a n ts
635
6,376
2,464
130
1,183
12,936
5,133
227
9,605
19,479
2,235
9,488
13, 935
83
128
4,632
15,587
27,591
194
281
24
215
86
4
32
327
104
7
26,198
48, 755
N o n q u o ta im m ig r a n ts
Professors of colleges, academies, seminaries, or universities, a n d th eir wives and
Spanish subjects a d m itted to Porto R ic o ............................................... - ...................... .......
Total
____
____________________________ _________________________
11,626 |
18,588
47,429
86,822
1 W ives, and unm arried children un d er 18 years of age, born in quota countries.
,
2 Does not include aliens born in nonquota countries who were a d m itted u nder the act as Governm ent
officials, visitors, retu rn in g residents, etc.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1172]
ACTIVITIES OF STATE LABOR AGENCIES
A MONG the labor activities of the State bureaus the following, reported either directly by the bureaus themselves or through the
medium of their printed reports, are noted in the present issue of the
Labor Review:
California.—Changes in volume of employment and pay roll in
776 establishments, page 164.
Connecticut.—Hourly earnings, November 1, 1926, page 145.
Illinois.—Changes in employment and earnings in factories, page 165.
Iowa.—Changes in volume of employment in specified industries,
page 167.
Massachusetts.—Changes in volume of employment in specified
industries, page 168.
Missouri.—Work of negro industrial commission, page 133.
New Jersey.—Changes in volume of employment and pay roll in
851 establishments, page 170.
Pennsylvania.—Changes in employment and pay roll totals, page 172.
Tennessee.—Wages in 1926, page 147.
Wisconsin.—Changes in volume of employment, page 173.
N ew D e p a r tm e n t of In d u stria l R e la tio n s in C aliforn ia
Q N MAY 12, 1927, the new Department of Industrial Relations of
California came into existence. This department takes over
the duties formerly vested in the department of labor and industrial
relations, the commission of immigration and housing, the bureau of
labor statistics, the industrial welfare commission, and the industrial
accident commission. The divisions and personnel of the new
department are given as follows in a recent letter from the director:
D e p a rtm e n t of in d u stria l relatio n s:
Jo h n A. M cG ilvray, d irector, 535-537 F o ru m B uilding, S acram ento.
D ivision of in d u stria l accid en ts a n d safety —
Jo h n W. C arrigan, m em b er of in d u stria l accid en t com m ission.
J. E . O lm sted, m em ber of in d u stria l a c cid en t com m ission.
F. B. L ord, secretary.
E. G. Sheibley, chief engineer an d su p e rin te n d e n t of safety.
M . R . G ibbons, m edical director.
G. C. F au lk n er, a tto rn e y .
A ddress of division: S ta te B uilding, C ivic C enter, San Francisco.
S ta te com p en satio n in su ran ce fu n d —C lark B. D ay, m anager, S ta te B uilding, Civic C en ter, San Francisco.
D ivision of housing a n d sa n ita tio n —
M ost R ev. E. J. H a n n a , D. D., p resid en t.
C harles C. C hapm an.
R . W. K earn ey , chief of division.
A ddress of division: S ta te B uilding, C ivic C enter, San Francisco.
D ivision of S ta te em p lo y m en t agencies—(V acancy), chief of division.
D ivision of lab o r sta tistic s a n d law enforcem ent—
W alter G. M athew son, chief, S ta te B uilding, C ivic C enter, San
Francisco.
D ivision of in d u stria l w elfare—
A. B. C. D o h rm an n , chairm an.
M rs. K a th e rin e P hilips E dson, chief.
G eorge F. N eal.
Jam es W. C ostello.
(V acancy).
A ddress of division: S ta te B uilding, C ivic C enter, San Francisco.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1173]
223
PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR
O fficial—U n ited S ta te s
A l a b a m a . — C oal
M ine In sp e c to r.
A n n u a l report, 1926.
B irm in g h a m ,, 1927.
124 p p .
C o n tain s d a ta on coal a n d coke p ro d u c tio n in A labam a, 1870-1926, w ith d a ta
on fa ta l accid en ts in coal m in es 1893-1926, a n d o th e r in fo rm atio n . In 1926 th e re
w as a to ta l of 139 fa ta l accidents, falls of roof causing 42, explosions of coal d u st
27, m ine cars 24, electricity 18, explosions of gas 15, a n d o th e r causes 13.
C o n n e c t i c u t . — D e p a rtm e n t of L ab o r a n d F a c to ry In sp e c tio n a n d In d u s tria l
In v e stig a to r. B ie n n ia l reports. H a rtjo rd , 1926. [V a rio u s p a g in g .]
A ta b le giving ac tu a l h o u rly earn in g s in th e lead in g in d u stria l e stab lish m en ts
in C o n n ecticu t N ovem b er 1, 1926, fro m th e ab o v e volum e, is rep ro d u ced on
page 145 of th is issue.
G e o r g ia .— D e p a rtm e n t of C om m erce a n d L ab o r.
F ourteenth a n d fifteen th
reports, fo r the fisca l years 1925 a n d 1926.
A tla n ta , 1927.
79 p p .
C o n tain s sta tistic s of im p o rta n t in d u strie s of th e S ta te , w ages b y occupations,
a n d lists of m an u fa c tu re rs a n d of new spapers.
M a r y l a n d .—
1926.
Commissioner of Labor and Statistics.
B a ltim o re, 1927.
T h ir ty -fifth a n n u a l report,
v iii, 131 p p ., chart.
C o n tain s d a ta on child lab o r, strik es, fa ta l a c cid en ts in coal m ines, fa c to ry
inspection, em ploym en t, a n d a d m in istra tio n of th e 10-hour law fo r w om en
em ployed in m an u factu rin g , m ercan tile, or m ech an ical estab lish m en ts.
M i s s o u r i .— B oard fo r V ocational E d u catio n .
1924, to J u n e 30, 1926.
B u lle tin N o . IS : R eport, J u l y 1 ,
J e ffe rso n C ity, 1926. 81 p p ., m a p s, illu stra tio n s.
------ N egro In d u stria l C om m ission.
C ity [1927?].
F ourth b ien n ia l report, 1 9 2 5 -1 9 2 6 .
Je ffe rso n
80 p p ., illu s .
R eview ed on page 133 of th is issue.
N e b r a s k a .— B oard
fo r V ocational E d u catio n . B u lle tin N o . 1 4 ' V ocational
ed ucation— a su m m a r y of activities [in N ebraska] fo r the year en d in g J u n e 30,
1927. L in c o ln , 1927. 16 p p .
N
ew
J e r s e y .— B oard
of T ru stees of S ta te E m ployees R e tire m e n t S ystem .
