Cornell University Library HD6993.M4A5 1922 ... Report of the special Commission on 3 1924 002 330 987 Massachusetts. Goraraission on the Necessaries of life. Report of the special Commission on the Necessaries of Life. THE LIBRARY OF THE NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR RELATIONS AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924002330987 HOUSE No. 1400 iREPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON THE NECESSARIES OE LIEE January, 1922 BOSTON . WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS 32 DERNB S-tREET 1)9^1 Cjbe Commontuealtti of a^assacbudetts. Jam. 3, 1922. To the General Court of Massachusetts. In accordance with the provisions of chapter 325 of the Acts of 1921, an act to extend the term of service of the Massa- chusetts Commission on the Necessaries of Life, we have the honor to transmit the following report. E. C. HULTMAN, Chairman, CHARLES H. ADAMS, ADNAH NEYHART, Commissioners. BERNARD P. SCANLAN, Secretary. CONTENTS Law re-establishing the Commission Section I. Summary of Activities Fuel . . Statistics . Unfair Practice Taxes on Coal . Anthracite QuaKty Retail Anthracite Price and Supply Import Duty on Crude Petroleum Oil Ice ..... Milk Ice Cream and Soft Drinks Laundries .... Lunch Rooms .... Threatened Railroad Strike Cost of Living Index Shelter Personnel and Financial Statement Section II .... . Chapter I. General Considerations Law of Supply and Demand Industrial Rehabilitation . Increase of Productivity Currency and Credit Conditions Curtailment of Extravagant Expenditures and Demand Exports and Imports Chapter II. Price Movements Wholesale Prices Retail Prices Wages Salaries Shelter . Section III . Chapter I. Cost of Living Chapter II. Household Budgets Introductory Classification Distribution of Income Food .... Shelter .... Clothing Operating Expenses Advancement Savings Conclusion CONTENTS. FACE Section IV. Food .... MUk Meat ..... Cold-storage Holdings Fish Section V. Shelter Present Situation Home Ownership Co-operative Ownership . Discrimination against Children New Construction . Application of Emergency Rent Laws Representative Housing Complaints Future Prospect Section VI. Clothing Boots and Shoes Section VII. Fuel Coal Anthracite Production Transportation Receipts and Distribution Bituminous Production . Records . Oil Section VIII. Sundries . Section IX. The Situation Profiteering .... Non-Productive Expenses Labor ..... Retail Prices .... Thrift Future Outlook Section X. Recommendations Shelter Continuation of Chapter 257, General Acts of 1919 Continuation and Amendment of Chapter 677, Acts of 1920 Repeal or Amendment of Chapter 578, Acts of 1920 Bonds in Appeal of Summary Eviction Cases Co-operative Building or Ownership Plan under Supervision of Bank Commissioner ...... Designation of State Agency during Housing Emergency Coal Appropriation by Legislature to Division of Industrial Co-operation and Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for Study of Coal Problems .93 State Agency to continue Compilation and Publication of Receipts, Stocks, etc., of Fuel 94 Food 94 Control of Re-sale Price ........ 94 Investigation by Department of Agriculture on Need for Publicly Maintained Slaughterhouses 95 Cost of Living Curve ......... 95 State Agency to continue Compilation and Publication of Cost of Living Index Figures 95 CONTENTS Section X. Recommendations — Con. Emergency Measures ........ Appointment by Governor of Administrators to cover Emergency Periods ......... Appendix I. Cost of Living Curve .... Statistical Method and Tables of Proportions and Prices Allocation of Elements in Budget Food Index ....... Table 1. — Allocation of Commodity Weightings in the Food Index . . .... Table 2. — List of Commodities in Combinations included in the Food Index ....... Shelter Index ....... Clothing Index ........ Table 3. — Allocation of Weightings in the Clothing Index Fuel, Heat and Light Index ..... Table 4. — Allocation of Weightings in the Fuel Index Sundries Index . ...... Table 5. — Allocation of Weightings in the Sundries Index Index Numbers ....... Table 6. — Index Numbers of Cost of Living, 1910 to December 1921 Table 7. — Index Numbers of Combined Food Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 8. — Index Numbers of Shelter Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 . Table 9. — Index Numbers of Combined Clothing Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 10. — Index Numbers of Combined Fuel Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 . . . . Table 11. — Index Numbers of Combined Prices of Sundries, 1910 to December, 1921 Foods .... ... Table 12. — Wholesale Prices of Carcass Beef in Boston, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 13. — Index Numbers of Combined Meat Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 Retail and Relative Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 14. — Sirloin Steak . . . Table 15. — Rump Steak Table 16. — Chuck Roast .... Table 17. — Round Steak Table 18. — Fancy Brisket Table 19. — Fresh Pork Loins Table 20. — Ham, Whole Table 21. — Bacon, Whole Table 22. — Salt Pork Table 23. — Lamb, Hindquarters Table 24. — Veal . Table 25. — Fowl, Western .... Table 26. — Salt Cod Table 27. — Haddock Table 28. — Eggs, Fresh Western . Table 29. — Milk Table 30. — Butter, Good Creamery Table 31. — Cheese, Mild CONTENTS. Appendix I. Cost of Living Curve — Con. Statistical Method and Tables of Proportions and Prices — Com. Retail and Relative Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 — Con. Table 32. — Lard, Leaf Table 33. — Tea, Formosa Oolong . Table 34. — Coffee, Mocha and Java Table 35. — Sugar, Granulated Table 36. — Molasses Table 37. — Flour, Bread, Short Patent Table 38. — Cornmeal, Yellow Table 39. — Bread Table 40. — Rice . Table41. — Potatoes, White . Table 42. — Onions Table 43. — Canned Tomatoes Table 44. — Canned Peas Table 45. — Canned Com ^ Table 46. — Evaporated Apples Table 47. — Dried Prunes Table 48. — Vinegar Table 49. — Dried Beans Table 50. — Rolled Oats Shelter . . ... Table 51. — Number of Homes, classified according to Proprietor- ship and Encumbrance by Divisions and States, 1920 Table 