The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-06

Bureau OF Labor has been making an inves-
tigation OF that subject, and its estimate is
10 per cent. higher than they were in 1884,
1895 and 1856 and 10 or u per cent. above
the wages OF 1890, when they were higher
than at any previous time in our history,
How about the cost of living? Has not
that also increased"
Yes replied the secretary. 1.-The Bu-
reau of Labor has investigated that subject
and II linds that the average cost of living
of 1902 over that of $780, the country over,
had increased S.3 per cent. The investiga-
ton was based on the increase in the retail
prices OF food on an estimated amount used
by each family"
Can you give the costs in different parts
OF the country
Yes" said the secretary of commerce
ana labor he picked UP "a report and
went over the figures. The average cost
of food per family estimated by averaging
2.5C1 families in different parts of the
United States was S344.61 each. In the
North Atlantic States the average in round
numbers was 500 per family and in the
South Atlantic States 1912 per family. In
the Western States II was 1922 and in the
South Central States. 1910. These figures
are based entirely on the retail prices of
food and are believed to be fairly repre-
sentative of its actual cost to the working
man..
THE SYNDICATES AND TRUSTS.
What is your department doing as to
the great combinations of capital?"
THE Bureau of Corporations" replied
Secretary Cortelyou, has been gathering
from all sources the information already
available as to the various combinations
of capital which come within its jurisdic-
ton. 1t is compiling that information and
studying it in order TO define the scope
of its inquiries for more specific informa-
ton from such corporations or combina-
TONS.
will the information the department
gathers be confidential or will ii be printed
so that all may know just how the va
rious corporations stand?"
Some of the information of a general
nature will be published and distributed,
but as TO certain specific information re-
latlng TO particular corporations the act
creating the department expressly pro-
vides that it is gathered for the purpose of
enabling the President TO make recon-
mendations to Congress for needed legis-
lation. Such information will be neces-
sarily confidential as far as the Department
or Commerce and Labor is concerned. 1t
VIII be gathered in the public interest, but
none OF IL can be published except at the
express direction of the President"
But. Mr.. Cortelyou, many people look
upon your department as the watch dog
OF the investor and stockholder?" said l.
congress did not specify any class as
one In whose interest the bureau is Gre
ated-whose watch dog Ii shall be- It's
duties are plainly defined and will be per-
formed with impartiality, without regard
10 10 special interests. and for the benefit of
viii it make our financial conditions
more stable?" | asked
Yes, replied Secretary Cortelyou 81
think there is no doubt but that the work
OF the Bureau of Corporations will have
Steadying influence on financial conditions.
1t will disseminate actual knowledge of
general corporate affairs and this will
largely eliminate the fear and uncertainty
which are so often disturbing factors in
the financial and industrial world
The conversation here turned to CONNER
cial matters, and / asked Secretary Cortel-
you to tell something about our bust
ness abroad. He replied
Our foreign trade is in a very satisfac-
tory condition. We exported more goods