F ourth a n n u a l report, J u n e 30, 1926.
[T renton, 1926?]
31 p p .
— — C om m issioner of B an k in g a n d In su ran ce.
in g a n d loan associations, J u n e 30, 1926.
A n n u a l report relative to b u ild
T ren to n , 1927. ix , 163 p p .
C o n tain s fo r each of 1,473 asso ciatio n s d a ta show ing financial co ndition M ay
31, 1926, shares, m em bership, a n d m iscellaneous in fo rm atio n .
N e w Y o r k .— D e p a rtm e n t of L ab o r.
S p e c ia l b u lletin N o . 150: C hronic benzol
p o iso n in g am ong w om en in d u s tr ia l w orkers, prepared by B u re a u o f W o m e n in
In d u s tr y . N e w Y o r k , 1927. 64 PP-
A digest of th is b u lle tin is given on page 85 of th is issue.
N
orth
D
a k o t a . — D e p a rtm e n t
of A g ricu ltu re a n d L ab o r.
report, fo r the period e n d in g J u n e 30, 1926.
N in eteen th b ien n ia l
[B ism a rck, 1927?] 127 p p .
A tte n tio n is called to th e g re a t d e m a n d fo r fa rm la b o r in th is S ta te d u rin g th e
spring seeding a n d th e h a rv e s t th re sh in g seasons. R eco m m en d atio n is m a d e to
th e legislature fo r a n a p p ro p ria tio n fo r a S ta te free em p lo y m e n t service fo r th e
benefit of th e farm ers, such a p p ro p ria tio n s h av in g been d isco n tin u ed since 1923.
224
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1174]
P U B L IC A T IO N S
P e n n s y l v a n i a .— D epartm ent
R E L A T IN G
225
TO LA BO R
of In tern al Affairs.
Bureau of S tatistics and
Inform ation.
F ifth in d u s tr ia l directory o f the C om m onw ealth o f P e n n sy lv a n ia
[covering the calendar year 1924]. H arrisb u rg , 1925. 624 PP-
S outh
C a r o l i n a .—
D epartm ent of Agriculture, Commerce and Industries.
Yearbook, 1926.
C olum bia [1927?].
153 p p ., m a p .
C ertain d ata on textile mills from this report are given below:
1925
N u m b er of m ills________________
220
C ap ital in v e s te d -------------------------$195, 027, 750
V alue of p ro d u c t.____________ _ $236, 876, 213
T o ta l w ages n o t including salaries $43, 598, 618
T e n n e s s e e .— D e p a rtm e n t of L ab o r.
1927.
1926
218
$192, 229, 505
$237, 731, 775
$46, 590, 152
F ourth a n n u a l report, 1926.
N a sh ville,
131 p p .
W age d a ta from th is re p o rt are p ublished on page 147 of th is issue.
T e x a s .— B ureau of L a b o r S tatistics.
[1926?].
N in th b ie n n ia l report, 1 9 2 5 -1 9 2 6 .
A u s tin
141 p p ., charts.
W age sta tistic s fo r v ario u s in d u strie s ta k e up a larg e p a r t of th e p u b licatio n .
O ld-age pensions are discussed in considerable d e ta il a n d th e ir un iv ersal ad o p tio n
th ro u g h o u t th e U nion is urged.
fo r t h e B l i n d .
E leventh b ie n n ia l report, fo r the b ie n n ia l
period e n d in g J u n e 3 0 , 1926. M ilw a u k e e [1926?]. (R e p rin te d fr o m b ie n n ia l
report o f S ta te B o a rd o f C ontrol o f W isc o n sin , p p . 399 - 407 .)
W isc o n sin W o r k sh o p
T h e W isconsin W orkshop fo r th e B lind n o t only em ploys tra in e d w orkers b u t
co n d u cts a tra in in g school in w hich th e b lin d a re fitte d to becom e self-supporting.
A t th e p re se n t tim e th e w ork consists of b a sk e t m ak in g . D u rin g th e y e a r Ju ly
1, 1925, to J u n e 30, 1926, 15,169 b a sk e ts w ere m ad e a n d $35,570 w o rth sold.
T h e av erag e w eekly w age p a id to w orkm en d u rin g th is p eriod w as $12.65, w hich
included a bon u s averag in g $2.70.
S t a t e s . C ivil Service C om m ission.
T he retirem ent act as am ended
J u l y 3 , 1926, a n d M a rch 3, 1927, w ith decisions, ru lin g s, practice, a n d com
m en ts. W a sh in g to n , 1927. i n , 28 p p . (F orm 2368.)
U n it e d
------ D e p a rtm e n t of C om m erce.
B ureau of F oreign a n d D om estic C om m erce.
T rade prom otion series N o. 52: T he P h ilip p in e Is la n d s — a com m ercial survey,
by O. M . B u tler. W a sh in g to n , 1927. vi, 180 p p ., m a p s, illu stra tio n s.
E x tra c ts from th e section of th is b u lletin re la tin g to la b o r conditions in th e
P h ilip p in e Islan d s are pu b lish ed on page 49 of th is issue.
--------—
B ureau of S ta n d a rd s. S ta n d a rd s yearbook, 1927.
vi, 892 p p ., d ia g ra m s, illu stra tio n s.
W a sh in g to n , 1927.
T h is is th e first issue of a y earb o o k w hich th e B u reau of S ta n d a rd s p la n s to
p u b lish an n u ally .
T h e S ta n d a rd s y earb o o k re p resen ts an effort to p re se n t a n a d e q u a te p ic tu re
of th e d iv ersificatio n a n d ram ification of th e sta n d a rd iz a tio n m o v em en t w hich
h as sp re a d th ro u g h o u t th e w orld w ith asto n ish in g v ita lity d u rin g th e 25 years
t h a t h a v e elapsed sin ce th e e sta b lish m e n t of th e N a tio n a l B u reau of S ta n d a rd s.
I t co n ta in s o u tlin es of th e a c tiv itie s a n d acco m p lish m en ts of n o t o n ly th is b u re a u
an d o th e r agencies of th e F e d e ra l G o v e rn m e n t a n d th e S ta te s a n d m u n icip alities,
b u t also of th e A m erican societies a n d asso ciatio n s of w hich s ta n d a rd iz a tio n is
a m a jo r o r v ery im p o rta n t a c tiv ity . D escrip tio n s a n d illu stra tio n s a re p resen ted
of all th e fu n d a m e n ta l n a tio n a l sta n d a rd s of th e U n ite d S ta te s. M o reo v er,
outlines a re given of th e v ario u s foreign, n a tio n a l, a n d th e several in te rn a tio n a l
sta n d a rd iz in g agencies.