62. — Per Cent Distributiori of Homes according to Pro- prietorship and Encumbrance by Divisions and States, 1920, 1910 and 1900 ... ..... Table 53. — Analysis of 15,342 Boston Rent Committee Cases . Clothing . . • . Table 54. — Index Numbers of Men's Clothing Prices combined, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 55. — Retail Prices of Blue Serge Suits, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 56. — Retail Prices of Men's Furnishings, 1910 to 1920 Table 56A. — Retail Prices of Men's Furnishings, January to December, 1921 Table 57. — Index Numbers of Women's Clothing Prices com- , bined, 1910 to December, 1921 ..... Table 58. — Retail Prices of Women's Corsets, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 59. — Prices of Blue Serge Suiting, 1910 to December, 1921 Table 60. — Hide, Leather and Shoe Prices Fuel . . . Table 61. — Comparative Population, Number of Dealers and Deliveries of Domestic Anthracite Coal in Representative Cities and Towns of Massachusetts Table 62. — Receipts of Domestic Anthracite Coal and Stocks on Hand by Months in 1920 and 1921 Table 63. — Receipts and Stocks on Hand of Domestic Anthracite Coal by Months in 1920 and 1921 in Metropolitan Boston Table 64. — Prices of Company Coal F. O. B. Mines Table 65. — Transportation Rates to Boston Table 66. — Retail Prices, Stove Coal, Boston, 1910 to December 1921 120 121 121 122 122 123 123 124 124 125 125 126 126 127 127 128 128 129 129 130 130 131 132 134 134 135 136 136 137 138 138 139 140 140 141 141 142 142 143 CONTENTS. Appendix I. Cost of Living Curve — Con. Statistical Method and Tables of Proportions and Prices — Con. Fuel — Con. Table 67. — New England Anthracite Tide and Rail Receipts Table 68. — New England Bituminous Tide and Rail Receipts Table 69. — Bituminous Exports and New England Receipts Table 70. — Bituminous Tidewater Shipments and New England Receipts ......... Table 71. — New England Importations of Mineral Crude Oil Table 72. — Massachusetts Anthracite Tide Receipts Table 73. — Massachusetts Bituminous Tide Receipts Table 74. — Boston Anthracite Tide and Rail Receipts Table 75. — Boston Bituminous Tide and Rail Receipts Table 76. — Retail Prices of Kerosene Oil, 1910 to December, 1921 Sundries .......... Table 77. — • Retail and Relative Ice Prices, 1910 to December, 1921 Appendix II. Miscellaneous Reports ...... No. 1. Report on Proposed Import Duty on Foreign Petroleum Oil No. 2. Report on Recent Pennsylvania Tax Laws on Anthracite Coal No. 3. Report on the Domestic Fuel Situation in the Commonwealth on July 1, 1921 No. 4. Report on the Domestic Fuel Situation in the Commonwealth on Nov. 1, 1921 No. 5. Report on the Domestic Fuel Situation in the Commonwealth on Jan. 1, 1922 , . . ■. .... No. 6. Boston City Council Resolution regarding Milk, and Reply of the Commission ... ... No. 7. Laundry Investigation and Finding of the Attorney-General relative to the Jurisdiction of the Commission Appendix III. Financial Statement to Jan. 1, 1922 .... Diagrams : No. I. No. II. No. III. No. IV. No. V. No. VI. No. VII. No. VIII. No. IX. No. X. No. XI. No. XII. Gold Stocks and Money in Circulation in the United States 1910-21 31 United States Import Trade, 1919-21 . . 35 United States Export Trade, 1919-21 .... 36 Indices: Major Elements, Cost of Living, 1910-21 . . 44 Purchasing Power of the Dollar, 1913-21 .... 45 Wholesale Prices in Currency, 1913-21 . . . 46 Wholesale Prices in Dollars, 1917-21 . . 47 Steak, Round and Chuck, Retail Prices, 1910-21 . • . 58 Ham, Whole, Wholesale and Retail Prices, 1910-21 . . 60 Anthracite Coal (Stove Size) Wholesale and Retail Prices, 1910-21 . . 77 Transportation of Anthracite Coal to New England, 1916-21 79 Transportation of Bituminous Coal to New England, 1916-21 81 143 144 144 145 146 146 146 147 147 148 148 149 149 153 160 162 163 166 170 177 Cl)e Commontoieaitt) oe e^anmcWfizm, AUTHORIZATION. Chapter 325, Acts of 1921. An Act providing for the appointment of a special commission on THE necessaries OF LIFE. Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its pur- pose, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience. Be it enacted, etc., as follows: Section 1. There is hereby established for the term of one year, be- ginning May first, nineteen hundred and twenty-one, and ending April thirtieth, nineteen hundred and twenty-two, a special commission to be known as the Commission on the Necessaries of Life, to consist of three members to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the council. The governor shall designate one member of the commission to act as chairman and fuel administrator, and the person so designated shall have authority to act for the commission when the commission is not in session. The chairman shall receive such compensation not exceeding five thousand dollars per annum as shall be fixed by the governor and council, but the other members of the commission shall serve without com- pensation. Section 2. It shall be the duty of the commission to study and investi- gate the circumstances affecting the prices of fuel and other commodities which are necessaries of life. The commission may inquire into all matters relating to the production, transportation, distribution and sale of the said commodities, and into all facts and circumstances relating to the cost of production, wholesale and retail prices and the method pursued in the con- duct of the business of any persons, firms or corporations engaged in the production, transportation, or sale of the said commodities, or of any busi- ness which relates to or affects the same. It shall also be the duty of the said commission to study and investigate the circumstances affecting the charges for rent of property used for living quarters, and in such investiga- tion the commission may inquire into all matters relating to charges for rent. The said commission shall be furnished with suitable quarters in the state house. Section 3. The commission shall have authority to give hearings, to administer oaths, to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and documents and other papers, and to employ counsel. Witness summonses may be issued by any member of the com- 12 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. 