The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-09-15
FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER Is. 1899.
SIGNIFICANT EACTs.

In a bulletin just issued by Mr. john
McMackin. Commissioner OF Labor Sta
tistics Tor the state of New York. it is
shown that the Improvement I'm industrial
conditions which began with the large
expectation OF grain in 1896, and first mani
Tested itself among industrial enterprises
IN the iron and steel industry several
months ago. has now made itself felt in
nearly al industries.
The Commissioner SAYS that this fact
IS demonstrated in the returns made 10
him by the various labor organizations Of
New York for the quarter ended June So
1899
II is shown in these reports that 1o7
per cent Of the Union members We're uu-
employed al the end of June. as com
pared with POI per cent. at the correspond
ing date in lNs and ISL in 1897
More significant stnl is the exhibit as
to prolonged idleness For example in
the second quarter Of 1897 Of the whole
number Of union members reported. H.
per cent were unemployed during the en-
tire three months; I'm the second quarter
Of 1895 this proportion had fallen 90 G per
cent, and in the second quarter of ls9s
10 SO per cent
But this Is not all Il IS further shown
That in nearly an the important trades
there have been very considerable adj
vances in wages over the corresponding
period last year and over the first quarter
OF 1890
Another good sign that the commission
er reports Is the increase in building opc-
rations. In New York. Brooklyn and
Rochester the increase IN the number Of
building permits issued ana estimated
cost Of such building in 1899 as COM
pared with lS9S amounts 10 nearly 80 per
cent
II further appears from the statistics OF
immigration az the port Of New York that
the tide Of immigi alton is rapidly rising.
tho Increase in the number OF immigrants
arriving at New York IN the quarter end
ing June 90. 1890. was 30 S76. or Sc DER
cent. over the corresponding period OF last I
year
in this connection note a significant /
rise in the price of commodities as re. /
ported in the current issue OF Bradstreets 1
This publication publishes from time 10 4
time a table Of Index numbers" which ,
indicate the average Of prices. The in-
oex number for July l. 1896. was Ge2.
while that for Septembcr /. 1880. was
s4.'S4 This advance has been very sharp
OF late. The approximate index number
Tor September ]. 1880 showed "a gain of
per cent. over the August lst number.
gain Of nearly per cent over January ].
1859 Of 10 per cent. over September 1st
year ago and Of 2s per cent over July /.
lSss
Every group OF staples. says Brad-
streets, save one advanced. the increases
being relatively most notable in Tie cases
of provisions and groceries. raw ana man-
nfactured textiles. hides and leather. dried
fruits and miscellaneous products
The general level OF breadstuns prices
Is higher FOR the month Only Is staples.
one sixth Of ALL showed a decrease during
ma month.
Another table is printed making com.
PARSONS with September. 1865 and shows
mat quite two-thirds OF am staples are
higher now than they we're a year ago.
Something has been said OF late about
ne low price Of farm products. yet we
ind IN the list Of articles showing an inc
'rease OF price wheat. corn. rye. boeves.
iogs. milk eggs. hams. lard. butter
heese. peas potatoes hides. cotton. WOOL
Temp. juie. fax. turpentne. tar yellow
'ine and hay.
Positively notable IN the list Of ad-
'anoes. as compared with year ago"
avs Bradstreet's, "are live cattle. an
lasses OF dairy products. wheat and corn
nd rye among cereals. all classes OF
Ilees and leather every kind Of raw and
Manufactured textiles. practically an
inds OF metals. except aluminium and Sin. ,
er, coal and coke. petroleum. most vege-
q bic oils and all classes Of building mate .
ials." ,
''Ail bu, silver is significant.
II II necessary 10 point out the lesson G
'fiich these figures carry with them? La a
oregs are practically all employed and I
advanced wages. building operations In y
'sv York have doubled. and active de- O