----- - D e p a rtm e n t of L ab o r.
B u reau of L ab o r S ta tistic s.
D ecisions o f courts a n d o p in io n s a ffecting labor, 1928.
x ii i, 311 p p .
B u lle tin N o . 4 4 4 :
W a sh in g to n , 1 9 2 7 .
D iscussed briefly on p ag e 98 of th is issue.
‘
" — — B u lle tin N o . 451: S a fe ty code fo r fo rg in g a n d hot-m etal sta m p in g .
W a sh in g to n , 1927. iv, 34 p p ., illu s.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1175]
226
U
M O N T H L Y L A B O R R E V IE W
n it e d
S t a t e s .— D e p a rtm e n t of L a b o r.
B u re a u of L a b o r S ta tistic s.
N o . 1+53: R evised in d e x n u m b ers o f wholesale prices, 1923 to J u l y , 1927.
ington, 1927. H i, 8 1 p p .
B u lle tin
W a sh
T h is b u lletin p resen ts th e d etailed re su lts of th e recen tly com p leted revision
of th e index n u m b ers of w holesale prices c o n stru c te d by th e B u reau of L ab o r
S ta tistics.
--------------- E m p lo y m e n t Service.
A special survey m ade by the U n ited S tates
E m p lo y m e n t Service show ing em p lo y m e n t prospects fo r the rem a in d er o f 1927.
W a sh in g to n , 1927. 18 p p .
------ T reasu ry D e p a rtm e n t.
P u b lic H e a lth Service. P u b lic health bu lletin N o .
165: E c o n o m ic sta tu s a n d health— a review a n d stu d y o f the relevant m o rb id ity
a n d m o rta lity data. W a sh in g to n , 1927. H i, 74 PP-, charts.
R eview ed on page 38 of th is issue.
O fficial— F oreign C o u n tries
A u s t r a l i a .— R ep o rt o f the C om m onw ealth a n d S ta te s o f A u s tr a lia th ird conference
on in d u s tr ia l hygiene, M elbourne, M a y 26, 1927.
M elbourne, 1927.
26 p p.
A m ong th e v ario u s su b je c ts co v ered in th is re p o r t a re th e a c tiv itie s of th e
in d u s tria l hygiene division of th e C om m o n w ealth D e p a rtm e n t of H e a lth ; progress
in th e v ario u s S ta te s in th e m a tte r s of h y g ien ic sta n d a rd s, re stric tio n of em ploy
m e n t of fem ales a n d y o u n g persons, m edical ex am in a tio n of y o u n g persons,
re g u latio n of liftin g a n d c a rry in g of w eights, co n tro l of d an g ero u s tra d e s, notifi
catio n of in d u s tria l diseases, e tc .; in d u s tria l m edical services; p ro te c tio n of
w orkers in th e p a in tin g tra d e ; p ra c tic a b le m easu res to red u ce p re se n t wrastag e
resu ltin g from in d u stria l acc id e n ts; a n d exclusion from m ines, q u arrie s, etc., of
persons suffering from tu b ercu lo sis. A n a p p en d ix g iv es a n an a ly sis of h ealth
p rovisions in a w ard s of th e C o m m o n w e a lth A rb itra tio n C o u rt, 1924-1926.
------ B u reau of C ensus a n d S ta tistic s.
bourne, 1926.
L abor report, 1925.
N o . 16.
M e l
167 p p .
M uch of th e in fo rm a tio n given in th e y earb o o k s of th e se p a ra te S ta te s is
b ro u g h t to g e th e r here, show ing th e d a ta on a g iven to p ic fo r th e C om m on
w ealth a s a w hole. T h e m a te ria l is tre a te d u n d e r fo u r h ead s, prices, wages,
em p lo y m en t, a n d associations, a n d in m a n y cases c o m p a ra tiv e d a ta a re given
covering five y ears o r m ore. T h e re p o rt is especially a d a p te d fo r use in tracin g
th e d evelopm ent of such m a tte r s a s co st of living, tr e n d of W’ages, changes in
w ages a n d h o u rs of labo r, th e e x te n t, causes, a n d re su lts of in d u stria l disputes,
an d th e like.
------ T h e pocket yearbook o f T a sm a n ia , 1927.
140 p p .
H obart [1927?].
A brief s ta tistic a l su m m a ry of public activ itie s a n d in te re sts fo r th e y ear
ending Ju n e 30, 1926.
------ -— — P ro d u ctio n bu lletin N o . 19: S u m m a r y o f A u s tr a lia n p roduction statistics
fo r the yea rs 1 9 1 4 -1 5 to 1 9 2 4 -2 5 .
M elbourne [1926?].
181 p p .
------- (Q u e e n s l a n d ).-— R e g istra r of F rien d ly Societies, B uilding Societies, a n d
In d u s tria l a n d P ro v id e n t Societies.
F orty-second report.
B risb a n e, 1927.
28 p p .
T h e re g istra r re p o rts t h a t th e y e a r en d in g Ju n e 30, 1926, show ed a m ark ed
rev iv al b o th in n u m b ers a n d in sta b ility am o n g th e societies. T h ere w as an
increase of 16 branches, a n d 7,080 new m em b ers w ere in itia te d , th e la rg e st
n u m b er fo r a n y one y e a r since 1913. T h e to ta l su m d isb u rsed in b enefits was
£184,615 (p o u n d a t p a r= $ 4 .8 6 6 5 ), of w hich £6 5 ,2 3 4 w as sick p a y , £28,026
w as fo r fu n e ra l a n d special d o n atio n s, a n d £91,355 fo r m edical expenses.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1176]
P U B L IC A T IO N S B E L A T IN G
227
TO LABO R
A u s t r a l i a .— ( S o u t h A u s t r a l i a ) . — F acto ries a n d S team B oilers D e p a rtm e n t.
R ep o rt fo r the year 1926.
A d ela id e, 1927.
27 p p .
D u rin g th e y e a r cov ered th e n u m b e r of facto ries in creased fro m 2,136 to
2,160, a n d th e n u m b e r of em ployees from 27,838 to 30,204, th e in crease in b o th
p a rtic u la rs bein g p ractic a lly th e sam e a s in 1925. T h e n u m b e r of acc id e n ts w as
sm aller th a n in 1925— 300, as a g a in st 342. W oodw orking m a ch in ery w as th e
leading cause, b eing responsible fo r 66 a c c id e n ts, a n d th e iron w o rk in g tra d e
cam e second w ith a to ta l of 22. E ig h t fa ta litie s w ere in clu d ed in th e accidents.