1922. mission and shall be served in the same manner &s summonses for witnesses in criminal cases issued on behalf of the commonwealth, and all provisions of law relative to summonses issued in such cases shall apply to summonses issued imder this act so far as they are applicable. Any justice of the supreme judicial court or of the superior court may, upon application of the commission, compel the attendance of witnesses and the giving of testimony before the commission in the same manner and to the same extent as before the said courts. The commission may employ such agents, inspectors, investigators and clerical and other assistants as may be neces- sary and as may be approved by the governor and council; and for the compensation of employees and for other necessary expenses may expend such sums from the unexpended balance heretofore appropriated for the use of the; commission on necessaries of life appointed imder chapter three hundred and forty-one of the General Acts of nineteen hundred and nine- teen and from the unexpended balance appropriated for the expenses of fuel administration pursuant to chapter six hundred and ten of the acts of nineteen hundred and twenty as shall be approved by the governor and council. The transfer of the unexpended balance appropriated as aforesaid for the expenses of fuel administration is hereby authorized. Section 4. The commission shall investigate aU complaints made to it, and may pubUsh its findings. It shall keep in touch with the work of federal and municipal and other agencies dealing with the necessaries of life, and give them such assistance as it deems advisable, and may invoke the aid of said agencies and of civic and other organizations. Section 5. The commission shall make a report to the general court not later than the first Wednesday of January, nineteen hundred and twenty-two. Section 6. The powers and duties of the commission on the necessaries of life appointed under chapter three hundred and forty-one of the General Acts of nineteen hundred and nineteen and of the fuel administrator ap- pointed under chapter three hundred and forty-two of the General Acts of nineteen hundred and seventeen and chapter six hundred and ten of the acts of nineteen hundred and twenty shall terminate on May first, nineteen hundred and twenty-one, and all the books, records and other papers of the said commission and of the said fuel administrator shall be turned over to the commission and the fuel administrator appointed under the terms of this act. Section 7, Chapters three hundred and forty-one and three himdred and sixty-five of the General Acts of nineteen hundred and nineteen and chapter six hundred and twenty-eight of the acts of nineteen hundred and twenty are hereby repealed. Section 8. So much of this act as relates to the appointment and quali- fication of the members of the new commission on the necessaries of life and to the designation of a new fuel administrator shall take effect upon its passage ; and aU other provisions shall take effect upon such appointment and qualification, but not earlier than May first in the current year. [Ap- proved April 27 , 1921. REPORT OP THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON THE NECESSARIES OP LIPE. SECTION I. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES. The Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life was continued by chapter 325, Acts of 1921, for a period of one year from May 1, 1921. Under this act the office of Fuel Administrator was merged with the Commission, and the chairman was designated to act as Fuel Administrator. The duties and powers of the Commission remained practically un- changed, but the chairman was the sole paid member. The Governor reappointed as members, Eugene C. Hultman of Quincy, chairman and Fuel Administrator; Charles H. Adams of Melrose; and Adnah Neyhart of Framingham. At various times since the Declaration of Independence the Massachusetts Legislature has established special commissions and committees to investigate the high cost of living. The Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life, established in accordance with the provisions of chapters 341 and 365, General Acts of 1919, and chapter 628, Acts of 1920, trans- mitted reports to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1920 (House, Nos. 1500 and 1832) and in January, 1921 (House, No. 1260). During the past year the Commission has assumed that the people desired current information as well as study of cir- cumstances affecting the cost of the commodities commonly known as the necessaries of life. As the Commission is the only existing public , agency concerned with such matters it has continued its administrative duties in connection with the adjustment of rents throughout the Commonwealth. The policy of the Commission has been to regard itself strictly as a fact-finding agency and not a price-fixing board. As the Commission represented the public, facts which it has gathered have always been available, and information has been disseminated from time to time concerning prices charged for 14 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. various commodities, as well as the market conditions and the housing situation. The Commission has endeavored to advise the public of the cost and selling price of commodities which are necessaries, and concerning abnormally large profits in certain lines of business or industry. In this way the people of the Common- wealth are given the facts from a disinterested body in order that they may govern their purchases accordingly, and the facts suggest possible opportunities to our citizens for engaging in the more profitable lines of endeavor. It appears that the public are increasingly interested in this policy of the Commission; also, it is evident that in some cases the public govern their purchases to a considerable extent according to the information furnished by the Com- mission. The Commission has not received direct criticism of its policy in this respect, even by those engaged in the more profitable lines of business which it has investigated. At this time