65th Congress, , ^d Session. j HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Report No. 239. January 14, 1918.- MINIMUM WAGE BILL. -Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union and ordered to be printed. Mr. Nolan, from the Cor&mittee on Labor, submitted the following REPOiiT. [To accompany H. R. 152.] The Committee on Labor, to which was referred the bill (H. R. 152) introduced by Mr. Nolan to fix the compensation of certain employees of the United States, having considered the same, report thereon with the recommendation that it pass. The bill as reported by the committee reads as follows: [H. R. 152, Sixty-fifth Congress, first session.] A BILL To fix the compensation of certain employees of the United States. " Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That after the beginning of the first fiscal year following the passage of this act the minimum compensation of any person employed by the United States or by the government of the District of Columbia shall be not less than $3 per day; or if employed bj'^ the hour, not less than 37| cents per hour; or if employed by the month, not less than $90 per month; or if employed by the year, not less than $1,080 per annum: Provided, That persons employed on a monthly or annual salary basis and who regularly perform less than a full day's service shall receive compen- sation at the rate of not less than 37 J cents per hour: Provided further , That the pro- visions of this act shall not apply to persons enlisted in the military branches of the Government nor to persons receiving quarters and subsistence in addition to their compensation, nor to the employees in the Philippine Islands, Porto Rico, the Ter- ritory of Hawaii, the Territory of Alaska, and the Panama Canal Zone, nor to persons holding appointments as postmasters: Provided further , That the provisions of this act shall apply only to those persons who have been continuously in the employ of the Government of the United States or in the employ of the government of the_ District of Columbia for a period of not less than two years, and who shall have attained the age of twenty years. Sec. 2. That upon the passage of this act the heads of departments in which are employed persons as defined in section one of this bill shall issue new appointments at the increased rate of compensation herein provided. Friday, January 11, was set by the committee for hearings on this bill. On that date the following representatives of organizations appeared in favor of the Nolan bill (H, R. 152): H. M. McLarin, president National Federation of Federal Employees; W. F. Gib- bons, secretary National Association of Post Office Clerks of the /f -/ (^/3L \.:»=:^' 2 MINIMUM WAGE BILL. United States; E. J. Cantwell, secretary National Association of Letter Carriers; Edward J. Gainor, president National Association of Letter Carriers; FlDrence Etheridge, vice president National Federation of Federal Employees; Thomas F, Flaherty, secretary- treasurer National Federation of Post Office Clerks; A. Bridges, corresponding secretary Washington Navy Yard Employees; F. H. Ainsworth, president Federal Employees Union of San Francisco; N. P. Alifas, president International Association of Machinists; William C. Webber, president Boilermakers Local No. 450; J. T. Nussear, E. C. McGregor, International Association of Machinists; Frank J. Goodman, International Association of Boilermakers; John S. Beach, president Federal Employees Union No. 2; R. Tay- lor, Gertrude McCally, Mary E. Ganzhorn, Nora B. James, Lula V. Harris, Beatrice Allpress, Isabel E. Mellen, Gertrude I. Noyes, of the Federal Labor Union, No. 12776, Bureau of Engraving and Printing; In addition to the foregoing the bill has been unanimously in- dorsed by the American Federation of Labor at the annual con- ventions held by that body for the last five years; also by practically every State federation of labor, as well as nearly every central labor ^ union in the country. This bill has also been indorsed l^y Grand Army posts and Spanish War veterah camps all over the United States. The Committee on Labor during the Sixty-fourth Congress held extensive, hearings on this bill covering a period of several weeks. The testimony taken at that time is contained in a volume of 423 pages and consists of the statements of committees representing the various organizations interested; also the testimony of individual employees, as weU as statistics as to increase in prices and tables showing the annual cost of keeping a family. If the Committee on Labor of the Sixty-fourth Congress was justi- fied in recommending that the bill do pass, and they took this action unanimously, there is ample justification for the action of the com- mittee in this session in reporting the bill out promptly and asking the House to pass it without delay to relieve the privation and distress prevailing in the homes of Governm.ent employees who are paid the lowest salaries. Tile committee submits a pamphlet from tlie Monthly Review (January, 1918), issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, covering increases in prices covering a period of five years, from 1913 to 1917, inclusive: (From the Monthly Review (January, 1918) of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor.) Prices and Cost of Livino. RETAII, PRICES OFT^OOD IN THE UNITED STATES. The retail price of food as a whole shows a decrease of 1 per cent in NoA^ember. 1917. as compared with the mouth previous. Of the 27 articles for which prices are reported to the Bureau of Jjabor Statistics 12 decreased in price. 4 remained the same, and'll articles showed an increase as compared with October. Pork chops decreased 11 per cent; hens. 5 per cent; sirloin and round steak, 4 per cent each; flour, 3 per cent; and sugar. 2 per cent. Onions increased in price 18 per cent; lard and butter, 4 per cent each; eggs, 5 per cent; potatoes, ?, per cent; rice, 2 per cent; and meal, 1 per cent. Beans. ]>read. ham, and bacon remained the same price as in October. D. of.D. MAY 16 1918 MIKIMUM WAGE BILL. 3 The following table shows the course of prices in the United States in October and -X November, 1917: ■T Average money retail prices and relative retail prices of food on Oct. 15 and Nov. 15, 1917. [The relative price shows the per cent that the average price on the 15th of each month was of the average * price for the year 1916.] Unit. Average inoney price. Relati\ e price. Article. Oct. 15, Nov. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. IS, 1917. 1917. 1917. 1917. Sirloin steak. , Pound ...do $0,330 .3;;9 .257 .218 . 165 .388 SO. 317 .296 .250 .212 .163 .345 121 126 121 127 129 171 116 Round steak 121 Rib roast. ...do 118 Chuck roast ...do . . 123 Plate lieef . . . : ...do 127 Pork chops ...do. 152 Bacon ...do .4S2 . .426 .312 .312 .283 .551 .482 .426 .326 .295 .287 .581 168 145 178 132 140 147 168 Ham ...do 145 Lard ...do.. . . 186 Hens ...do 125 Salmon, canned ...do. .. . 