A general im p ro v em en t in fa c to ry a n d sh o p co n d itio n s is n o te d . “ T h e fem ale
inspectors in p a rtic u la r n o te a m ore gen eral desire on th e p a r t of shop a n d fa c to ry
occupiers to stu d y th e general w elfare of em ployees, a n d now q u ite a n u m b e r of
rest room s, lu n ch room s a n d cloakroom s a re p ro v id ed , a n d in a few cases th e
ad v a n ta g e s of first-aid o u tfits are recognized as p a r t of th e fa c to ry e q u ip m e n t
for th e w elfare of th e em ployees. ”
------ (V ic t o r ia ).- —G o v ern m en t S ta tist. F o rty -n in th a n n u a l report o n fr ie n d ly
societies, fo r the yea r en d in g J u n e 30, 1926.
M elbourne, 1927.
xv, 2 2 p p .
In a d d itio n to th e a n n u a l re p o rt, figures are given covering th e g ro w th of th e
friendly societies since 1895. In t h a t p eriod th e n u m b e r of societies, now 62,
h as ex actly doubled, th e m em bership h a s risen from 79,312 to 157,820, a n d th e
a n n u a l incom e from £313,370 to £820,550.
A u s t r i a .— K am m er fü r A rb eiter u n d A ngestellte in W ien.
W irtsch a ftssta tistisches J a h rb u c h , 1926
V ie n n a , 1927.
504 p p ., m a p .
T his yearb o o k com piled b y th e A u strian C h am b er of L ab o r in V ienna gives
very com prehensive sta tis tic a l d a ta reg ard in g econom ic co n d itio n s in A u stria in
1926, including a sectio n on w ages a n d salaries in v ario u s em ploym ents.
C a n a d a .— D e p a rtm e n t of Im m ig ra tio n a n d C olonization.
a n d regulations.
------ ( B r it i s h
O ttaw a, 1926.
C o l u m b ia ) . — D e p a rtm e n t
V icto ria , 1927.
T he im m ig ra tio n act
41 PP■
of
L abor.
Annual
report,
1926.
85 p p ., charts.
D u rin g th e y e a r covered b y th e re p o rt n early all of th e in d u stries of B ritish
C olum bia show ed consid erab le progress, th e p a y ro ll of th e P ro v in c e rea c h in g
“ a to ta l w hich is easily a record fo r all tim e .” T h e re p o rt includes d etailed
w age d a ta , a su m m ary of lab o r d isp u tes in 1926, o p eratio n s u n d e r th e “ H o u rs of
w ork a c t,” a n d a sectio n on th e m ale m in im u m wage.
-------------- M inim um W age B oard. R eport, 1926. V icto ria , 1927.
14 PP- (Re
p rin te d fr o m the A n n u a l R ep o rt o f the D ep a rtm en t o f Labor, 1926.)
------ (O n t a r io ) .— M inim um W age B oard.
1927.
S ix th a n n u a l report, 1926.
Toronto,
39 p p .
In clu d es a m in im u m b u d g e t fo r a single w om an in T o ro n to , as revised in O cto
ber, 1926. T h e to ta l co st of such b u d g e t is $650.40 p e r y ear o r $12.50 p e r week,
th e la tte r a m o u n t being d istrib u te d as follow s: $7.00 for b o ard an d lodging, $2.39
for clothing, a n d $3.11 fo r sundries.
D e n m a r k .— S tatistisk e D e p a rte m e n t. A rb e jd sty n n e n i in d u s trie n m .v. i D a n m a rk
1 9 1 4 -1 9 2 5 . C openhagen, 1927.
bind, 1 . hsefte.
169 p p .
S ta tis tisk e m eddelelser, 4- rsekke, 78.
W ages of in d u stria l w orkers in D en m ark , 1914-1925.
------ -------P ro d u k tio n ssta tistik , 1926. C openhagen, 1927.
meddelelser, 4 • rsekke, 79. bin d . 3. hsefte.
76 p p .
S ta tis tis k e
S ta tistic s of p ro d u ctio n fo r m ore th a n 50 D an ish in d u stries for th e y e a r 1926
a re given in th is p u b licatio n .
-------------- S ta tis tis k aarbog, 1927.
C openhagen, 1927.
xxiv , 249 p p .
A ta b le on strik es a n d lo ck o u ts from th is sta tistic a l a n n u a l is rep ro d u ced on
page 143 of th is issue.
[11771
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
228
M O N T H L Y L A B O R R E V IE W
E s t o n i a .— [C en tral B u reau of S tatistics?]
T he E s to n ia n yearbook, 1927, edited
by A lbert P u lle rits, c h ie f o f the C entral B u re a u o f S ta tis tic s o f E sto n ia . T a llin n ,
G overnm ent P rin tin g Office, 1927. 254 PP-, illu stra tio n s, charts. ( P rin te d in
E n g lish .)
T his first issue of th e E sto n ia n y earb o o k c o n tain s d etailed in fo rm atio n reg ard
ing th e G o v ern m en t, in d u stries, a n d in s titu tio n s of t h a t c o u n try . T h e c h a p te r
on lab o r a n d social w elfare in clu d es sectio n s on la b o r p ro te c tio n , social w elfare,
public h e a lth , th e c o o p erativ e m o v em en t, a n d cost of living.
F r a n c e .— M inistère d u T ra v a il, de l ’H ygiène, de l ’A ssistance e t de la P rév o y an ce
Sociales.
B u re a u d e la S ta tis tiq u e G énérale.
P a ris, 1927.
A n n u a ir e sta tistiq u e, 1926.
x v i, 410 p p .
In clu d es a ta b le show ing w ages of v ario u s classes of w orkers fo r specified
periods beginning w ith 1806 a n d th e w ages of coal m in ers from 1844 to 1926.
F igures on strik e s in F ra n c e as co m p ared w ith six o th e r c o u n tries a re given.
G r e a t B r i t a i n .— [C ensus Office.] C ensus o f E n g la n d a n d W ales, 1921. General
report, w ith a p p e n d ix e s. L o n d o n , 1927. vii, 211 p p ., charts.
------ C o m m ittee on E d u c a tio n a n d In d u s try in S cotland. F irst report. L o ndon,
1927.
82 pp.