the Commission desires to express its appreci- ation of the inestimable assistance received from the news- papers, as publicity has been the principal agency in advising the people of the facts. Fuel. Statistics. The Commission has continued its collection and publication of coal statistics. It has mailed to every retail dealer in the State, wherever possible without divulging trade secrets to competing dealers, statistical information concerning production at the mines, movement to Massachusetts, and stocks on hand in the primary markets as well as in the State and in different municipalities. An increasing demand for these statistics has been shown by wholesale and retail dealers, and their apprecia- tion of the value of this information has been expressed to the Commission. Detailed statements have also been supplied on request to various Federal agencies, viz., United States Geo- logical Survey, United States Railroad Administration, United States Army First Corps Area, Federal Reserve Bank, and many industrial trade and civic associations. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 15 Compilation of New England coal statistics is made possible by the co-operation, freely given, of the six New England railroads, about one hundred tidewater correspondents located at every New England port, and retail coal dealers of Massa- chusetts. The Commission desires to express appreciation for the valuable assistance in this work which it has received from these agencies. Unfair Practice. The Commission has reported to the Federal Trade Com- mission the unfair practice of the Hudson Coal Company in charging a higher price at the mine for coal to be delivered to Massachusetts than to the Northwest and Canada. We are advised by the Federal Trade Commission that they will make a thorough investigation of this matter. Taxes on Coal. The matter of special taxes levied by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on anthracite coal has been taken up by the Commission with our Attorney-General, and through him with the Attorneys-General of New England and New York, who are now considering what legal action can be taken to protect the people of this section of the country against a repetition of the collection from our people of money assessed for an illegal tax, as has already occurred twice before, viz., in 1913 and 1915. At least, money so collected should not remain in the pocket of the coal trade after the tax has been declared unconstitutional. This method of taxing the export of a natural resoiu:ce from one State to another has a fundamental importance which cannot be overestimated. The grounds upon which the former taxes were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and upon which the present action brought in that State is based, is simply that the tax on anthracite coal alone is discriminatory. Apparently this objection would be met to the satisfaction of the courts, and possibly the incentive removed for the anthracite operators to test its constitu- tionality, if this tax were made to apply to both anthracite and bituminous coal. If such a method of taxation can be applied under the United States Constitution, then all States, 16 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. not having coal deposits or other means of natural power, will be at the 'mercy of the States which have these natural resources. States with coal deposits can tax the coal as they see fit in order that their own industries may be relieved from other taxation. In the long run, such a method of taxation as this would lead to the confiscation of all industries requiring power from States not having natural power resources within their limits. The amount of power used per wage earner in our industries must increase tremendously in the near fut-ure if we are to meet foreign competition without bringing our workers down to an unbearably low-standard of living, as no tariff legislation can take care of both differentials against us on labor and foreign exchange. A copy of a memorandum prepared for the Attorneys-General of New England and New York on this subject is appended hereto. (Appendix II, Report No. 1.) Anthracite Quality. The Commission, during the last session of the Legislature, advised against the pg,ssage of a State statute regulating the quality of anthracite coal, the principal reason being that there was danger of discrimination by the operators against a single State having such a law. At the suggestion of the Fuel Administrator, Representative Luce of Massachusetts has introduced a bill in Congress providing for the standardi- zation of the quality of anthracite coal before it leaves the mines. Retail Anthracite Price and Supply. Last winter great diflBculty was experienced in getting an adequate supply of domestic fuel. By co-operation with and pressure on the anthracite producers, a sufficient supply with equitable distribution was obtained. The price, however, was unnecessarily high in many parts of the State. The Commission was a new agency in this field, and was more concerned in ob- taining the coal than with the price during the early part of the winter. In January and February, however, the Com- mission was able to secure reductions in the retail price ranging from $1 to $5 in sixty-eight communities. The Commission was obliged to hold but one public hearing, viz., in the case 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 17 of Brockton. In that city, due to the efforts of the Commis- sion, the supply was increased and the price was lowered from about $22 per ton to about $17 per ton. While this case was being handled by the Commission, both branches of the city government passed a vote, which was approved by the mayor, expressing appreciation for the work of the Commission. Import Duty on Crude Petroleum Oil. The Commission filed official objection to the proposed duty on foreign fuel oil. Our preliminary statement was considered to be of great value to our industries in defeating the duty contained in the tariff bill reported by the committee on ways and means to the United States House of Representatives. The Commission has filed with the finance committee of the