142 Es^gs Dozei} Pound.... ...do 155 Butter .508 .348 .628 .346 129 135 134 Cheese 134 Milk Quart .127 .128 141 141 Bread 10-oz.ioafi .088 .088 135 135 Flour Pound .070 .068 159 155 Corn meal • ...do .070 .071 276 209 Rice ...do .111 .114 122 125 Potatoes ...do .031 .032 115 119 Onions ...do .049 .058 100 118 Beans, navy ...do .189 .189 172 172 Prunes ...do .165 .166. 123 124 Raisins, seeded ...do .150 .148 116 115 Sugar ...do .097 .095 121 119 Cofifee ...do .305 .302 102 101 Tea ...do...... . .612 .617 112 113 All articles combined 138 136 »■ 1 > 16 ounces, weight of dough. In the year from November 15, 1916, to November 15, 1917, p ices of food as a whole advanced 23 per cent. Potatoes is the only article that shows a decline in price. Corn meal advanced 87 per cent; bacon 62 per cent; pork chops 48 per cent; beans 39 per cent; salmon 38 per cent; milk 33 per cen ; and lard 27 per cent. Food as a whole was 48 per cent higher on November 15, 1917, than on November 15, 1913, and 46 per cent higher than on November 15, 1914. During this four-year period, corn meal advanced 127 per cent; flour 109 per cent; lard 104 per cent; bacon 77 per cent; sugar 75 per cent; and potatoes 72 per cent. No article declined in price. Taking November in each of the four years, November, 1915, only shows a decline in'price of food as a whole when compared with the same month in a preceding year. For November, 1915, the price of food as a whole was the same as in November, 1913, and. was 1 per cent lower than in November, 1914. A table showing the average and relative retail prices in November of each year from 1913 to 1917 follows. '•M)i0^i-Wmsmi- 4 MIJXIMUM WACiK BllJ.. Averaije money retail ■prices and relative retail prices of food on Nov. 15 of each year, IJIS to 1917, inclusive. [The reJative price shows the per cent that the average price on Nov. 15 of each year was of the average price for the year 1916.] Unit. Average money price Nov. 15— Relative price Nov. 15— Article. 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 Sirloin steak Round steak Pound ...do ...do 80.254 .228 .197 80.254 .235 .204 .167 .128 .218 .281 .273 .156 .205 ".'450 .394 $0,257 .228 .199 .162 .120 .209 .273 .268 .145 .203 .198 .458 .366 .232 .089 .062 .037 .032 .090 .017 .033 .085 .133 .125 .065 .299 .546 $0,270 .243 .210 .170 .128 .234 .298 .332 .256 .238 .208 .514 .437 .292 .096 .075 .057 .038 .091 .035 .051 .136 .138 .137 .086 .299 .546 $0,317 .296 .250 .212 .163 .345 .482 .426 .326 .295 .287 .581 .528 .346 .128 .088 .068 .071 .114 .032 .058 .189 .166 .148 .095 .302 .617 93 93 93 "'95' 95 92 91 87 "i32' 98 "ioo' "74' 92 93 96 96 97 100 96 98 93 89 87 120' 100 "'99' 88 83 96 -94 93 94 94 94 92 95 91 83 86 98 122 93 90 98 95 84 95 99 62 68 77 99 97 81 100 100 92 99 99 99 99 100 103 104 113 146 101 103 137 111 113 106 115 129 112 100 128 105 124 103 106 107 100 100 111 116 121 118 Chuck roast Plate beef ...do ...do 123 127 ...do .216 .273 .270 .159 .205 "."495' .386 152 ...do 168 ...do 145 ...do 186 ...do 125 Salmon, canned Eggs ...do Dozen Pound ...do 142 155 Butter 134 134 Milk Quart 16-oz.loafi Pound ...do .091 ".'633" .031 .090 .057 .037 .033 141 Bread 135 Flour 155 Corn meal 209 ...do .. 125 Potatoes ...do ...do .019 .015 69 54 119 118 ...do. . . 172 ...do 124 ...do '"es" 92 "'77' 93 115 ...do .054 .062 119 Coffee ...do 101 Tea i ...do 113 All articles combined.. 136 » 16 ounces, weight of dough. The two tables which follow give average retail prices for 29 articles in 45 cities. For 16 cities average prices are shown for November 15, 1913, November 15, 1916 and for October 15 and November 15, 1917. For 29 cities average prices are given for November 15, 1917. The prices for gro- ceries in Jacksonville, Fla., are not shown, as less than 80 per cent of the grocers of that city sent in their reports to the btu'eau. ^1 MINIMUM WAGP: bill. Average retail prices of the principal articles of food for 16 selected cities for Nov. 15, 1913, 1916, and 1917, and Oct. 15, 1917. r he average prices shown below are computed from reports sent monthly to the bureau by retail dealers As some'dealers occasionally fail to report, the number of quotations varies from month to month.] " Atlanta, Ga. Baltimore, Md. Boston , Mass Article. irnit. ^. 1' 1 : IS ov. 13. Nov. 15, 1916. 191T Nov. 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Oct. Nov. 15. 15. Nov. 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Oct. 15. Nov. 15. Oct. 15. Nov, 15. Sirloin steak Round steak Lb....i$0 Lb....l Lb....l Lb.... Lb ' 242 213 190 158 $0. 254 .219 .194 .151 .106 .245 .315 .330 .214 .244 .223 .166 .433 .370 .443 .308 .125 .076 .053 .031 .079 .040 .057 .135 .133 .149 .09.5 .282 .617 $0,311 .278 .241 .212 .157 .399 .490 .439 .319 .316 .337 .246 .482 "".'55i^ .355 .159 .091 .072 .0.59 .108 .038 .059 .188 .179 .162 .104 .294 .796 $0,309 .280 .238 .202 .150 .363 .501 .432 .328 .321 .317 .235 .501 .435 " .551 . . 347 .175 .090 .071 .054 .111 .040 .059 .188 .180 .161 .110 .292 .784 $0. 228 .213 .175 .150 "."182 .212 .275 .150 .180 .202 "'.4.59 .331 .384 '."087 ".'oii .026 ".'ois ".'048 $0,248 .232 .200 .162 .138 .208 .255 .3.50 .200 .240 .250 .170 .488 .388 .446 .290 .092 .063 .059 .031 .098 .034 .0.52 .146 .130 .128 .080 .235 .550 $0,326 .315 .259 .220 .169 .371 .457 .477 .326 .333 .321 .254 .519 ".'538 .360 .117 .082 .070 .004 .112 .030 .055 .187 .165 .146 .092 .277 .634 $0,311 .301 .253 .220 .175 .333 .451 .468 .327 .313 .296 .255 .580 .440 ..539 .3.58 .120 .082 .068 .064 .114 .030 .0)9 .190 .173 .146 .096 .281 .649 $0,310 $0,352 .350' .357 . 239 . 258 . 162; . 202 $0,442 .449 .315 .269 $0. 418 .421 .307 Chuck roast ^ .249 Pork chops Bacon, sliced Ham, sliced Lard Lamb Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb... Lb : . . 250 311 308 153 202 210 .224 .246 .310 .158 .205 .243 ".'606 .352 .382 "".'089 ".'036 .035 '".m ".'654 .249 .271 .358 .221 .251 .268 .203 . 669 .398 .428 .275 .096 .068 .064 .043 .099 .035 .0.57 .131 .144 .143 .086 .334 .600 .409 .458 .456 .309 .345 .344 .294 .660 '"."524 .328 .1.30 .081 .075 .075 .115 .034 .056 .184 .168 .150 .098 .341 .646 .353 .458 .443 .329 .336 Hens .326 .300 Eggs, strictly fresh. Eggs, storage Butter Cheese Milk Bread Flour Corn meal Rice. . Doz... Doz Lb.... Lb Qt.... 16-oz.i. .. Lb.... Lb.... Lb 400 398 m 035 026 .737 .477 .517 .326 .140 .081 .075 .076 .118 Potatoes Onions Lb.... Lb Lb 023 .035 .0.58 Beans, navy Prunes.!. .184 Lb Lb .168 Raisins .150 Sugar Coffee Lb.... Lb ... ., 057 .102 .344 Tea Lb.J.. .. .648 I Juflfalo , N. Y Chica; ;o. 111. C! evelan d, Ohi 0. Sirloin steak Round steak Rib roast Lb.... SO Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb . ... 222 194 1G4 152 'igs 212 263 142 156 200 10.240 .220 .182 .162 .131 .226 .248 .333 .203 .192 .236 .180 .600 .358 .428 .291 .100 .070 .0.56 .032 .093 .034 .046 .138 .135 .120 .082 .286 .479 $0,315 .293 .247 .220 .172 .388 .461 .4,32 .306 .289 .309 .275 .551 '".hio .333 .130 .089 .065 .070 .108 .031 .056 .182 .156 .137 .100 .293 .534 $0,311 .289 .243 .220 .166 .349 .460 .424 .315 .276 .297 .280 .595 .428 .506 .334 .140 .087 .064 .074 .113 .032 .050 .196 .166 .140 .099 .295 .539 10. 