New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-07-12
Investigating Commission
Trying to Find Answer
to Salary Problem.
GATHERING FACTS
ABOUT EMPLOYEES
Replies May Show Employers
Favor That Minimum Wage
Be Fixed by Law.

AiNAf NAA0AA man VI Al4t new lOIh oNdAS
Factory Investigating Commission, has
sent out letter and list OF questions
on the wage problem 10 owners Of
factories. The letter reads as follows:
The New York State Factory In
ves'igating Commission was author
i7ed " the Legislature 10 inquire into
rate. of wages in the different in
dust es Of the state, and to make such
recc' 1mendations for wage legislation
as ght be found advisable. The COM
mis- ION was specifically requested to
report upon the advisability of having
tha state fix minimum rates of wages
for workers.
For the last year we have been en-
gagged in making a comprehensive in
Vestigation of wages in several in
dustries. Our statistics have not yet
been completely tabulated, but in many
cases we have found wages TO be very
low
"The question arises as to what
remedy, Il any, shall be adopted. We
have prepared the questions on the
wage problem hereto annexed so as TO
Obtain the views and suggestions of a
number Of representative persons. The
commission hopes that you will give
'thEe questions careful consideration
M that YOU will answer them as fully
NJ completely as you can. citing IL
lus rations if possible from occupa-
ITO with which you are familiar. You
mi5 change the form of the questions
ornay make any suggestions that are
covered by them. The commission
WI appreciate it if you will send IN
your answers TO its Office, 40 Broad
way. as soon as possible.
Asking these questions does not
mean that the commission has decided
upon anv plan of legislation or IS in
favor Of or opposed to the establish
ment OF minimum wage.
What factors determine the rates OF
wages which any one individual
worker or different groups OF workers
receive?
The following have been suggested;
The efficiency Of the worker the needs
OF the individual or of the famll y,
the needs Of pin money workers, the
mode or standard Of living, the danger
and difficulty of the occupation, the
regularity OF the work, the chance Of
success or advancement, local or rade
traditions, the number OF workers
available organization of the workers,
organization Of the employers, the
size Of the profits.
please number these in order OF
their importance, striking out those
YOU consider unimpOrtant and adding
any others you desire. Please discuss
these facts as fully as possible.
DO YOU believe that wages as de-
termined by these factors tend gener-
ally 10 equal what is desirable and
practicable from the point Of view OF
society as whole?
If YOU believe No. TO be true
ir general, are there any particular
industries or groups Of workers that
Tor special reasons are an exception 70
j.? II so, mention any such and state
why they are exceptional.
IT you believe present wages IN
general or for any particular groups
% workers are inadequate, how can
tnev be raised? BY governmental
action? By what other agency and
how?
IF governmental action is desirable
j. the best form the establishment
Of minimum wage the amount to
be determined for different industries,
after investigation by some administra-
tive body? II not, what other gov
ernmental action. IS available and how
can il be secured?
"A full statement Of your reasons
for or against the establishment OF a
minimum wage, as indicated, Would
b. greatly appreciated.
If the establishment OF minimum
vsce is desirable should its application
be limited 70 women and minors why
or YOU believe in the establishment
h. fal
action. what administration agency
SHOULD fix the minimum? How should
such body be composed numbers and
personnel? How chosen and ap-
Ioi,ted? How financed Appropriation,
salaries, expenses, services. etc. what
mowers as subpoena, administration
o. oath. right 70 enter, examine books
etc. should be granted? Upon what
grounds should Investigations De
Initiated? Should the minimum wage
when declared be made compulsory, or
- not. how shall observance be Sc
c,red2 What limitations, II any,
should be imposed upon its rulings :
should there be any subordinate ad-
,.ieory body )as the wage boards for
srecial industries in Massachusetts, :
Tlow should such advisory body or wage
hoard be constituted? How chosen and
s,nointed? What should be its func-
Mons What compensation, II any,
,hoYld be given members?
"Whst effect would minimum wage
hive On the employer or industry al
fected7 On the worker affected Oh
sr, particular classes Of eithey? On
The liocrtv o. action Of the workers
on Ne opportunity Of obtaining a
, ,gher wage than the minimum? On
ne WORKER who are inefficient or in
competent? On the regularity Of en-
rloyment? On the price Of the product
o. the industry affected.
III an employer. please state "nat
.ou believe would be it's effect IN your
particular business, mentioning what