United States Senate, at the request of certain of the industries of Massachusetts and New England, a statement which is to be their principal argument against the Senate's replacing the item carrying this duty in the bill to be reported out of this committee. A copy of this brief is appended hereto. (Appendix II, Report No. 2.) The Fuel Administrator has been able to call upon the following advisory committee appointed by Governor Coolidge, and desires to express his appreciation of their valuable advice: Edward Hamlin, Boston; William A. Clark, Boston; Wallace B. Phinney, Boston; George W. Pickering, Salem; Emerson H. Packard, Brockton; Frederick E. Dewey, Sherborn; David A. Ellis, Boston. Ice. Last March the Commission made a survey of the ice situation in each city and town of the Commonwealth. The winter had been mild, and conflicting rumors were in circidation concerning the probability of a shortage. The Commission found that the harvest of ice was more than adequate for domestic needs in all sections of the Common- wealth, except the southeastern or Cape district. In this territory the ice was thin and there was a decided shortage. With the assistance and co-operation of the trade organiza- tions, this fact was brought to the attention of dealers through- out New England having a surplus stock. In this way the 18 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. trade was able to cope successfully with the situation. The danger of a shortage panic was eliminated, and this had a direct effect in stabilizing prices. The Commission felt that the most effective steps could be taken by the trade when the facts were known. On account of business jealousy and suspicion, these facts could not have been obtained by trade organizations. In addition, the Commission by securing such information was able quickly and intelligently to handle ice complaints received during the summer. About twenty-five of the com- plaints received were relative to ice drivers or dealers refusing to sell ice to consumers in small lots. Upon calling to the proprietor's attention the law requiring ice dealers to sell for cash no difficulty was encountered in straightening out these cases. Milk. Much study and consideration has been devoted by the Commission to the question of production, distribution and consumption of milk in Boston and Massachusetts. The three outstanding features are : — 1. Almost complete elimination of the Massachusetts dairjong industry. 2. Nullity of effect of economic law of supply and demand upon price. 3. Higher infant mortality in Boston, where there is 16-cent bottled mUk (quart), as compared with New York, where there is 10-cent mUk (quart). This is set forth at length in appended copy of report to the Boston city council, submitted in accordance with their reso- lution of July 25, 1921. (Appendix II, Report No. 3.) In this connection a progressive merchant of metropolitan Boston, having a large system of chain grocery stores, has been attracted to the milk-distributing business. This action through regular trade channels is in accordance with the policy of the Commission concerning the proper method of relief. The Commission believes that every measure possible should be taken to encourage the production of milk in Massa- chusetts. 1922.1 HOUSE — No. 1400. 19 Ice Ckeam and Soft Drinks. In the early part of July several hundred complaints were made to the Commission of the high retail price charged for ice cream and so-called hot-weather drinks. As the Commission had classified these commodities as luxuries, no immediate action was taken. However, the newspapers took this matter up with wide publicity and complaints continued to be made to the Commission. In view of the above, and as it is an established economic fact that the high prices for so-called luxuries, the ingredients of which are necessaries, has a direct bearing on the price of these necessaries, the Commission volunteered its services to the dealers to publicly refute state- ments made in the papers and justify their charges. No dealer took advantage of this offer. As a result of the activities of the Commission, within a few weeks there were wholesale reductions in line with the decline in the price of the component necessaries which made up the finished product. The Commission was especially interested in the ice-cream cone, which is a hot-weather food for children, and in the latter part of July was able to announce the return of 5-cent cones. Laundries. The high charge for laundry was the source of numerous complaints. On account of the fact that during the war laun- dries claimed that they performed the functions of a public utility and were given preferential classification by the Federal government the Commission commenced an investigation. Its jurisdiction in this respect was formally questioned, and the Attorney-General ruled that as laundry was a "service" it was outside the scope of the law creating the Commission, which specifically states "commodities which are necessaries of life." The Commission advised the laundry owners of the nature of the complaints made to it, and appealed to the reputable and reliable element in the trade to correct the causes of these complaints. This action was taken to obviate the necessity of asking the Legislature for authority to investigate laundry prices. In this connection a reduction of more than 20 per cent in prices has now been made by some of the laundries. 