247 .214 .195 .159 ".'193 .324 .323 .1.50 .193 .174 ".'398 .303 .365 ".'oso ".'029 .029 ".'6i7 ".'osi $0,268 .225 .219 .167 .131 .212 .316 .346 .201 .220 .210 .243 .271 .379 .424 .296 .090 .070 .052 .038 .094 .035 .050 .140 .139 .150 .079 .300 .525 .$0,306 .273 .247 .213 .165 .358 .475 .439 .299 .314 .271 .300 .469 ".'487 .368 .129 .093 .066 .071 .103 .028 .018 .186 .161 .145 .088 .285 .573 $0,297 .265 .245 .206 .162 .312 .497 .445 .309 .282 .258 .301 .496 .411 .492 .374 .119 .090 .064 .069 .114 .027 .045 .190 .163 .150 .085 .287 .588 $0,250 .224 .186 .170 ".'2if. .281 .357 .163 .181 .199 ".'566 .357 .407 ".'oso "."632 .030 " '."626 "'.'654 $0,250 .223 .198 .173 .121 .228 .299 2.224 .228 .212 .236 .183 .560 .420 .458 .287 .090 .069 .058 .037 .093 .038 .058 .147 .134 .139 .086 .288 .475 •SO. 307 .288 .232 .211 .158 .387 .468 .430 .318 .306 .317 .270 .570 " ".'536 .350 .120 .089 .071 .073 .111 .032 .050 .191 . 165 .143 .097 .291 .566 $0,290 .270 .226 Chuck roast Plate beef .206 .156 Pork chops Bacon, sliced Ham, sliced Lard .331 .467 .441 .332 Lamb .288 Hens .294 .291 Eggs, strictly fresh. Eggs, storage B utter Doz... Doz... Lb.... Lb 485 306 381 .605 .431 .530 .348 Milk Qt.... 16-oz.i. .. Lb.... Lb.... Lb Lb.... Lb . . .. 080 030 026 ois .120 Bread .089 Flour .069 Corn meal .076 Rice .118 Potatoes .033 Onions .055 Beans, navy Prunes Lb .194 Lb . .. .179 Lb .143 Sugar Lb.... Lb 053 .097 Coffee .295 Tea Lb.. .. .556 * Loaf; 16 ounces, weight of dough. Whole. 6 MINIMUM WAGE BILL. Average retail prices of the principal articles of food for 16 selected cities for Nov: 15, 1913, 1916, and 1917, and Oct. 15, /9J7~Continued. Unit. Denver, Colo. Detroit , Mich Milwaukee, Wis, Article. Nov. 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Nov. 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Nov. 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Oct. 15. Nov. 15. Oct. 15. Nov. 15. Oct. 15, Nov. 15. Sirloin steak Round steak Rib roast Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Doz... Doz... Lb.... Lb.... $0,229 .203 .167 .153 ".'264 .280 .292 .160 .1.52 .185 ".'4.56 .330 .350 $0,234 .190 .184 .160 .105 .209 .325 .338 .213 .194 .216 .185 .510 .400 .440 .306 .083 .076 .049 .034 .093 .031 .041 .115 .135 .146 .085 .300 .510 $0,307 .285 .232 .207 .144 .402 .520 .463 .329 .303 $0,282 .262 .220 .197 .138 .346 .506 .468 .344 .298 $0,256 .206 .200 .152 ■'.'i94 .223 .270 .164 .151 .192 '".lib .322 .371 '".m '".bzi .029 "."6i7 ".'652 $0,248 .216 .204 .162 .121 .218 .253 1.227 .208 .202 .234 .192 .485 .390 .428 .282 .100 .073 .057 .034 .085 .035 .048 .144 .128 .12^4 .080 .280 .430 $0,305 .275 .242 .197 .1.58 .369 .4,57 .436 .314 .313 .314 .288 .532 "."562 .344 .120 .084 .068 .075 .116 .029 .049 .194 .170 .140 .104 .307 ,545 S0.294'$0.236 . 268 . 216 .235 .184 . 193 . 162 .154 .326 .196 .4.58 .278 .420! .282 .333 .100 $0,243 $0,293 .216 .280 .186 .2.38 ,166 .217 ,121 ,160 .214 .370 .300 .472 .300: '^'^e .214! .315 .227; .316 .206 .272 ,219 ,277 .438 .482 .373 .424 .499 .306 ,369 .080 .110 .075 .0,89 .058 .069 .043 .078 .096 .114 .035 .027 ,051 ,047 . 140 , 193 ,147 .105 .138 .148 .084 .091 .283 .263 .528 .584 $0,280 .269 .229 Chuck roast Plate beef Pork chops Baconfsliced Ham, sliced Lard .205 .152 .310 .475 .430 .324 Lamb . 286^ . 190 . 293 . 172 .298 Hens .2841 .278 .264; .269 .503' .528 1 .444 .495 .485 .352| .351 .1161 .120 .089: .089 .0.571 .057 .061' .061 .111! .116 .0231 .029 .039 .049 .185 .186 .179! .182 .144! -l*^ .089 .089 .300' .300 .573j .577 .238 Salmon, canned... Eggs, strictly fresh. Eggs, storage Butter .293 .582 .411 .505 .342 ,120 ,082 .066 .083 .450 ,330 ,366 ".'676 ".'631 .033 .278 .483 .414 .498 Cheese .344 Milk Qt.... 16 0Z.2. Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... .084 ".'625 .026 .110 Bread .088 Flour .064 Corn meal .077 Rice .1181 .0271 .017 .0.55 .191 .164 ,136 .0881 .053 .115 Lb.... Lb.... .016 .028 Onions ,048 Beans, navy Prunes Raisins Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... .195 .158 .147 Sugar Lb.... Lb.. .051 .088 Coffee .299 .576 .270 Tea Lb.... .586 Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Doz... Doz... Lb.... Lb.... N 3wYo -k, N. Y. Philadelphia, Pa. Pittsburgh, Pa. Sirloin steak Round steak $0.2.59 .254 .213 .160 ".'226 .2,56 1.198 .102 .151 .211 '".mi .373 .399 $0,274 .271 .226 .171 .161 .243 .272 1.224 .210 .192 .255 .214 .554 .402 .442 .283 .098 .069 .058 .046 .092 .040 .059 .141 .137 .131 .080 .262 .445 $0.35680.326 .3601 .335 . 298 - 27f) $0,305 .257 .215 .ISO ".'225 .269 ,304 .155 .188 .231 '".'508 .347 ,443 '".bhb ".'632 .029 ■■,"623 '".'o'ob $0,322 .279 ,234 .195 ,132 .246 .299 ,357 ,216 .236 .273 .187 .524 .397 .486 .295 .088 .056 .053 .035 .097 .040 .055 .133 .139 .123 .080 .285 .550 $0,392 ,365 .291 .252 .174 .400 ,467 ,479 ,328 ,331 ,344 .200 ,548 ".'562 .361 .110 .079 .075 ,071 .118 .038 .056 .185 .164 .139 .094 .283 ,583 $0,374 .344 .283 .237 .169 .350 .469 .482 .330 .311 .322 .263 .593 .434 .567 .3.57 .122 .078 .072 .072 .123 .038 .054 .184 .167 .133 .096 ,279 ,585 $0,273 .240 ,217 .173 '".'225 .301 .298 .1.57 .203 .238 "."463 .334 .404 '","692 ","632 .030 "".'626 "."657 $0,283 .246 .223 .177 .121 .234 .321 .352 .215 .241 .289 .213 .464 .375 .450 .291 .103 .067 .057 .038 .094 .035 .053 .142 .136 .138 ,0,87 ,271 ,575 $0,356 ,329 .274 .241 .171 .406 .483 .405 .328 .363 .378 .301 .528 "".'527 .3.57 .125 .092 .072 .081 .110 .032 .052 .188 .165 .148 .101 .299 .702 $0,345 .318 .265 Chuck roast. Plate beef......... Pork chops..! .236 .213 .399 .464 1.314 .313 .284 .323 .334 .027 ".'riis .340 .138 .088 .078 .082 .115 .038 .0.59 .185 .107 .1^6 .097 .265 .521 .218 .209 .339 .4.59 1.309 .331 .265 .295 .340 .647 .446 .516 .338 .140 ,088 .077 .083 .119 .030 .060 ,187 ,169 .147 .100 .261 ,532 ,231 ,168 ,350 Bacon, sliced . . Ham, sliced Lard Lamb Hens ,494 .4.56 .331 .342 .338 Salmon, canned Eggs, strictly fresh. Eggs, storage Butter Cliecse .299 .553 .453 .528 .351 Milk Qt.... 16oz.a. Lb.... Lb.... Lb .090 ".'032 .035 .127 Bread ,090 Flour Cora meal ,070 ,087 Rice .112 Potatoes Onions. Lb.... Lb .023 .033 ,053 Beans, navy Prunes Lb.... Lb.... ,195 ,172 Raisins Lb.... ,146 Sugar Lb.... Lb .049 ,105 Coll'ee ,298 Tea Lb.... .715 » Whole 2 Loaf; 16 ounces, weight of dough. MINIMUM WAGE BILL, 7 Average retail prices of the principal articles of food for 16 selected cities for Nov. 15. 1913, 1916, and 1917, and Oct. 15, /9i7— Continued. Unit. St. Louis, Mo. San Francisco, Cal. Article. Nov 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Nov. 15, 1913. Nov. 15, 1916. 1917 Oct. 15. Nov. 15. Oct. 15. Nov. 15. Sirloin steak Round steak Rib roast Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... $0,266 .2.36 .201 .160 $0,258 .243 .203 .166 .128 .196 .274 .288 .201 .222 .200 .187 .430 .383 .446 .303 .080 .069 .0.54 .033 .086 .035 .053 .141 .144 .156 .081 .242 .543 $0,308 .301 .2.56 .206 .166 .374 .486 .4.56 .293 .308 .275 . 