T h e figures te n d to show t h a t in S co tlan d u n e m p lo y m e n t is n o t so p re v a le n t
am ong ju v en iles as am o n g a d u lts, b u t its effects a re b elieved to b e m o re d e tri
m en tal to b oys a n d girls. A s rem edies, th e re p o rt suggests th e u se of overseas
m ig ratio n a fte r su ita b le p re lim in a ry tra in in g ; th e ex ten sio n of th e w ork of ju venile
tra in in g cen te rs w h ere n eed ed ; th e u se o f “ w ork c e rtific a te s” in o rd e r to bring
children b etw een 14 a n d 16 u n d e r th e superv isio n a n d co n tro l of som e public
a u th o rity ; a n d th e raisin g of th e school-leaving age, coupled w ith a re d u c tio n of
th e age fo r en terin g u n e m p lo y m e n t in su ran ce, so as to do aw ay w ith th e p resen t
period of nonsupervision.
—
F oreign Office.
C h in a .
C h in a ATo. 2 (1927): M e m o ra n d u m on labor co n d itio n s in
L o n d o n , 1927. 25 p p . (C m d. 2846 .)
------ [H om e Office.
L o n d o n , 1927.
F a c to ry D e p a rtm e n t.]
139 p p .
A n n u a l report, fo r the year 1926.
(C m d. 2903.)
C h a p te r I of th is re p o rt gives th e g en eral re p o rt of th e fa c to ry d e p a rtm e n t on
its w ork d u rin g th e y e a r 1926 on safety , d an g ero u s tra d e s, sa n ita tio n , em p lo y
m en t, a n d w elfare activ ities. C h a p te r IV , th e re p o rt of th e senior m ed ical in
sp ecto r on in d u s tria l diseases a n d poisons, is briefly review ed on p ag e 90 of th is
issue.
------- M ines D e p a rtm e n t.
S afety in M ines R esearch B oard. F ifth a n n u a l report,
in c lu d in g a report o f m atters dealt w ith by the health advisory com m ittee, 1926.
L o n d o n , 1927. 5 5 p p .
T his re p o rt discusses th e progress t h a t h as been m ad e b y th e S afety in M ines
R esearch B oard in its v ario u s researches, th e m a tte rs covered in cluding coal
d u s t a n d firedam p explosions, m ining explosives, sa fe ty lam ps, m echanical
appliances, falls of g ro u n d , w ire ropes, a n d m in e rescue b re a th in g a p p a ra tu s.
T h ere is a brief discussion of th e w ork of th e h e a lth a d v iso ry co m m ittee of th e
M ines D e p a rtm e n t, a n d a n a c c o u n t of th e co o p erativ e w ork of th e S afety in
M ines R esearch B oard a n d th e U n ited S ta te s B u reau of M ines.
------ M in istry of A griculture a n d Fisheries.
wool m a rketin g i n E n g la n d a n d W ales.
tra tio n s, diagram s.
E co n o m ic series N o . 7 : R eport on
L o n d o n , 1926. 66 p p ., m a p , illu s
C o n tain s tw o ch a p te rs dealing w ith co o p erativ e m a rk e tin g of w ool, in w hich
are described tw o larg e co o p erativ e associations, th e difficulties of cooperative
dev elopm ent, a n d m a n a g e m e n t p roblem s in th e co o p erativ e o rg an izatio n .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[11781
PUBLICATIONS ïtELATIN G TO LABOR
229
M inistry of A griculture and Fisheries.
G r e a t B r it a in .
R eport o n agricu ltu ra l credit.
L o n d o n , 1927.
E conom ic series N o . 8:
104 p p ., fo ld e r.
Reviews th e problem of capitalization, th e need for credit, and th e existing
facilities (including th e cooperative credit society). The cooperative provision
of credit is spoken of favorably, b u t it is recognized th a t it has n ot tak en hold
of th e farm er as it m ight have, due largely to certain defects in th e legislation
under which these societies have operated and to th e constitutional aversenesa
of th e English farm er to revealing w hat he regards as his private affairs in order
to secure a loan. C ertain changes are suggested which it is th ought would give
m aterial advantage over th e present scheme.
------ -—— E co n o m ic series N o . 9: R ep o rt on the m a rk e tin g o f potatoes in E n g la n d
a n d W a les.
L o n d o n , 1926.
vi, 107 p p ., m a p , illu s tra tio n s , d ia g ra m s.
Contains a chapter reviewing the present position of cooperative m arketing
of potatoes in England and Wales, and th e possibilities of large-scale cooperative
organization, and illustrates these by th e experience of m arketing associations
in th e United States.
------------- E c o n o m ic series N o . 10: R eport on egg m a rketin g in E n g la n d a n d W ales.
L o n d o n , 1926.
vi, 153 p p ., m a p , illu stra tio n s, diagram s.
In nine parts, P art V III dealing with cooperative organization for th e m arketing
of eggs.
— M inistry of H ealth. E ig h th a n n u a l report, 1 9 2 6 -2 7 . L o n d o n , 1927. x x x ii,
284 PP- (C m d . 2938.)
D ata on widows’, o rphans’, and old-age contributory pensions, taken from
this report, are published on page 108 of this issue.
------ M inistry of Labor. London Advisory Council for Juvenile Em ploym ent.
T h ir d a n n u a l report, 1 9 2 6 -2 7 .
L o n d o n , 1927.
18 p p .
The com m ittee reports th a t juvenile unem ploym ent has not been greatly
affected by th e m ining stoppage, and th a t the num ber of boys and girls regis
tered as desiring work in M arch, 1927, compared not unfavorably w ith th e
corresponding num ber for M arch, 1926— 4,330 as against 4,079. The report
strongly indorses th e plan of requiring work certificates for all children between
14 and 16 who wish to go to work. “ We tru st th e adoption of such a scheme
m ay n ot be long delayed, realizing its value as we do from th e twofold aspect of
exercising supervision over th e individual young worker and affording a fuller
measure of inform ation when dealing w ith the m any and varied problems of
juvenile em ploym ent.”
------ P erm anent C onsultative Com mittee on Official Statistics. G uide to current
official sta tistics o f the U n ited K in g d o m .
V o lu m e V (1926).
L o n d o n , 1927.
27 3 pp.
This is defined as a system atic survey of the statistics appearing in ail official
publications issued in 1926 and in certain selected publications issued in 1927.
H u n g a r y .— Office C entral Royal Hongrois de Statistique.
R ecensem ent de la
p o p u la tio n en 1920. P a rt 2. B u d a p e st, 1925. [V a rio u s p a g in g .] (P u b lic a
tio n s sta tistiq u es hongroises, nouvelle série, vol. 71.)