20 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Lunch Rooms. The Commission has endeavored to confine its investigation of restaurant charges to the so-called "self-service" lunch room, believing that this type constitutes the principal class under the heading of "necessaries." Comparison of food costs in representative combinations of food showed that the margin of profit was from 200 to 500 per cent. This was further compUcated by the statements of many dealers that 100 per cent gross margin was the usual trade "yardstick" for doing business. Therefore the Commis- sion requested copies of financial statements in order to study the matter in more detail. The Commission found that this trade is readily divided into three classes, as follows: first, the largest chains; second, the medium-sized chains; third, single restaurants. The Commis- sion found that in the first class annual sales averaged about twice the capital claimed to be invested; in the second class annual sales averaged about six times the capital claimed to be invested; and in the third class annual sales were as high as forty times the claimed invested capital. Innumerable com- plications were encountered in the analysis of financial reports submitted to this ofiice. The large profits of those already in the lunch room business are attracting new and efficient competitors; also many em- ployers are assisting their employees in combating the high restaurant prices by providing wholesome and nourishing food at reasonable cost and furnishing facilities which enable their employees to bring their luncheons from home. It appears that the activity of the Commission is already showing results, as larger portions are now being served in self-service lunch rooms and some price reductions made .throughout the State. With the development of competition this business will rapidly assume a healthy condition to the benefit of those in it as well as to the people. 1922.] H HOUSE — No. 1400. 21 Threatened Railroad Strike. When the date was set by the railroad unions for a strike, the Commission immediately took steps to ascertain the con- dition of the Commonwealth in regard to food and fuel. In the case of domestic coal, we had statistical information showing stocks on hand in every city and town in the State. From current compilation of railroad and tidewater receipts of both anthracite and bituminous coal and oil, we were able to ascertain definitely the status of the Massachusetts fuel situation. In the case of food, upon receipt of conflicting reports con- cerning the hoarding of flour and potatoes and a probable short- age should the railroad strike occtu", the Commission instituted at once a thorough survey. The facts showed a considerable stock of both these commodities, and the reliable and reputable dealers appealed to the Commission to assist them in combat- ing pernicious activities by unscrupulous speculators. The Commission advised the people of the facts, and warned them not to be stampeded into buying unnecessary supplies. It was possible to bring home this point by recalling to their mind what happened during the 1920 artificial sugar shortage, when people paid more than 25 cents per pound for sugar which rapidly declined to about 7 cents when the market regained its equilibrium. The Commission at that time had advised against the hoarding of sugar, but its advice was ignored. However, it seems that the public now show more interest and confidence in the information given out by the Commission. When the Governor appointed the Executive Committee of Preparation for the Railroad Strike, the Commission was able to submit immediately an exhaustive report concerning the fuel situation and conditions existing in various food markets, such as flour, potatoes, meats, fish, milk, butter and cheese, sugar, etc. Cost of Living Index. The Commission collects, computes and publishes every month a cost of living index figiu'e. The sources of informa- tion are thoroughly representative and very comprehensive, as it has been the aim of the Commission to issue an index figiu-e which CQuld be relied upon by employer and employee in wage 22 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. discussions or controversies as being absolutely impartial and unbiased. In a large number of cases the Commission's index figure has been used as authoritative in decisions affecting citi- zens of this State, and in some instances arbitration boards sitting outside of Massachusetts have made use of the figure in their deliberations or findings. In making the index for the cost of living from 1910 to date, over 900,000 mathematical computations have been made. A striking illustration of the demand for the Commission's figure by members of all groups is brought out by an examina- tion of the mailing list of about 300, which comprises only those who request to be placed on it. Typical names, to show the different classes interested, follow : — Boston Rubber Shoe Company, Maiden, Mass. The American Agricultural Chemical Company, North Weymouth, Mass. Walworth Manufacturing Company, South Boston, Mass. New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boston, Mass. Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Boston, Mass. American Bosch Magneto Company, Springfield, Mass. Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Telephone Operators Department, International Brotherhood, Electrical Workers, Boston, Mass. Boston Typographical Union No. 13, Boston, Mass. Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, New York City. United Typothetse of America, Chicago, 111. Federal Reserve Bank, Boston, Mass. The insistent demand for authoritative cost of living index figures is increasing. In order to be of any value or satisfac- tory to the various conflicting interests involved, such informa- tion must be collected and compiled by a governmental agency in which all parties have confidence. Shelter. The housing situation throughout the Commonwealth has continued to be a crushing bin-den and the source of acute suffering to many of our people. In the absence of any governmental agency, other than the courts, the Commission has interposed itself between landlords and tenants during the housing emergency, as recognized by the Legislature, and exercised an administrative function by 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 23 hearing and adjusting these domestic problems. Nine out of ten cases have been settled without ill-feeling, and better rela- tions have been established between landlord and tenant. The Commission in this way relieves the courts of innumerable petty matters that would only further delay the administra- tion of justice in the Commonwealth. On an average, 500 complaints are handled by this office each month, and in addition, 27 local rent and housing com- mittees, created on the recommendation and with the assistance of this Commission, are