284 ,460 """."526" .369 .132 .093 .063 .066 .106 .029 .047 .192 .173 .167 .089 .283 .628 $0. 296 .289 .219 .205 .167 .301 .480 .456 .315 .295 .248 .285 .471 .393 .622 .353 .130 .092 .061 .064 .112 .031 .044 .187 .170 .168 .088 .281 ,626 $0,210 .197 .213 ,155 $0,205 .196 .207 ,143 ,133 .237 .367 .350 .211 .206 .278 .179 .592 ' .3'i0 .413 .238 .100 .070 .050 .013 .084 .030 .041 .123 .124 .127 .082 .317 .517 $0. 236 .231 .232 .162 .157 .363 .519 .475 .302 .306 .315 .219 .608 $0,240 .236 .234 .167 Plate beef ,162 Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb....' Doz... Do7,...! Lb....i Lb Qt....! 16 oz.i. Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb .i7S .258 .273 .129 I .183 ' .165 1 """.'389 i .325 .381 "'""."oss" ."629" .025 """".'ois' .242 .314 .320 .177 ,170 ' .248 .363 Bacnn, slij'ed .5,37 .488 .322 .289 ,334 .2,50 Eges, stri:-tiy fresli. . E^£;s, storage Butter .650 .407 .404 ,638 .451 .645 .316 .121 .083 .064 .074 .105 .031 .032 .177 ,1.52 ,143 ,082 ,303 .534 .501 .324 Milk .100 .121 Bread .083 Flour .034 .035 .061 .074 Rice .108 Potatoes .019 .031 .034 Beans, navy Lb.... Lb .174 ,147 Raisins Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... """.'651' "'"".'654" ,132 ,081 ColTee .305 Tea ,539 Lb'.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Seattle Wash. Wastungt on. D. C. $0. 236 .206 .200 .156 $0. 224 .200 .186 .140 .109 .230 .320 .310 ,197 .200 .218 .188 .600 .380 .437 .244 .098 . 064 .048 .039 .084 .023 .048 .131 .133 .131 .088 .326 ,500 $0,267 .251 .225 ,181 ,153 ,400 .490 .431 ,301 ,2S7 ,271 .277 .052 $0. 267 .253 .221 .183 .154 .396 .522 .434 .307 .296 .283 .288 .666 1 .488 .542 .308 .120 .092 ,059 .074 .111 ' . 02? i .045 1 , 187 .144 i .134 i ,088 ,311 ,554 $0. 265 .225 .210 ,176 $0,268 .234 .214 .ISO .139 .236 ,272 .325 .200 .232 ,248 .172 .495 .398 .464 .282 ,100 ,073 .057 .031 .003 .031 .044 ,139 ,146 .132 .081 .294 .512 $0,350 .337 .278 .243 .191 ,415 ,497 .438 .318 .360 ,325 ,236 .546 $0,360 Round steak ,332 .277 ,237 Plate beef .184 Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... .240 .320 .300 .169 .181 .242 .214 .264 .313 ,150 ,191 213 ■""","479' .350 ,403 .370 Ba3on, sliced .492 .432 .325 Lamb .337 .311 Saumn, canned .269 Eggs, strictly fresti.. Eggs, storage Butter Doz... Doz... Lb.... Lb.... ,592 .375 .408 ,645 .453 .546 .312 ,120 ,092 ,060 .075 .109 .023 .040 .190 .146 .145 .089 ,316 .542 .534 .351 ,140 .090 .075 ,062 .11'^ ,031 ,054 ,201 .178 .154 .094 .281 ,592 .534 .354 Milk Qt.... 16oz.'. Lb.... Lb.... Lb .100 "".'629" .032 ,090 .140 .090 ,038 ,026 .073 Corn meal.. nice ,067 .121 Lb.... Lb .014 .018 .033 ,062 Beans, navy Lb.... ,201 Lb.... ,177 Lb.... "'■'."osi" .150 Lb... Lb.... Lb... .061 .096 .286 Tea . .630 1 Loaf; 10 ounces, weight of dough. MINIMUM-WAGE BILL. Average retail prices of the principal articles of food for £9 cities for Nov. 7.5. 1917. (The average prices shown below are computed from reports sent monthly to the bureau by retail dealers. As some dealers occasionally fail to report, the number of quotations varies from month to month.] \ Unit. Average retail prices, Nov . 15, 1917. Article. Bir- ming- ham, Ala. Bridge- port, Conn. Butte, Mont. Charles- ton, s.d Cin- cin- nati, Ohio. Co- lum- bus, Ohio. Dallas, Tex. Fall River, Mass. Indi- anap- olis, Ind. Jack- son- ville, Fla. Sirloin steak Round steak Rib roast Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Doz... Doz... Lb.... Lb.... Qt.... 16-oz.'i. Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb..-. Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb-... Lb.... Lb.... Doz... Doz... Lb.... Lb.... Qt.... 16-OZ.2. Lb-.-. Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb-... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... 10.340 .310 .250 .202 .163 .348 .530 .445 .329 .325 .286 .278 .488 .450 .561 .341 .152 .094 .071 .050 .124 .036 .055 .194 .150 .163 .104 .333 .739 Kan- sas City, Mo. $0,396 .378 .312 .257 .165 .352 .513 .496 .324 .295 .283 .341 .745 .467 .504 .343 .140 .09s .073 .087 .122 .0.36 .060 .188 .167 .156 .100 .319 .629 $0,303 .276 .243 .200 .137 .369 .575 .483 .324 .313 .314 .373 .708 .540 .550 .345 .150 .105 .075 .081 .130 .024 .050 .190 .173 .150 .101 .416 .78? 10.275 .262 .247 .192 .150 .385 .486 .436 .321 .344 .349 .262 .513 .439 .525 .341 .160 .094 .077 .068 .088 .038 .055 .172 .166 .153 .098 .282 .630 $0,258 .252 .227 .183 , .153 .317 .451 .427 .312 .278 .298 .262 .518 .453 .612 .359 .120 .080 .072 .068 .118 .032 .051 .185 .163 .146 .094 .274 .700 $0,321 .298 .251 .2.33 .178 .333 .457 .456 .333 .317 .300 .269 .502 .447 .507 .340 .110 .087 .067 .066 .116 .030 .057 .192 .159 .152 .099 .289 .716 $0,304 .292 .248 .213 .177 .365 .525 .470 .301 .325 .260 .280 .491 .438 .498 .358 .150 .087 .066 .074 .114 .038 .056 .181 .171 .148 .097 .340 .808 $0,420 .362 .272 .228 "'.'346' .441 .434 .319 .330 .324 .277 .729 .465 .501 .328 .128 .085 .077 .080 .117 .034 .053 .181 .166 .148 .105 .328 .506 $0,312 .304 .228 .213 .162 .343 .484 .442 .316 .250 .260 .233 .619 .413 .518 .380 .103 .084 .069 .065 .123 .031 .052 .203 .178 .167 .099 .294 .833 $0,312 .291 .238 Chuck roast .193 Plate beef .167 Pork chops .367 Bacon, sliced Ham, sliced .491 .425 Lard .326 Lamb .312 Hens ,312 Salmon, canned Eggs, strictly fresh.. Eggs, storage Butter (1) 0) 0) €heese V) Milk .150 Bread Flour .090 0) Corn meal (1) Rice h) Potatoes Q) Onions (^) Beans, navy Prunes 0) 0) Raisins 0) 0) Coffee (0 Tea (') Little Rock, Ark. Los An- geles, Cal. Louis- ville, Ky. Man- ches- ter, N.H. Mem- phis, Term. Minne- apolis, Minn. New- ark, N.l New Ha- ven, Conn. New Or- leans, La. Sirloin steak Round steak Rib roast $0,311 .286 .231 .197 .161 .3.33 .494 .440 .338 .259 .253 .288 .468 .424 .500 .350 .123 .094 .065 .072 .111 .032 .051 .193 .148 .154 .099 .262 .592 $0,300 .273 .244 .195 .166 .359 .509 .415 .340 .288 .269 .295 .481 .450 .530 .374 .165 .089 .069 .060 .104 .0.35 .053 .187 .183 .149 .091 .328 .750 $0,265 .240 .222 .189 .157 .368 .527 ,522 .309 .297 .326 .298 .62.5 .449 .485 .342 .120 .079 .063 .076 .102 .020 .037 .173 .151 .133 .084 .303 .571 $0. 286 .268 .227 .202 .177 .335 .507 .439 .329 .305 .302 .255 .495 .423 .526 .362 .123 .085 .069 .060 .119 .033 .045 .301 .165 .161 .102 .276 .722 $0,435 .398 .271 .237 "."322" .452 .417 .332 .324 .339 .296 .676 .446 .542 .335 .120 .084 .072 .077 .107 .033 .053 .187 .159 .1.50 .101 .342 .561 $0,284 .268 .243 .203 .170 .346 .483 .432 .324 .316 .286 .291 .453 .407 .501 .332 .150 .096 .069 .057 .103 .031 .046 .195 .173 .145 .102 .302 .727 $0,228 .213 .201 .167 .133 .305 .467 .433 .318 .236 .217 .314 .454 .394 .470 .323 .102 .093 .0.59 .064 .102 .026 .043 .193 .157 .145 .091 .310 .■504 $0. 348 .352 .278 .237 .176 .344 .441 .'324 .332 .308 .308 .344 .706 .479 .536 .354 .140 .082 .077 .080 .117 .037 .060 .182 .169 .147 .100 .298 .530 $0,398 .365 .302 .268 "."336" .498 .500 .332 .338 .338 .322 .792 .480 .518 .3.36 .128 .087 .071 .078 .114 .034 .054 .191 .172 .152 .108 .335 .550 $0. 