495 gures s has 1 has 1 into t was Labor eches ice is e cost hould show tages. 'eased ations tated. labor of the icated causes ges is est or vested s are noney only ise in of the r cost owers nanu perate cur rhaps a em means if he ses in is exble to must 494 VEGE POTATO TURNIPE APPLES Dried, Fresh, APRICOT BANANA CITRON, CRANBE CURRAN LEMONS ORANGE PEACHE PRUNES RAISINS RAISINS RAISINS COAL: Egg, Furna Nut, Stove, WOOD: Groceri Fruit, To 1904 chan 1904 chan Columbia. We present the table, giving, in addition, comparative figures for Massachusetts founded upon the Bureau investigation in April, 1906. The United States Bureau of Labor in presenting quotations has previously given wholesale prices, but the quotations given in the preceding table are average retail prices. The Massachusetts Bureau has considered, and still considers, that the proper quotations to be taken into consideration in determining the increase in the cost of living are the retail prices paid by the consumer and not wholesale prices. We feel impelled, as a conclusion to this article, to repeat what was said in the analysis of the presentation of average retail prices in Labor Bulletin No. 41 for May of the present year: "In articles appearing in newspapers and magazines and in speeches made at political meetings and other gatherings, continual reference is made to the disproportion in percentage between the increase in the cost of living and the increase in wages. It seems to be taken for granted that if the cost of living increases, for instance, 25 per cent, wages should increase 25 per cent, but a careful consideration of the question will show that there is no real relation or connection between the two percentages. Increases in prices of the necessaries of life are caused from increased cost, from increased demand as compared with supply, from combinations raising prices, and from other causes which cannot be specifically stated. The increased cost first referred to may result from an increased labor charge, from reduction in hours, or from a comparative scarcity of the article in question. "There is no reason why the increase in wages should be indicated by the same percentage as the increase in prices. As we have shown, the increase in prices is dependent upon a number of well-defined causes and others which cannot be explicitly stated. The increase in wages is dependent upon one cause only, and that is increased net interest or profits, which latter is but a form of interest, being a return from invested money. If money is invested in a stock company, the dividends are really interest. If a man invests money in a business carried on by himself, his profits are as much interest on his investment as if the money had been invested in a company managed by other persons. The only way in which wages can be increased legitimately is by an increase in interest, which includes profits on money invested. The question of the increase of wages is not influenced by prices except so far as higher cost for materials, without a corresponding increase in selling price, lowers profits and thus renders it much harder to increase wages. From a manufacturer's point of view, increased cost of stock would naturally operate to reduce profits unless the selling price is increased. This renders curtailment in expenses, including salaries and wages, necessary, and perhaps imperative, if the business is to be continued. "If prices continue to increase, it seems inevitable that both employer and employee will be materially affected. If this increase means to the employer smaller profits or interest on his investment, he will be obliged to still further reduce his general expenses and, finally, if he wishes to continue his business, to cut down wages. In the case of the employee, if prices continue to increase and there are no increases in wages or salaries, like the employer, he will be obliged to reduce his expenses and adopt a more moderate mode of living. It is unreasonable to assume that the increase in prices can go on indefinitely and that it must be met with the same percentage of increase in wages and salaries." DIRECTORY OF EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATIONS. [NOTE. In compiling the following list of Employers' Associations in Massachusetts the Bureau has intended to include only those Associations having some relation to the employment of labor, and to exclude those organized bodies of employers whose purpose of organization is purely commercial, social, or technical. If any Association has been included which does not have any relation or dealings whatsoever with labor, we will consider it a favor if the Secretary will notify this Department to that effect. On the other hand, any omissions reported to us will be gratefully acknowledged. Although the Directory is presented by cities and towns, alphabetically arranged, the reader is directed to look under "In General" for Associations which seem general in their character and scope, and whose title is not sufficiently distinctive to classify it under any particular place.] Adams. Master Plumbers Association of Adams and Attleborough. Master House Painters and Decorators Associa- BOSTON. Boston Branch National Metal Trades Associa- Boston Tile Dealers Association. G. Waldo Crawley, Sec., 3 Somerset St. Tel. Hay. 2416. Boston Typothetœ. George W. Simonds, Sec., Thanisch, Sec., 3305 Washington St., J. P. Traiser, Sec., 125 Court St. Tel. Hay. 562. Barnes, Sec., 201 Sudbury Bldg. Tel. Hay. Employers Association. Albion P. Pease, Sec., Edwin B. Cobb, Sec., Second St., East Cam- Lumber Trade Club. J. E. F. Downes, Sec., 482 Master Builders Association. William H. Say- Master Carpenters Association. Fred W. Clarke, Master Lathers Association. Andrew W. Wood- 4753. Employers Association. George A. Denison, Sec., 310 Main St. Tel. 2095-2. Master Carpenters Association. L. P. Fletcher, Sec., 337 Worthington St. Tel. 352. Master Expressmen's Association. H. A. Johnson, Sec., 185 N. Bridge St., Merrick. Tel. 1388-1. Master Horseshoers National Protective Association. Robert Berry, Sec., 136 Allen St. Master Masons Association. W. T. Gregg, Sec., 162 Eastern Av. Tel. 440. Master Painters and Decorators Association. |