adjusting numerous local complaints in the larger cities, such as Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Hol- yoke. New Bedford and Haverhill. The Boston committee handled over 8,000 complaints last year. There is shown in Table 53, Appendix I, the disposition of. the 15,342 cases handled by this committee since its formation, March 26, 1920. The Commission instructs these committees as to the proper method of procedure, and in the cases where either the landlord or tenant refuses to co-operate with the local com- mittee the Commission handles such matters under its investi- gatory power. Without attempting to go into detail the housing subject is of vital concern to the State. More of our citizens are tenants than- home-owners. The prohibition of children is one of the most serious phases of the housing problem. It strikes at the very foundation of the Commonwealth. The Commission is combating to the best of its ability the nefarious and indecent practice of discrimina- tion against children on the part of a number of landlords. The Commission has periodically informed the public and the municipal authorities concerning housing conditions. The Commission has been instrumental in practically elimi- nating summary evictions by requesting landlords to refrain during the housing emergency from taking the law in their own hands by forcibly entering and ejecting tenants. The purpose of the Commission and its local rent and housing committees has been to prevent unjust and exorbitant in- creases in rents, and to assist tenants who are victims of the present housing stringency. The Commission has consistently advised that more houses and not more laws is the solution of the housing problem. 24 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. During the past two years most large cities of the country have had rent riots, and many States and cities have drastic rent laws. Massachusetts and Boston have been free from both evils. The Emergency Rent Laws of Massachusetts do not in any way hamper the construction of new housing, which has already commenced in a small way. The Commission is able to report that property and personal rights have been safeguarded in Massachusetts, and there is no arbitrary statute which will delay new housing when building costs become stabiUzed. The foregoing represents the principal activities of the Com- mission. A number of public hearings have been held in straightening out housing disputes, and reports of investigations have been published from time to time. Personnel and Financial Statement. The Commission has maintained a skeleton staff of specialists, as such an organization is capable of expansion in emergencies. The Commission desires to express its appreciation of the loyalty and untiring industry of its secretary and other em- ployees. In local activities the Commission has saved much money by calling upon the municipal authorities, who have never failed to render prompt co-operation and assistance, as they seem to realize fully the value to the people of the work of the Commission. In conclusion, we desire to state that the Commission has observed strict economy in the performance of its duties. The 1921 Legislature was not obliged to make any appropriation for the present Commission, the unexpended balance being sufficient. Detailed financial statement to Jan. 1, 1922, is appended hereto. (Appendix III.) SECTION II. Chapter I. General Considerations. The high cost of living has been the subject of world-wide research and discussion by governfnents, trade and civic or- ganizations and economists. Millions of words and hundreds of books have been written upon this question. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. , 25 The history of American business shows that production and prices have been controlled fundamentally by economic law^. These laws may be influenced by various conditions, but they are as impossible to change as the laws of physics. Revolutions or wars, both business and political, cause these laws to act and react with increased violence. While the World War was the general cause of high prices, the fundamental reasons for the increases were the economic laws. The action of these laws with increasing prices has been elaborated upon in previous reports of the Commission. The reaction of the law of supply and demand, as well as other determining factors, will be discussed in this report. Law of Supply and Demand. According to the law of supply and demand, the cost of com- modities depends upon the mathematical proportion between the available supply and the demand of the consumer. In this discussion, demand includes ability to pay. When demand for a commodity exceeds supply, the price increases. As a result, demand slackens, while greater profit stimulates and increases production. The opposite is true when supply exceeds demand. The much-sought Utopian plane of trade is where supply and demand will always be approximately equal. On account of misunderstanding on the part of many people concerning the law of supply and demand, the Commission believes that it is appropriate to make the following observa- tion regarding its practical operation. During periods of threatened or artificial shortage an increase in price usually results in an increase in demand, while in a falling/ market a decrease in price does not immediately cause an increase in consumption. This is a psychological problem; as in a rising stock market every one attempts to get in before the peak is reached, but once the market starts to gp down, it takes more than "tips" and moral suasion to create active trading. How- ever, in the long run, supply and demand govern the situation. Since the beginning of the World War and until last year, in America as well as the rest of the world, demand exceeded supply; but supply now exceeds demand. Physical volume of production, trade and business in general, as well as prices, 26 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. reached their peak in May and June, 1920. A strong effort was exerted to hold prices, wages and valuations in general at this high level. World-wide liquidation was dammed up, but not