The Carlisle independent., 1921-01-06
STATE CAPITAL NEWS

1 tons III Arkansas are not nearly so favorable as they should b e, due to the cessation of industry in many lines, particularly in the lumber in- l dustry and the great slump m the price of cotton, our staple crop. From reports just compiled by the Labor Bureau covering SAP industrial plants it appears that there were 35,488 men employed on October 15,1920. Dur ing the ensuing month a total of 10,- 935 men were discharged and only 2 industries reported an increase in the number employed, this being only 556. | The total number of men employed on November 13 was 25, 5,109. During the month 119 establishments reduced the wages of their employees affecting 8 total of 9,258. During the same time 107 reduced the hours of labor affect ing 5,261 employees.
 T. A. Wilson, State Labor Commis- sioner, concluded that much better business conditions are to be expected after January 1. He believes that prices will reach lower level, possibly pre-war basis and that this will bring about a resumption of industrial activity.
 Indicative of the general condition of labor in Arkansas, the Commis- sioner makes the following state ments in his report:
 While there have been a numbc of small trikes, the number affected | as compared with the whole, is negli- gible. Industry has not been serious ly affected nor retarded. There has | been plenty of work, and with few ex- captions sufficient labor to meet the demand of employers. Wages have been good and while the cost of living has been high, the condition of the av- craze wage earner in this state will compare favorably with any other section of the country. The people are living better, demanding better liv- ing conditions, and are payng for it. "The construction of improved highways in this state has demanded large amount of labor; the lumber mills h ave been operating a greater part of the time; railroad construction work, in the way of improvements, have taken large number.
 "In the skilled trades, the demand for labor has absorbed the available | supply. A shortage in the skilled has prevailed but demand and supply have become more evenly balanced. Efficiency of labor is increasing and production per man power as re- suit has been greater As a whole, employer and employe are coming to better understanding and relations are more harmonious.
 While it is to be expected that there will b slackening up in in- dustry, and as result m any men thrown out of employment, no serious consequences is to be anticipated.
 "As a whole, the condition of the laborer in this state is good, with prospects for continued improvement.
 "The department found it impossi- ble with the means at it's disposal to collect reliable statistics of data with reference to farm or agriculture labor In the absence of better method, the commission was compelled to rely for n fn1.v of .l the newspaper and whatever knowl- edge could be acquired and absorbed1 in brief trips and travels about the state and by correspondence.
 During the planting and harvest ing periods, particularly in the cotton and rice sections, there appears to be a scarcity of available farm help in the agricultural districts. Although many sections reported suficiency of labor to meet all requirements. This is found to be the prevailing condition with each recurring season, with per haps strongly pronounced tendency during the past year.
 I NA' ioiS, Oib 1dIIll ldUOf IS stunned by the average laborer when other employment can be found. With plenty of other work available, farm help, especially by the month, has been difficult to secure. This condition is partially due to the long hours and hard wolsrequired on the farms and the poeF Accommodations provided in al- most all cases. There is lack of companionship and amusement which is heenly felt, particularly by the younger man. As a result the laborer seeks other employment where hours are shorter and where companions and variety of entertainment can be ob- tained.
 Wages by the day average from S1.50 to S3.50 depending upon the sea- son, the locality and scarcity of help. Monthly farm wages in all localities of the state have advanced considera- | abU fiJI,ipn tho v,oc+ fo,r- x,oax..