The Indiana State sentinel., 1879-09-10
THE COST OF LIVING.

chief concern is the cost OF living, and this
anxiety is increased as the summer advances
toward autumn and autumn to winter. The
summer Is past; we are now in the early
days of September; summer ingers;- but,
presto! the frosts may be down upon US any
morning. The season is fruitful OF wants.
1t is the season for fires and an
increased demand for fuel. 1t is
season for warmer clothing from shoes
to hat. 1t is season when provisions cost
more than during the summer, and more is
demanded. 1t is not strange. therefore. that
prudent people, with moderate and limited
incomes, are anxious about the cost of liv-
ing. Many are out of work, or are earning
meager wages, and the immediate future is
full of uncertainties. What is to be done?
1t occurs to US that the situation demands
that it should be looked at squarely, and met
courageously. Suppose that every fam
lily Of limited means takes an
inventory Of cash on hand and probable in
come for the next 80 days. Suppose we
estimate wages ranging from IS cents to
$1.50 per day-75 cents, 81, $1.25, 81. 1.50-the
average would be $1.12X. Ninety days
would give an income of SOL 25. If sin.
gle person, he or her, might get along well
enough a man and wife might live comfort.
ably by economy; but the average family of
five persons-two adults and three children,
the youngsters ranging in years from three
to 10. two of school age-changes the out
look. Then what? Not only economy, but
rigid economy, consummate tact, skillful
management, careful purchasing-and only
such things as are of prime necessity-no
street railway rides, no beer, no cigars
every nickel represents q loaf of bread
no new clothes, IL the old ones can be
mended and brushed up. Winter, cruel and
cold, is coming. To withstand Its blasts,
to meet Its demands, to keep it from enter
ing a thousand homes where it will stand
ready to enter IL any point is left unpro-
tected. demands vigilance, thoughtfulness,
prudence, economy, and the preparations
should begin at once. Delays are always
dangerous, and never more 30 than in pre-
pairing for the rigors of winter. A family of
five, If they have three meals day, is equal
to 15 meals. Estimated at five cents each,
requires rs cents a day for food. II food is
purchased in small quantities the amount
will barely be sufficient, butt certain stand
ard articles are purchased tor q weeks or
months supply, something better may be
done-ssy so cents day. In that event $45
would purchase provisions for 80 days,
leaving $50. .25 on hand. Then there Ii rent
to pay. Suppose We calculate the expsndi-
ture upon four amounts, as the monthly
rent-$6. IS, $40. $l2--this would give an
average of 30 per month; but we will assume
that 81 per month is the average. This will
require $21 for the 80 days living-$35. .25
of the $101.25. II we estimate the fuel at 10
cents day we have left $26.25. or about %
cents q day, for every other nee ssity. There
may be sickness in the family-days in
which labor can not be performed, and other
unfavorable contingencies may arise
to reduce the income or increase the ex-
penses. At any rate. we are right in saying
that the most psinstaking economy is de.
msnded, and without 1t there will be suffer.
| ing in indianapolis before the ides of March.
Hence 1t Is well enough to discuss such SUBJ
| jects to think about them, to see where a
dime or Q nickel can be saved, for money
saved is money earned. BY taking
care OF the cents people take care OF
the dollars. Besides, this is business
in small way, just as business is transacted
in large way. Let it be understood that
the price OF bacon is one-eighth Of cent
per pound cheaper in Cincinnati than in
Indianapolis, and all the large orders will
go to Cincinnati: and this is true Of all the
great commodities OF commerce. 1t is also
true of transportation. If one road cuts
prices ever so little, it defects shipments al
once. Great operators in business look care
fully for the nickels and even small fractions
of nickels, and hence persons of small
incomes who think Of the cost Of living
must if they would not suffer, see to Il
that every cent does its full share OF the
work In making both ends meet. Suct
ordeals have their advantages as well as in
conveniences. They teach economy; the.
make people practical; they promote thrift
and often lay the foundations Of stately for
i. tunes. We throw out these hints for tn
benefit of those who have not devoted specis
/ attention to analyzing difficult problem
. connected with the cost of living.