•-------——-------- P a rts 3 a n d 4- B u d a p e st, 1926. [V a rio u s p a g in g .] (P u b lic a tio n s
sta tistiq u es hongroises, nouvelle série, vol. 72.)
P a rt 2 of th is report on th e census of population of H ungary in 1920 contains
a census of occupations and of large industrial and commercial enterprises,
classified by communes. P a rt 3 includes detailed occupational statistics and
P a rt 4 gives th e occupations of th e population combined w ith dem ographic d ata
and figures regarding ownership of property.
I n d ia ( B o m b a y ) . — Labor Office. R ep o rt on a n in q u ir y in to m iddle class u n e m
p lo y m e n t i n the B o m b a y P resid en cy.
B o m b a y, 1927.
102 p p.
Gives th e result of an investigation into unem ploym ent as of November,
1926, carried on by means of a questionnaire. The term “ middle class,” for th e
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[11791
230
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
purposes of this inquiry, was defined as covering educated persons engaged
in nonm anual occupations, and was still further restricted to those w ith a knowl
edge of English. Of 20,446 schedules circulated among this class, 1,852 were re
turned filled out w ith sufficient accuracy to be used for tabulation. These
confirmed th e impression th a t unem ployment is more general among th e young,
65.98 per cent of those answering being under 27; the great m ajority were engaged
in clerical work of th e lower grades, and appeared to be insufficiently trained,
nearly 50 per cent not possessing th e m inimum qualifications for entering the
G overnm ent service. Retrenchm ent, illness, and th e tem porary character of the
work undertaken were the leading causes to which unem ploym ent was assigned.
The average num ber of dependents per unem ployed person was 3.12.
I n t e r n a t io n a l L a b o r O f f i c e .— S tu d ie s a n d reports, series A
tio n s), N o. 26:
x ii, 287 pp.
The tra d e -u n io n m ovem ent in Soviet R u ssia .
■ --- U n e m p lo y m e n t in 1925, by H e n r i F u ss. Geneva, 1926.
fr o m In te rn a tio n a l L abor R eview fo r A u g u st, 1926.)
(in d u s tria l rela
Geneva, 1927.
31 p p .
(R ep rin ted
of N a t i o n s .— International Labor Office.
C. E . I . N o. 12: R eports
on legislation concerning the m ovem ent o f labor a n d m igration in general.
Geneva, 1926. 38 p p .
League
Docum ent prepared for th e use of th e International Economic Conference of
M ay 4, 1927, a t Geneva. The three principal subjects of this report are: (1)
N ational regulations, (2) M igration in the British Empire, and (3) International
regulations.
■ ----------- C. E . I . 25: M ig ra tio n i n its va rio u s aspects. Geneva, 1926. 28 pp.
Document prepared for th e use of the International Economic Conference of
M ay 4, 1927, containing statistics on European m igration to overseas countries,
on continental m igration, and on seasonal influences on m igration.
N o r w a y . —[D epartem entet for Sociale Saker.]
Arbeidsrâdet og Fabrikktilsynet.
A rsberetninger, 1926.
Oslo, 1927.
69 p p ., chart, illu stra tio n s.
In N orway workers in industrial undertakings are protected by th e law of
Septem ber 18, 1915, and th e supplem entary act of July 11, 1919, providing for an
81^-hour day and a 48-hour week. In 1925 there were under this legislation 10,970
establishm ents employing 167,240 workers, and in 1926 11,756 establishments
w ith 158,230 workers. Of th e workers in the la tte r year, 122,920 were males, of
whom 47 were boys from 12 to 14 years of age, and 6,187, boys from 14 to 18 years
of age. The female workers num bered 35.310, of whom 22 were from 12 to 14
years of age and 3,803 from 14 to 18 years of age.
P o l a n d .— Office C entral de Statistique.
E n q u ê te su r le rendem ent d u travail des
ouvriers d a n s l ’in d u s trie polonaise. W a rsa w , 1927. 114 p p .
travail, revue m ensuelle, V année, fa sc ic u le p a rticu lier.)
(S ta tistiq u e du
This special num ber of th e Polish m onthly review of labor statistics gives
wages in Poland in various industries in 1924, in each of th e five preceding
years, and in 1913.
S w e d e n .— [Socialdepartementet.]
dr 1924■
S to ckh o lm , 1927.
Riksfôrsàkringsanstalten.
O lycksfa ll i arbete,
52 p p .
R eport on industrial accidents in Sweden in 1924.
■ -----------S tatistiska C entralbyrân. S ta tis tis k drsbok fo r Sverige, 1927.
holm , 1927.
S to c k
x v ii, 381 p p .
Section V II of this statistical yearbook of Sweden for th e year 1927 is devoted
to industry; Section X II deals w ith prices, cost of living, and consum ption; and
Section X II I w ith social statistics, including wages, collective agreements, strikes
and lockouts, and unem ploym ent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[11801
231
PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR
Unofficial
of L a b o r .
Executive Council. R eport to the fo r ty seventh a n n u a l convention, L os A ngeles, C a lif., October 3, 1927, W a sh in g to n ,
1927. 9 8 p p .
A m e r ic a n F e d e r a t io n
Reviewed on page 116 of this issue.
o f M e c h a n ic a l E n g i n e e r s . E d u c a tio n a n d tra in in g fo r the
in d u strie s.
P a p e rs selected by the A . S . M . E . com m ittee on education a n d
tr a in in g fo r the in d u s trie s, largely fr o m program s arranged by it fo r sessions
held since 1923. N e w Y o rk , 29 W est T h ir ty -n in th Street, 1927. 141 p p .,
illu stra tio n s, charts.
A m e r ic a n S o c ie t y
B om bay T e x t il e L a b o r U n io n .
1927.
F irst a n n u a l report, 1926.
B o m b a y , I n d ia ,
28 p p .
Reviewed on page 128 of this issue.
B rotherhood
of
L o c o m o t iv e F i r e m e n
and
T he life a n d w ork o f a locom otive fire m a n .
F eeding the iro n hog:
C leveland, 1927. 100 p p ., illu s .
E n g in e m e n .
A popular account of th e work and working conditions of th e locomotive fire
man, th e special hazards of th e job, wages, prospects, etc. Contains also a
chapter dealing w ith th e Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen
and its work, th e various kinds of benefits paid, and so forth.
o f R a il w a y N e w s a n d S t a t i s t ic s .
R a ilw a y sta tistics o f the U n ited
S ta tes o f A m e r ic a fo r the year ended D ecember 31, 1926, com pared w ith the
official reports fo r 1925 a n d recent sta tistics o f fo r e ig n ra ilw a y s. Chicago, 1927.