273 .2.38 .228 Chuck roast .186 Plate beef .161 Pork chops .360 Bacon, sliced Ham, sliced .530 .450 Lard .314 .295 Hens .297 Salmon, canned Eggs, strictly fresh.. Eggs, storage Butter ,319 .461 .397 .512 Cheese ,348 Milk .136 Bread .080 Flour .078 Com meal .069 Rice .101 Potatoes .042 Onions . '. .052 Beans, navy Prunes .173 ,170 Raisins ,155 ,096 Coffee .274 Tea .613 ' Prices not shown, less than 80 per cent of reports from grocers for November, 1917, received by bureau. * Loaf; 16 ounces weight of doughi MINIMUM WAGE BILL. 9 Average retail prices of the principal articles of food for 29 cities for Nov. IS, 1917 — Con. Unit. Average retail prices, Nov. 15, 1917. Article. Omaha, Nebr. Port- land, Oreg. Provi- dence, R.I. Rich- mond, Va. Roches- ter, N.Y. St. Paul, Minn. Salt Lake City, Utah. Scran- ton, Pa. Sprmg- fleld, 111. Sirloin steak Lb.... «0.300 $0. 254 $0,512 $0. 328 $0,293 $0,270 $0,277 $0,332 $0,320 Round steak Lb.... .285 .244 .418 .306 .282 .239 .256 .299 .305 Rib roast Lb.... .228 .236 .327 .253 .248 .220 .233 .271 .232 Chuck roast Lb.... .200 .182 .289 .235 .232 .189 .195 .225 .218 Plate beef Lb.... .150 .145 .189 .177 .138 .157 .165 .180 Pork chops Lb.... .322 .347 .362 .369 .354 .309 .392 .358 .344 Bacon, sliced Lb.... .481 .513 .474 .479 .453 .452 .511 .476 .485 Ham, sliced Lb.... .446 .455 .506 i.3ao .427 .438 .432 .429 .435 Lard Lb.... .332 .330 .339 .328 .334 .334 .345 .319 .330 Lamb Lb.... .296 .277 .350 .308 .288 .228 .290 .324 .342 Hens Lb.... .244 .255 .352 .290 .330 .222 .312 .347 .228 Salmon, canned Lb.... .286 .338 .294 .235 .300 ^ .287 .293 .287 .265 Eggs, strictly fresh. Doz... .465 .650 .707 .507 .643 .446 .554 .625 .486 Eggs, storage Doz... .422 .497 .481 .460 .439 .403 , .492 .456 .433 Butter Lb.:.. .497 .548 .536 .550 .517 .471 .542 .507 .524 Cheese Lb.... .349 .317 .340 .355 .343 .334 .339 .325 .377 Milk Qt.... .120 .124 .130 .143 .128 .103 .111 .124 .125 Bread 16-OZ.2. .094 .085 .089 .084 .087 .063 .091 .092 .098 Flour Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... .063 .067 .114 .029 .044 .180 .057 .071 .116 .022 .042 .163 .072 .075 .116 .037 .052 .185 .072 .062 .117 .036 .061 .211 .069 .078 .115 .030 .052 .198 .061 .066 .110 .026 .039 .201 .054 .074 .102 .021 .045 .194 .074 '".'iio' .032 .058 .190 .067 .072 Rice .121 Potatoes .030 .050 Beans, navy .211 Prunes Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... Lb.... .168 .160 .092 .309 .604 .138 .135 .088 .325 .567 .176 .145 .099 .339 .575 .158 .148 .101 .280 .691 .180 .150 .101 .295 ,503 .163 .144 .094 .321 .529 .156 .146 .092 .350 .629 .167 .147 .100 .318 .567 .175 .168 Sugar .094 Coffee .300 Tea .658 1 Whole. - Loaf; 16 ounces weight of dough. PRICE CHANGES. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IN THE UNITED STATES. Figures compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics furnish a comparison of whole- sale and retail price changes among a number of important food articles since 1913. In collecting data for the comparison it was found that in some instances slight dif- ferences of grade or quality existed between the articles for which wholesale prices were obtainable and those for which retail prices could be secured. It was found impracticable, also, in most instances to obtain both kinds of quotations for the same date. The retail prices shown are uniformly those prevailing on the 15th of the month, while the wholesale prices are for a variable date, usually several days in advance of the 15th. For these reasons exact comparison of retail with wholesale prices can not be made. The figures are believed to be of interest, however, in showing price varia- tions in the retail as compared with the wholesale markets. In the table which follows the wholesale price is, in each case, the mean of the high and the low quotations on the date selected, as published in leading trade journals, while the retail price is the average of all prices reported directly to the bureau by reatilers for the article and city in question. To obtain a better comparison of whole- sale with retail prices, the list of articles has teen revif td to seme extent sicce the last issue of the Monthly Review. The base period has also been shifted to the year 1913 in order to provide a fairer standard for measuring price charges. The initials W. and R. are used to designate wholesale and retail prices, respectively. mt Ji 181 10 MINIMUM WAGE BILL. Wholesale and retail prices of important food articles in selected cities. [The initials W^wholesale; R==retail.] Article and city. Beef: Steer loin ends (hips), Chicago W . . Sirloin steak, Chicago R . . Beef: Steer rounds, No. 2, Chicago W. . Round steak, Chicago R . . Beef: Steer ribs. No. 2, Chicago . . . '. W . . Rib roast, Chicago R . . Beef: No. 2 loins, city, New York W.. Sirloin steak, New York R . . Beef: No. 2 rounds, city, New York..... W.. R ound steak, New York R . . Beef: No. 2 ribs, city. New York W . . Rib roast. New York R . . Pork: Loins, Chicago W . . Chops, Chicago R . . Pork: Loins, western. New York W.. Chops, New York R. . Bacon: Short clear sides, Chicago W. . Sliced, Chicago R . . fiam: Smoked, Chicago W. . Smoked, sliced, Chicago R . . Lard: Prime contract, New York W . . Pure, tub. New York R . . Lamb: Dressed, round, Chicago W. . Leg of, yearling, Chicago R . . Poultry: Dressed fowls, New York i. .W. . Dressed hens. New York R . . Butter: Creamery, extra, Chicago "W. . Creamery, extra, Chicago R . . Butter: Creamery, extra. New York W. . Creamery, extra. New York R . . Butter: Creamery, extra, San Francisco. . .W. . Creamery, extra, San Francisco... R. .■ Cheese: Whole milk, American twins, Chicago W. . Full cream, American, Chicago... R. . Cheese: Whole milk. State, New York W. . Full cream, American/New York.R . . Cheese: Fancy California flats, San Fran- cisco W . . Full cream, American, San Fran- cisco R.. Milk; Fresh, Chicago W.. Fresh, bottled, delivered, Chicago. .R. . Milk: Fresh, New York W.. Fresh, bottled, delivered, N. Y...R.. Milk: Fresh, San Francisco W. . Fresh, bottled, delivered, S. F...R.. Eggs: Fresh, firsts. Chicago W.. Strictly fresh, Chicago R . . Eggs: Fresh, firsts. New York W . . Strictly fresh, New York R . . [Jnit. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. 1913: Aver- year. July. $0. 168 232 1914 t 191.5 I 1916 .175tS .260: 1917. Jan. . 160IS0. 205 $0. . 258! . 281 Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Lb.. Qt.. Qt.. Qt.. Qt.. Qt.. Qt.. Doz. Doz. Doz. Doz. .131 .202 .145 .233 .157 .195 .165 .212 .158 .259 .183 .274 .121 .249 .135 .270 .151; .218! .149 .190 .152 .217 .127 .294 .166; .266 .110 .1601 .149! .1981 .182 .214 .310 .362 .323 .382 .317 .388 .142 .154 .159 .038 .080 .03; .090 .039 .100 .226 .292 ,165: .225 .165 .204 .163 .230 .1391 .318 .175 .338 .104 .156 .170 .219 .188 .220 .265 .312 .280 .328 .245 .329 .133 .144 .036 .080 .030 .090 .039 .100 .188 .261 .215 .333! .143| .145 . 228; . 241 . 145! . 