New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-18
WAGES eLrrTYe AND THE CHURCH.


dusty Of the people it ignores its duty. But
when it undertakes to teach OF the business ana
industry of the people it dsgraces ITSELF ana ae-
stroys its influence for good if it dos not tell
the truth. At the Methodist Ecumenical Con-
ference ON Friday, social problems being under
discussion. statements were made by some men,
bers which displayed alarming ignorance 1t Is
true that the discussion was opened by the Hon.
Alden Speare, of Boston, in paper which was
full of instructive truth. Among other things
he said:
Tho protective line legislation for the wage earn
ers has been greatly advantageous TO them III ,he
United States and has contributed more than anything
else to what VIC now ind-a people unexceieo III ui'
the opportunities for useful and wellpad employment
where the price of the days labor will purchase more
food and implements OF husbandry and, In fact moro
of the essentials necessary for the sustenanco alu
comfort of the wageearners than In any othcr part oi
the world. 1t Is Acknowledged faet tnac ne
ayerase pay of the wage Garner in America Is 80 10
100 per cent more than In England Ireland or SCOT
land, and nearly or quito 2oO per ccnV oro 'nan VII
the continent Of Europe.
These were statements which went to the root
of the matter, and if true, made it the duty OF
every Christian Church to uphold and sanction
the LEGISLATION which so greatly benefits the
other course would be admissible if these state
ments were true the Rev. DR.. Worthlngton' Oh
England, asserted that wages among the iaoor-
ing classes in America were not materially great
er than in England but their expenses were
much greatern Did he tell the truth? Ii 80,
what means the exodus of British workingmen,
who come by the ten thousand every year from
Great Britain to this country? Does he cheat
himself with the notion that this army OF labor
ers arc defrauded and deceived by their friends
and relations who have previously come to this
country. and who write to the old homes regard
ing their wages and expenses? 1t is not neces-
sary to quote statistics from eminent authorities
on both sides of the ocean, which show that
wages are, as Mr.. Speare had stated, nearly
twice as much per week or per month In this
country as in Great Britain for the same employ
ment, and that the cost OF living in this coun-
try, the same articles being purchased for the
family, is much less here than in Great Brit
ain. But if Dr. Worthington imagines that his
unsupported assertion will suffice to destroy con-
fdence in the work of the ablest economists OF
Great Britain as we'll as of the United States, he
is not fit for his place.
Next came DR.. Inch, of Canada, who said
that in this country and Canada there is scarce
ly an article of general consumption, even in the
poorest households, from the simplest food and
clothing of the infant to the caskets which in
close the bodies of the dead, that has not been
levied upon by syndicates and close corpora
tons" This gentleman cannot be excused on
the plea of ignorance. lie must be aware that
no combination controls the price of wheat, corn,
oats, milk, butter, cotton cloth, shoes or thou
sand other articles important in the consump-
| ton of every household. Does he imagine that
he is doing the Masters work in uttering state
ments which would deceive every nearer or
| reader who believes themp
1t is cheering and wholesome sign when a
Church recognizes the relations of Christian OBJ
| legation and duty to the work and business OF
the world. No Church can get hold of the mill
ions, influence their lives or reach their hearts,
which does not expand its teachings to appeal
to their daily necessities and lives. But a
| Church which treats of these subjects only to
borrow the knavish demagogism of ignorant or
| dishonest political agitators will not convince
men that it has divine authority. 1t would have
| been better for the Methodist Conference if its
discussion had ceased with the capable paper
| by which it was introduced.