143 p p ., m a p s, illu stra tio n s.
B ureau
Contains d ata on num ber of employees and yearly and daily wages in the
various railway occupations and on accidents to employees and passengers.
D
a il y
N e w s M is s io n
of
M in e r s ’ L e a d e r s
to t h e
D
N e w E u ro
L o n d o n , Fleetgate
C o n t in e n t .
pea n coal w ar: W h a t the B ritis h in d u s tr y has to face.
P u b lic a tio n s [1927?]. 29 p p .
Reviewed on page 56 of this issue.
V . A., a n d o t h e r s . Coal— a challenge to the n a tio n a l conscience.
em ant,
don, W . C. 1, H ogarth P ress, 52 T a visto ck S q u a re , 1927.
Lon
84 p p .
The title of th e book indicates its general character. The w riters (seven in
number) believe th a t th e present dem oralization of th e coal industry can n ot
be attrib u ted wholly to th e attitu d e of either employers or employees or both,
b u t is only p a rt of a general communal failure to m eet th e new conditions brought
about by th e war. The w ar had been won by a com m unity effort, which m ight
have been carried over into th e economic and industrial struggle following it.
Instead, th e country as a whole tried to retu rn to th e past, w ith disastrous con
sequences. The present difficulties can be solved, th e w riters think, b u t only
by definite and concentrated study of conditions, and determ ined effort to secure
th e adoption of th e m ethods indicated by such study.
D
unn,
R
obert
W.
the tra d e-u n io n s.
T h e A m e r ic a n iz a tio n o f labor— the em p lo yers’ offensive aga in st
N e w Y o rk, In te r n a tio n a l P ub lish ers, 1927. 272 p p .
The following is a p artial list of th e subjects covered: T he open shop, the
labor spy, th e black list, company “ welfare,” th e American plan, th e company
union, personnel activities, insurance and pensions, employee stock ownership,
and m ethods of strike breaking.
F u l l e r t o n , C. N. A p p re n tic e tr a in in g on the B a ltim o re a n d O hio. W a sh in g to n ,
1927. 11 p p . {R ep rin ted fr o m A m e r ic a n F ed era tio n ist, A u g u s t, 1 9 2 7 .)
G a r i s , R o y , L. Im m ig r a tio n restrictions: A stu d y o f the o p p o sitio n to a n d regu
la tio n o f im m ig r a tio n in to the U n ited States.
1927. xv, 376 p p ., m a p s, charts.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[U S I]
N e w Y o rk , M a c m illa n Co.,
232
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
G it s h a m ,
E.,
and
S o u th A fr ic a .
T rem bath,
J. F.
D u rb a n , 1926.
A fir s t account o f labor o rg a n iza tio n i n
179 p p .
An account of th e trade-union m ovem ent in South Africa, w ith a description
of th e chief trade-unions, a discussion of th e relation between th e S tate and
industrial organization, a review of th e functions, m ethods, and policy of tradeunions, and a consideration of th e problem s of th e ir organization, especially of
th e relative advantages of craft and industrial organization. A second p art
gives brief biographical sketches of th e leaders of th e movem ent. T he book is
w ritten frankly from a trade-union standpoint, and is adm ittedly sketchy. I t
is p u t forw ard, however, as containing extracts “ from th e full story which has
yet to be told by someone or by m any,’' on th e ground th a t it is desirable to
record a t least an outline of th e chief events in th e history of South African
trade-unionism before th e m aterials for th e story slip away into oblivion.
G u il l a u m e , A n d r é .
P a ris,
chart.
L ib r a irie
U n conseil p a rita ire de c o n c ilia tio n d a n s u n e m a n u fa c tu re .
des Sciences P o litiq u es et Sociales, 1927. x x i, 168 p p .
’
An account of a seven years’ experim ent w ith a jo in t conciliation council in
th e biscuit industry in France.
H
arvard
L n iv e r s it y .
G raduate School of Business A dm inistration.
b u sin ess reports, vol 4 .
C hicago, A . W . S h a w Co., 1927.
H arvard
xv, 5 5 9 p p ., charts.
In this volume are grouped cases dealing w ith adm inistrative aspects of the
labor relationship between em ployers and employees. T he cases have been
arranged according to three general types of issues: First, cu rren t operating
issues, including cases which refer to m anning th e enterprise, developm ent of
abilities, problem s of leadership and supervision, an d provision of incentives;
second, questions regarding th e channels through which such issues are negotiated,
and th e sta tu s collectively of em ployers and of employees, containing cases
which a p a rt from th eir im m ediate focus deal w ith employee representation or
agreem ents w ith labor unions; an d third, problem s arising from those relations
between em ployer and employee which are superimposed upon th e labor relation
ship, including such topics as employee m edical service, housing, and pensions.
Ho, F r a n k l i n L. P rices and, price in d e x e s i n C h in a . P e k in g , C hinese Govern
m e n t B u re a u o f E co n o m ic In fo r m a tio n , 1927. 35 p p ., charts.
fr o m the C hinese E co n o m ic J o u r n a l, J u n e , 1927.)
(R e p rin te d
An analysis of th e price d a ta and price indexes of th e Bureau of M arkets in
Shanghai and th e Bureau of A griculture and Industry in Canton.
H
J. D a v id . W h a t the em ployer th in k s: E xecutives' a ttitudes tow ard
em ployees. C am bridge, H arvard U n iversity Press, 1927. ix, 226 pp.
(W e rth e im fe llo w sh ip pu b lica tio n s, I.)
o user,
Reviewed on page 45 of this issue.
I n n é s , K a t h l e e n E.
T he League of N a tio n s a n d the w orld's w orkers— an in
troduction to the w ork o f the In te rn a tio n a l
H ogarth P ress, 1927. 4 8 p p .
I n t e r n a t io n a l F e d e r a t io n
of
S w e d e n , b y S ig fr id H a n sso n .
Labor O rganization.
T r a d e U n io n s .
A m ste rd a m , 1927.
L o ndon,
The tra de-union m ovem ent of
56 pp.
Included in th e statistics of this docum ent are tables showing th e income and
expenditures, 1888-1924, of various Swedish unions an d also of th e national
center. In October, 1926, the membership of the national center was over 400,000
and a t the tim e th e book under review was w ritten 34 unions were affiliated with
the central body.
R eports o f the secretary a n d o f
the n a tio n a l org a n iza tio n s, 1 9 2 4 -1 9 2 6 , to the eleventh In te rn a tio n a l M etal
W o rkers’ Congress at P a ris. B erne, S w itze rla n d , 1927. 288 p p.