175 .2131 .223 .170| .282i .160 .227 .150 .201 .153 .217 .113 .315 .163 .328 .151 .190 .175 .219 .265 .322 .270 .336 .265 .338 .145 .229 .146 .229 .115 .200 .037 .080 .030 .090 .038 .100 .IfiS .248 .200 .3261 .200 .294t- .135 .145, .271 .2891 .180! .243! .165 .217 .165 .239 .159 .328 .190 .349 .133 :i68 .190 .231 .215 .256 .275 .335 .285 .346 .255 .333 .145 .242 .151 .228 .13, .229 .031 .090 .038 .100 .218 .290 .241 .372 .120 .227 .160 .223 .180 .284 .130 .275 .160 .238 .165 .227 .170 .248 .158 .316 .188 .333 .159 .213 .200 .232 .220 .261 .370 .438 .395 .460 .355 .425 .218 .321 .220 .301 .180 .242 Apr. I July. . 036 J045 .081, .100 .051 .100 .038 .100 .485 .525 .505 '.667 . 200 W. 190 . 293 . 302 .155 ,170 . 256l . 266 Oct. Nov .210 .241 .190 .318 .170 .315 .200 .270 .240 .285 .235 .319 .218 .395 .243 .382 .215 .263 .220 .263 .265 .293 .440 .484 .459 .513 .390 .452 .223 .327 .245 .335 .215 .297 .054 .100 .049 .109 .038 .100 .305 .376 .330 .424 .200 .246 .190 .337 .175 .337 .190 .279 .250 .292 .235 .326 .247 .439 .243 .414 .201 .274 .260 .287 .248 .375 .432 .395 .453 .385 .455 .216 .339 .238 .328 .200 .297 .047 .100 .050 .114 .043 .100 .310 .400 .3.30 .477 .235 .306 .190 .273 .230 .247 .275 .356 .190 .360 .275 .298 .330 .358 .300 .399 .318 .475 .283 .439 .246 .313 .270 .314 .285 .323 .435 .487 .443 .515 .460 .545 .246 .368 .255 .340 .220 .316 .074 .129 .072 .138 .0.59 .121 .370 .469 .400 .627 $0. 235 .297 MINIMUM WAGE BILL, 1 Wholesale and retail f rices of important food articles in selected cities — Continued. Article and city. Unit. 1913: Aver- for year. Eggs: Fresh, extra pullets. S. F W.. Doz. $0,268 Strictly fresh, San Francisco R. . Doz.i . 373 Flour: I Winter patent, Kansas City W.. Bbl.l 4.012 Aristos, Kansas Citv R..; Bbl.l 5.923 Flour: Standard patent, Minneapolis. .. W.. Bbl.j 4..':84 Pillsbur-v's Best, MinncapoUs R..1 Bbl.j 5.600 Flour: I Fancy patent, St. Louis W.. Bbl.j 4.181 Gold Medal, St. Louis R.. Bbl.' 6.077 Meal, com- Fine, yellow. New York W . . Lb . . Fine, yellow, Kew York R. . Lb. . Beans: Medium, choice. New York W. . Lb. . Navy, white. New York R . . ' Jjb . . Potatoes: ■WTiite, good to choice, Chicago W.. Bu.. White, Cliicago R..; Bu.. Rice: Head, New Orleans W.. Lb.. Head, New Orleans. R..j Lb..| Sugar: • j Granulated, New York W.. Lb..i Granulated, New York R.. Lb.. .014 .034 .614 .900 .050 .043 .049 July. 1914 SO. 230 .338 3. .550 5.733 4.500 5.800 3. 700 6.000 .014 .034 1.450 1.640 .042 .046 1915 $0. 220 310 6. 22.*) 7.800 1916 $0. 240 .333 4.750 6.700 7.025 6.050 8.200| 7.000 5.890! 4.925 8.1S7I 6.933 1917 Jan. $0,380 .480 8.950 10. 600 Apr. 10.280 .374 11.450 13. 689 .017) .0351 .019 .042 .058! .098 .0811 .113 I .400l .975 .700 1.856 .049 .075 .059 .063 .046 .074 .075 .079 9.45011.025 10.800113.200 8.67511.375 10.58712.853 .0271 .031 . 051 . 057 .108 .149 1.750 2.370 .048 .074 .066 .074 .130 .162 2.800 3.455 .049 .088 .081 July. Oct. $0,320 .392 $0,435 .608 11.150 13. 680 10. 500 13.066 12.000 13.424 10. .550 11.984 11.375 13.200 11.250 13. 100 .040 .070 .049 .082 .1.54 .188 .138 .185 2.625 2.975 1.135 1.660 .071 .101 .077 .100 .074 .084 .082 .097 Nov. 3. 520 .638 10.500 12. 760 10.200 11.466 11.100 12. 267 .049 .083 1.950 1.623 .078 .101 .082 .100 Relative wholesale and retail prices, expressed as percentages of the average money price for 1913, are contained in the table that follows. A few articles included in the preceding table are omitted from this one, owing to lack of satisfactory data for 1913. It will be seen from the table that since the beginning of the present year the retail prices of most of the commodities included in the exhibit have fluctuated at a rela- tively lower level as compared with their 1913 base than have the wholesale prices. This is particularly noticeable in the case of bacon, lard, dressed lamb, butter, milk, eggs, floui", corn meal, and potatoes. Comparing November prices with the average for 1913, it is seen that only 3 articles of the 28 included in the table show a larger per cent of increase in the retail than in the wholesale price. These are rib roast at Chicago and dressed poultry and granulated sugar at ]\ew York. In most of the other months of 1917 the retail prices of these articles were relatively lower than were the wholesale prices. Relative wholesale and retail 'prices of important food articles in selected cities (average for. 191-3=100). [The initials W=wholesale; R«=retail.] Article and city. 1913: Aver- Lr year. July- 1914 ' 1915 I 1916 1917 Jan. Apr. July. Oct. Nov. Beef: Steer loin ends (hips), Chicago W.. Sirloin steak, Chicago R.. Beef: Steer rounds. No. 2, Chicago W.. Round steak, Chicago R . . Beef: Steer ribs, No. .2, Chicago.... ., . , ."WL. - Rib roast, Chicago R.. Beef: No. 2 loins, city. New York W.. Sirloin steak, New York R.. Beef: No. 2 rounds, city, New York W.. Round steak, New York R.. 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 104 112 95 111 111 115 109 113 105 109 „ ..-9a 109 116 106 108 109 112 108 112 109 122 121 111 119 111 117 127 114 120 116 119 114 92 112 114 114 110 107 110 119 126 118 127 134 124 120 123 140 127 113 130 130 132 127 126 120 130 145 135 140 132 145 135 146 127 174 137 157 145 140 128 137 131 121 126 139 126 151 135 12 MINIMUM WAGE BILL. Relative wholemle and retail prices of important food articles in selected cities (average for 1918=100)— Gontinned. Article and city. Beef: No. 2 ribs, city. New York W. Rib roast, New York R . Pork: Loins, Chicago W. Chops, Chicago ; R. Pork: Loins, western, New York VV. Chops, New York R. Bacon: Short, clear sides, Chicago W. Sliced, Chicago R . Hams: Smoked, Chicago W. Smoked, sliced, Chicago R . [.ard: Prime, contract, New York W . Pure, tub. New York R. Lamb: Dressed, round, Chicag.) W . Leg of, yearling, Chicago .-. . . R . Poultry: Dressed fowls. New Ycrk W. Dressed hens, New York R. Butter: Creamery, extra, Chicago W . Creamery, extra, Chicagi R. Butter: Creamery, extra, New York W. Creamery, extra. New York R . Butter: . Creamery, extra, San Francisco W . ' Creamery, extra, San Francisco R. Milk: Fresh, Chicago W . Fresh, buttled, delivered, Chicago R. Milk: Fresh, New York W. Fresh, bottled, delivered. New York R. Milk: Fresh, San Franciscj W. Fresh, bottled, delivered, San Francisco. R. Eggs: Fresh, firsts, Chicago W. Strictlv fresh, Chicago R . Eggs: Fresh, firsts. New York W . Strictly fresh. New York R . Eggs: ■ ^ Fresh, extra pullets, San Francisco W. Strictly fresh, San Francisco R . Flour: Winter patent , Kansas City W . Aristos, Kansas City R. Flour: Standard patent, Minneapolis W. , Pillsburv's Best, Minneapolis R. Flour: Fancy patent, St. Louis W. Gnld Medal, St. Louis R. Meal, corn: Fine, yellow. New York W. Fine, yellow, New York R. Potatoes: White, good to choice, Chicago W. W hite, Chicago R . Sugar: Granulated, New York.: W. Granulated, New York R. 1913: Aver- age fvjr year. July- 1914 1915 1916 Jan 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 i 1 100 j 100 100 j 100 100 100 ! I 100 I 100 i 100 ' 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 109 103 111 107 107 106 109 108 114 111 103 103 95 100 86 100 100 100 86 100 100 236 182 106 104 101 106 101 100 107 98 123 128 