The union Democrat., 1870-03-26
The Rate Of Wages OF Farm Laborers IN
rhc United states.

the Cufted states.
J. r. Dodge. Statistician Of the Depart
ment Of Agriculture, at Washington, gives
in his last monthly report the result of an in-
Nes,igation Of the rate Of wages of farm labor.
involving data from more than half the coun-
ties in the United States-the second effort
Ia similar one having been made three years
ago) Of the kind ever systematically attempt
cd. These statistics contain many facts
which must have an especial interest for az
riculturists as well as the political economist.
The first investigation in 1866 developed
the fact that the average rate of wages in the
United States was SOC per month, without
board with board, Sl4 so. leaving $40 90
as the average allowance for board. Thirty
years ago it was estimated the pay OF farm
1aborers was 50 per mouth, with board. Ii
was also shown that while the white labor
era of this country obtained 1886, the ave-
rage English farm laborer received but SlS2,
including the value Of all the extras and al-
lowauces; and that while our labor has been
subject to competition by millions of emf
grants, its rate of reward has been gradu-
ally increasing, and the demand for it has
outrun the supply.
The present investigation shows decline
wages has not kept pace with the decline in
prices of agricultural end nearly all other
kinds of products. The agricultural laborer
for the labor which would pay for one bushel
at the close Of 1866. The average rate of
wages for all farm labor. as established in
this report. is $50 Is per month. without
board, and With board, SIS SO.
II A. of
Gus sections of the States shows that prices
the cotton profits and the more general en-
ployment of white labor; in California they
have been fully maintained the Eastern and
Middle States have fellen only trife down
the scale, while the Western States, mainly
confined to the pursuits of agriculture. have
soonest felt the effect of the decline in the vel
be Of farm products.
But a subdivision also of the Western
States shows quite difference. Thus Iowa,
with settlements and improvements rapidly
progressing. very nearly maintains the nigh
rate of 1866. Illinois, enriched by cattle
farming and pork production, stands next
upon the list. Pennsylvania, aided by its
greater variety of industries, including man.
ufacturers, shows about the same reduction
as Illinois while in Indiana and Ohio. where
the crop of wheat was 80 reduced by Winter
killing in 1866, and tho corn by drought in
1867. a greater decline is naturally shown
in wages.
Kansas and Nebraska also show q reduc
tion quite marked, but still the average rate
of wages is higher than that shown by Min
pesota, which circumstances is attributed to
the great diversity Of industries enjoyed by
the first mentioned States, whereas Minneso-
tn is mainly devoted to the cultivation of one
staple, viz. wheat. In Kansas, Nebraska,
the Pacific States. and the Rocky Mountain
Territories, overland transportation, military
occupancy, expeditions of hunters, explora-
tions Of science, railroad building. rs we'll as
mining itself, all conspire to render prosper
ous the business of agriculture. with snch ef
feet that the gold digger and silver miner re-
main poor, while the farmer and gardener
acquire wealth. In Nebraska, in 1866, Ia
Dor obtained 35 per cent. more than average
wages, and Kansas, an Older State, with
more agricultural competition, 10 per cent.
while California paid about GO per cent.
above the average rates. But three years
have done much toward making Kansas and
Nebraska agricultural States, with cores
ponding reduction in the rate of labor. The
came causes continuing. and the more distant
West becoming self-sustaining, Nj. Dodge
svers that prices must still further recede,
oven below the average rate for the country,
unless some portion of the population shall
cease to be producers and become consumers
ssnlv.
The average rate Of wages for New Eng
land as compared with the Ohio Valley (Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois). is largely in favor of
New England. Again. the average wages
OF farm labor in manufacturing districts in
New England is higher than in districts of
the same section where manufacturing towns
are few or mono at all. Which induces the
etatistician to declare that
"As pnrely industrial consideration, en-
forced by the logic of these labor returns,
this system of manifold variety Of labor, |
suited to the utilization of every original pro-
duct Of nature, and adopted to every capac-
ity, preference. age and sex is TO be recon-
mended to the South aud West, as essential
to their future growth and prosperity. Nei- |
ther exemption from taxation nor political ,
combinations of sections can avail to avert
the ultimate consequences of single course
OF exhaustive cropping, or of failure 10 use
the untold wealth of nature which God has
scattered in rich profusion, and to employ the
various capabilities of human dexterity and
strength which are so often left to the disor-
gsnization and decay of idleress ard disuse."
The difference between wages with and
without hoard is slightly less than the invee-
tigation three years ago, except in the South
ern States. California and few of the North
ern States. es.-Bostca Journal.
A Coon ONE.-In an article upon the pro-
hla vra rc;tu IF iea durinv tho ne ut simmer
the Hartford Post tells the following capital
story:
A good many years ago, when ice in sum-