I n t e r n a t io n a l M e t a l W o r k e r s ’ F e d e r a t i o n .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1182 ]
PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR
233
L ouis,
P a u l . H isto ire de la classe ouvrière en F rance de la R évolution a nos jo u rs.
P a ris , L ib r a irie des Sciences P o litiq u es et Sociales, 1927. 413 p p .
The author holds th a t notw ithstanding th e reduction in th e length of the
working-day, th e life of th e laboring class in France is harder th a n it was formerly
because of th e rationalization of industry, th e constant development of machinery
rendering m ore acute th e precariousness of th e individual wage-earner’s situation.
Furtherm ore, he declares th a t real wages have greatly declined since 1913.
L u b in , I sa d o r , a n d E
verett,
M a c m illa n C o., 1927.
W a sh in g to n , D . C.)
H elen.
x ii, 370 p p .
T he B r itis h coal d ilem m a . N e w Y o rk,
{P u b lica tio n o f the In s titu te o f E conom ics,
This volume seeks to analyze the forces which have brought th e British coal
industry to a n impasse, to appraise th e various measures which have been ad
vanced for its regeneration, an d to indicate the lines along which, in the authors'
opinions, constructive developments are to be sought.
M o n t g o m e r y , R o y a l E. In d u s tr ia l relations i n the Chicago b u ild in g trades.
Chicago, U n iv e rsity o f C hicago P ress, 1927.
x i, 3 4 0 pp.
A history and analysis of th e num erous problem s which have arisen in the
relations of em ployers and employees in th e Chicago building trades. Contains
chapters on jurisdictional disputes, graft in the building trades, and th e Landis
arb itration and award.
am sa y .
T ra d e -u n io n is m a n d the tra d e-u n io n bill.
N orgate {L td .), Covent G arden, 1927. 172 p p .
M u ir , R
L o ndon, W illia m s &
Published before th e recent tra d e disputes act was passed, and intended for use
in th e campaign against it. The body of th e book sets fo rth th e trade-union
view of th e provisions of th e new act, and an appendix by th e legal subcom m ittee
of th e liberal industrial inquiry group gives th e legal position of trade-unions
under th e law previous to th e passage of this act.
N a t io n a l A s s o c ia t io n o t M a n u f a c t u r e r s . Junior Education and Employ
m ent Com m ittee. N a tio n a l education a n d e m p lo ym en t program . N ew
Y o rk , 5 0 C hurch Street, 1927.
11 p p .
Reviewed on page 110 of this issue.
N
a t io n a l
R
a il w a y s o p
E ig h teen th a n n u a l report, fo r the fiscal year
M exico. D. F. [1926?]. 44 P P ■
M e x ic o .
ended J u n e 30, 1926.
Wages of Mexican railw ay workers in 1925 and 1926, taken from this report,
are given on page — of this issue.
N
ew
Y
ork
welfare.
In flu e n c e o f the w eekly rest-day on h u m a n
120 pp.
S a b b a t h C o m m it t e e .
N e w Y o rk , 1927.
E vo lu tio n o f preventive m edicine.
lia m s a n d W ilk in s C o., 1927. xv, 226 p p ., illu stra tio n s.
N e w sh o l m e , S ir A r t h u r .
B altim ore, W il
A survey of th e developm ent of knowledge of th e causes of communicable
diseases and of measures for their prevention. I t touches briefly on m any of
th e superstitions and erroneous beliefs which prevailed in different periods and
on th e discoveries of various scientists and physicians. There is a chapter on
sanitation and social im provem ent and one on poverty and preventive medicine.
O h io S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y . Bureau of Business Research.
M ono g ra p h N o . 7:
Ohio e m p lo ym en t studies, by R a lp h J . W a tk in s. C olum bus, 1927. v ii,6 5 p p .,
charts.
P e d d i e , J. T a y l o r . T h e cause o f econom ic a n d social unrest. L o ndon, L o n g
m a n s, Green & Co. {L td .), 1927. v, 76 p p .
The thesis of this treatise is th a t “ a m onetary system th a t is akin to a barter
economy is of fundam ental im portance.” The author discusses th e cost and
difficulties involved in m aintaining th e gold standard, and th e necessity for finding
a practical and scientific rem edy for them , in order th a t sound finance m ay be
established, bringing w ith it a solution for th e various social problems.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1183]
234
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
su is s e d e s P a y sa n s.
P u b lica tio n N o . 85: V in g t-n eu vièm e ra p p o rt a n n u e l
d u com ité directeur de V U n io n su isse des P a y sa n s et d u S ecréta ria t des P a y sa n s
suisses, 1926. B rugg, 1927. 99 p p .
U n io n
T w enty-ninth annual report of the executive board of th e Swiss Farm ers’
Union on th e work of th e union during 1926. This organization is composed
of agricultural associations of various types, having over 400,000 members. A
num ber of the agricultural cooperative federations are affiliated w ith th e union.
V r in a t , R e n é .
M ich el, 1927.
L ’effort in d u strie l et social
291 p p ., illu stra tio n s.
aux
E ta ts -U n is .
P a ris,
A lb in
Among the subjects treated in this French study of industrial and social
achievements in the U nited States are: Standardization and factory construction,
the W anam aker stores, D etroit and the Ford factories, th e Chicago stockyards,
the oil problem, th e electrical industry, the compressed-air industry, th e Steel
T rust, and the American viewpoint on apprenticeship and vocational guidance.
W o l f , H. D.
T he R a ilro a d L abor B oard. Chicago, U n iv e rsity o f Chicago P ress,
1 9 2 /. x, Iffio p p .
As set forth in the preface, “ the present study attem p ts a survey of th e work
of th e Railroad Labor Board. The author has endeavored to explain th e problems
which th e Board had to meet, th e m anner in which it m et them , and th e events
and circumstances which led to its abolition. As an introduction to this study
a review is given of the changes m ade in wages, hours, and working conditions
during the period of Governm ent operation. In conclusion a short account is
given of the m achinery which has replaced th e Railroad Labor Board, and of
th e present outlook for industrial peace on the railroads.”
W o l l , M a t t h e w , a n d B e n s q ,n , C a r v il l e D.
T h e birth a n d developm ent o f
the U n io n L abor L ife In s u ra n c e Co. [W ashington?], 1927. 47 p p .
Addresses delivered a t the first annual m eeting of th e stockholders of th e Union
Labor Life Insurance Co., held a t Baltimore, Md., M arch 14, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
o
[1184]
@FedFRASER