105 96 102 100 86 100 97 100 155 132 153 146 139 135 121 103 137 129 1917 119 111 111 114 109 110 125 112 114 131 121 105 128 117 118 120 106 109 111 119 112 114 124 107 113 125 145 133 134 117 121 122 119 121 122 120 112 110 Apr. 95 101 118 125 89 100 146 111 97 100 97 100 96 101 215 180 97 94 203 168 90 89 142 129 118 113 223 179 132 125 206 193 118 114 207 174 136 124 193 150 159 151 285 263 174 161 153 151 132 124 161 150 155 147 172 134 146 144 195 164 148 133 146 137 142 134 139 134 123 116 142 125 140 121 97 100 135 129 133 107 105 .100 285 231 241 236 272 212 221 168 456 384 July. 126 128 168 154 155 150 194 149 146 156 183 171 174 145 136 134 121 119 122 119 121 117 124 125 143 127 110 100 137 139 141 120 119 105 278 231 262 240 272 217 286 206 428 331 172 171 Oct. Nov. 182 137 221 197 184 250 162 170 165 224 196 181 159 157 151 140 135 137 135 145 140 195 161 206 153 151 121 164 161 161 158 162 163 262 221 230 214 269 216 350 241 185 184 191 198 149 128 168 164 171 156 249 169 170 t67 225 207 154 142 129 138 141 136 138 135 137 129 184 149 220 156 151 121 184 170 189 163" 194 171 262 215 223 205 265 202 350 244 318 180 191 204 How any person could defend the salaries paid in the lower grades, or hesitate about voting for a minimum wage of $3 per day after reading these Government statistics is beyond comprehension. MINIMUM WAGE BILL. 18 In addition, the following price list is submitted. The concern submitting these prices caters to the needs of the poorer paid em- ployees of the Government in the District of Columbia. There is no place where they can purchase cheaper, and this list of com- modities covers the bare necessities: The following price list gives some idea of the increased cost of living: Comparison of retail prices of foods during December, 1914; December, 1915; December, 1917. Articles. GROCERIES. Sugar, granulated, pound. Flour, Gold Medal, pound. Milk, condensed, can Milk, evaporated, tall can Milk, evaporated, small can Tomatoes, standard, 24's, can "... Corn, standard, 2^'s, can. . Peas, E.J Baked beans, Campbell's. Com meal, pound Hominy, pound Rice, best, pound Oatmeal, pound Macaroni and spaghetti, bulk, pound Prunes, small, pound Salmon, red Alaska, can. . Soups, can Navy beans, best, poimd. Lima beans, dried,pound. Catsup, bottle Sirup, can Corn flakes (Quaker) package Split peas, pound Scotch peas, pound Black-eye peas, pound. . . BEEF. Rib roast, pound. Chuck roast, pound Plate (soup meat) Porterhouse steak, pound. Sirloin steak, pound... Round steak, pound. . Chuck steak, pound. . . Decem- Decem- Decem- ber, ber, ber, 1914. 1915. 1917. Cents. Cents. Cents. 5 6 9i 4 4 61: 10 10 19 7^ 9 15 3i ^ 8 7 s 16 7 7 14 8 7 12 9 9 18 3 4" 6 3 4 8 9 8 12 5 4 8 8 8 13 5 10 15 15 22 8 9 12 6 8 18 8 8 22 9 9 12 10 10 15 5 7 8 5 S 16 6 7 12 4 6 13 18 18 27 16 14 24 12 12 18 24 24 35 22 22 32 20 18 32 18 14 24 Article."!. BEEF— continued. Hamburg steak, pound . . Beef liver PORK. Fresh hams Fresh shoulders Fresh pork chops, lean . . . Fresh pork chops, loin. . . Fresh pork roast, lean Fresh pork roast, center. . Corned shoulders Corned hams Smoked hams, whole Smoked hams, sliced Smolced shoulders Smoked bacon, sliced Smoked sausage Lard, pure, pound Lard, compound, pound . BUTTER, EGGS, ETC. Butterme (oleo) Butter, first grade, pound. Eggs, dozen Cheese (cream) VEGETABLES. Potatoes, peck Kale, peck Spinach, peck Onions, yellow, pound . . . Lettuce, head Sweet potatoes, peck Cabbage, new, pound Bread, pound Total of items, 61... Decem- ber, 1914. Cents. 14 16 14 16 18 16 18 14 16 16 25 14 24 12J, 12 j 10" Decem- ber 1915. 770 Cents. 12i 15 12-i 14 18 13 16 15 15 26 12 23 15 11 10 Decem- ber, 1917. 891 Cents. 22 1 32 30 34 38 32 35 26 32 34 48 27 44 27 30 26 1,434 Per cent. Average increase on all items shown on this list from December, 1914, to December, 1917 86. 5 Average increase on all items shown on this list from December, 1915, to December, 1917 61. 1 About one-half (or 50 per cent) of the pay check is spent for food, which has advanced 86J per cent in three years. Assuming that all other items in the family budget have remained stationary in price, it would require pay increase of 43 per cent to break even, as again&t the cost of living in 1914. What has happened to the cost of coal, shoes, clothing, and about everything else is only too well known. Conservatively figured, the cost of living has advanced in the past three years about 75 per cent. Were it not for the wise and energetic work of the United States Food Administra- tion many of these prices would now be very much higher than they are. This is particularly true of fl.our, bread, and sugar. Old Dutch Market. 14 MINIMUM WAGE BILL. Most of the employees benefited by the terms of this bill work for the Govemnlent m the larger cities of this country and are just as hard hit in the matter of the increase in cost of living as those em- ployees who live in the District of Columbia, and the table submitted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics proves this contention. Two years a^o Prof. Keen, of the University of Washington, a national authority and student of economics, conducted extensive investigations and estimated that it cost $840 a year for absolute necessities for a family consisting of mother, father, and three chil- dren. . If this was a fair estimate two years ago, what must it be now, and surely the Government will not begrudge its employees S3 p3r day at this time when wo consider the difference in cost of livin^^ to-day as compared to 1915, when Prof. Keen made his inves- tigations? The Federal Government in dealing with the question of wag3s in the shipyards along the Pacific coast through the United States Shipping Board and wags-adjustment board appointed to represent both the Navy Department and the Shipping Board, has allowed increases in wages to the extent of about 50 per cent over the 1915 scale, and in the agreement drawn up regarding the settle- ment of wages it provides for a revision every six months to meet the increased cost of living. If this is the fair and just way of treat- ing the mechanical forces employed in the navy and shipping yards, why should it not apply to all Government employees, and par- ticularly those receiving the lowest salaries ? During the hearings held by the Committee on Labor of the Sixty- fourth Congress testimony was introduced to show that thousands of employees in the lower grades were working for salaries fixed in 1854, and these underpaid employees have had no consideration since that time in the matter of increases except the 10 per cent provided in the appropriation bills for the fiscal year of 1918. It is this class of employees that this bill will benefit. They are mostly in need of it, and it is iiigh time that the Government would set a basic wage rate as the minimum below which none shall be employed. After the bill was reported to the House in the Sixty-fourth Con- gress a copy was submitted to aU of the executive departments and independent bureaus of the Government, asking for an estimate of the probable cost to the Government of this legislation. Some of these estimates are high and are based on estimates granting the $3 per day to part-time employees, such as charwomen, etc. A liberal estimate would be about $22,000,000 up to and including the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916. Since that time these employees have received a 10 per cent increase in wages, which would reduce the cost over $2,000,000. They undoubtedly will also receive an additional increase in the annual appropriation bills for the fiscal year 1919, which must also be deducted from the cost of this measure ; so, after all, the cost will be considerably under $20,000,000 at a time when this country is spending billions of dollars annually. Tile following is the estimate as received from the various executive departments and independent bureaus. If time permits, your com- mittee will be glad to furnish revised estimates as submitted by the departments up to date. MINIMUM WAGE BILL. 15 Minimum wage hill — Estimated annual increase in appropriations. Department. White House State Department , Treasury Department War Department i r Department of Justice . Post Office Department: Departmental 468 Postal Service. 11, 000 Navy Department (except Mare Island Navy Yard; Interior Department i Department of Aariculture Department of Commerce i Department of Labor Total in departmental service Miscellaneous establishments: Smithsonian Institution Botanic Garden Civil Service Commission Federal Trade Commission Government Printing Office Panama Canal (Washington only) Interstate Commerce Commission Alaskan Engineer Commission Total United States Government employees District of Columbia employees Grand total ■Add Mare Island Navy Yard Number of persons affected. 7 56 n,411 19,100 796 11,468 8,728 4,904 2,447 707 £37 Increase in appropria- tions. 301 30 41 56 1,660 40 180 $1,920 14, 600 3, 745, 216 8, 700, 000 158, 174 4,887,505 2,4-39,554 2,191,278 602, 577 -269,226 1J8,144 60,101 23,118,134 1C8, 845 10,463 8,120 16, 800 432,484 7,420 52,290 5 1,'080 62,474 3,812 23, 755, 696 1,248,510 66,286 460 25,004,206 69,836 66,746 25,074,042 RECAPITULATION OF TOTAL ESTIMATES. Executive departments, all branches Miscellaneous establishments, commissions. Government Printing Office, etc Total United States Government employees District of Columbia employees Grand total 60,161 2,313 62,474 3,812 66,286 $23, 118, 194 637,502 23,755,696 1,248,510 ' Subject to some modifications on account of the inclusion of part-time employees, such as charwomen, etc , For years efforts have been made to regulate child labor, and it was only recently that this House passed a child-labor bill. That measure affects the great industries of this country; it removes the long existing practice of exploitmg the child of tender years in the fac- tories, mines, and workshops of our Nation. The Members of this House believed that those children should be in school and should have the opportunity to build up their minds and bodies under health- ful conditions. Is it not equally our duty toward the low-paid Gov- ernment employee to see that he has a sufficient wage to enable him to bring up his children under decent and healthful conditions of mind and body? This measure will foster true iVmericanism and is one of the few sound measures of preparedness that the Sixty-fourth Congress has had placed before it. There may be some who will say that $3 per day is too high a rate for the men and women employed by the Goveriiment. But would they like to labor for or try to raise a family and live on that or less ? Wages of the unskilled laborers ail over the country have been 16 MINIM i"M \\A.:;i-: BILL advancing, a-ul they are not far from this rate. Strikes and walk-1 outs are taking pkce among the unorganized unskilled workers alll over the country for advances in wages to meet increased prices, and! this will continue 'until the low-paid workers in industry are given! greater consideration. The underpaid Government employees are mostly unorganized, buti even where they are organized they do not strike to have their griev- ances adjusted. They depend upon the Government or Congress toi treat them fairly; and here is our opportunity, though long delayedj to make the Government of the United States the model employer. In striking contrast with this Government's treatment of its! employees is that of Denmark, as shown hi the followbig extract] from our consul general, E. D. Winslow, at Copenhagen: [Extract from r>^port of Consul General E. D. Winslow, Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb-. 4. 1916. Printed in j Supplamant to Commerce Reports No. 4a, Mar. 29, 1916.] DENMARK. As the hardships of the war fell most heavily on those having fixed incomes and salaries, the Government has increased the salaries of its employees to meet the higher cost of living. The prifited record of the hearings l)efore the subcommittee contam a liumber of lieartrending stories of Government employees who have worked in differeit departments for a ] timber of years. They toll of their struggle for existence ; how the family has had to depend upon neighbors and others for charity, and in some instances were not able to purchase any new clothing for a period covering seven or eight years; and others testified that they had not e- tered a moving-picture show or other place of amusement hi four years. Statements were made by individuals and those representing organizations of employees of conditions in the Government service, where employees were compelled to work overtime without extra compensation; also, complaints about favoritism shown in the matter of promotions, where length of service did not receive con- sideration; of misrepresentation by correspondence schools and others of the advantages afforded the Government employee. But your committee could not consider these complaints, as the bill before it pertained only to the question of salaries, and therefore confined itself to the subject matter of the bill. It is the belief of your committee that this is the first time in the history of this Government that the true conditions as affecting the cost of living of its low-salaried employees has ever been brougfit to the attention of any committee of Congress and so thoroughly investi- gated as has been the case in this instance. The passage of this biU will have a tendency to bring into the Government service the ver}^ highest type of young men and young women to fill the vacancies in the lower grades and wiU give the Government the first choice in tlie labor market as against private employers, thus tending to make the Government service highly efficient, for, after all, well-paid workers do their work efficiently and economically. Cheap work is always poor work, and with the right standard set the Government will profit by stimulating interest on the part of its employees, o Gaylord Br Makers Syracuse, N. Y- PW. JAN. 21, 1908