prevented. The downward movement had commenced in several countries, and some economists regard Japan as having been the first to pass the peak. Industrial Rehabilitation. Before the commencement of the World War in 1914, Ameri- can industry was in a period of stagnation. Factories and mills were shut down or running part time, while the number of business failures was great and increasing in number. The cost of Hving showed a tendency to decline in the early part of 1914, while rents for real estate were at so low a level as to bring little or no return to owners. At the outbreak of the war production immediately speeded up to capacity, supplying foreign nations with merchandise and war materials. Factories making war materials were soon work- ing day and night, and food products were being sold at a large premium to foreign governments. Then the United States entered the war and our government ordered vast quantities of goods on the assumption that the war was to last several years; this further stimulated industrial and agricultural activities with rising prices and increased profits. While the war upset normal operation and growth of Ameri- can industry, it raised havoc with European industrial life. Large sections of the most prosperous manufacturing centers located in Belgium and northern France were devastated, and an ever-increasing demand for war materials at the expense of other requirements resulted in heavy economic burdens being placed upon all people. In fact, it was a case of existence on the 'absolute necessaries, or submission to defeat. The rapid recovery of continental European industry has been one of the phenomena of the post-war period. The beet sugar factories of northern France are again operating, and manufacturing centers of France and Belgium are fast recover- ing from the effects of war. In Germany, where plants were not physically demolished by war, the recovery is reported as being even more rapid than in other continental countries. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 27 England has experienced a period of business depression similar to that which has prevailed in the United States. Coal mines, a good barometer of industrial activities, have been practically shut down for the past eight months in that country, while stagnation has existed in other lines of business to such an ex- tent that much unemployment prevails. In attempting to alleviate this condition, the English government has been pay- ing a weekly unemployment stipend which has tended to aggravate the situation. The whole world is struggling with the many problems incident to transition from war to peace pursuits. Another factor that has an important bearing upon the con- dition of American business is foreign exchange. The rate of foreign exchange prevailing since 1919 has operated to the dis- advantage of American industry. By governmental regulation, foreign countries are endeavoring to retain what is left of their gold supply. Foreign governments owe the United States about 111,000,000,000. Germany must pay reparations of $33,000,000,000 under the peace treaty. Several bilhon dollars of foreign trade obligations to American merchants have accumulated since the war. The printing plant of the German government is still running to capacity, turning out paper currency, while the government of Russia has no official stand- ing in America. These facts indicate that there is no immediate prospect of stability in foreign exchange. Consequently, Euro- pean manufacturers are exerting every effort towards filling the deficiency of goods in their own countries and building up their export trade, in order to pay their foreign debts. Recent export figures indicate that the total physical volume of American exports compares favorably with last year, al- though the value in money is much less. A most significant feature of these figures is the decrease of manufactured and luxury articles exported from this country and the increase in the amount of raw materials. The export and import questioir is treated in more detail in another section of this report. To protect key industries and those considered essential from a defence point of view, "anti-dumping" tariff legislation has been enacted in several countries. To quote from the United States emergency tariff law of May, 1921 : — 28 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. If the purchase price or the exporter's sales price is less than the foreign market value (or, in the absence of such value, than the cost of production) there shall be levied, collected and paid in addition to the duties imposed thereon by law, a special dumping duty in an amount equal to such dif- ference. Some of the South American countries are levying high duties upon the imports of luxuries. The motive in such cases is primarily to obtain an increased revenue. In the case of Germany, the importation of luxuries is prohibited in order to build up an export balance and to promote thrift. Tariff revisions have been made within the past few years by Australia, British India, Canada, England, France, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, while the United States, Denmark and Holland have this subject under consideration. Our large supply of gold, which is about one-third of the total amount in the world, will act as a strong magnet to attract foreign goods. The profit that will accrue to foreign manufacturers is further increased by foreign exchange rates. American industry, both manufacturing and agricultural, must be reconstructed on a more eflBcient basis, as well as protected by tariff to prevent its destruction during the coming abnormal period of competition. With continued reductions of living costs in other countries where the increases were far greater than, in the United States, the differential in favor of foreign goods will further increase, unless foreign exchange rates advance to their normal basis at the same pace. The future trend of foreign competition in the United States is the source of much speculation as to its effect on the future prosperity of our agricultural, industrial and commercial life. Agriculture and industry are already feeling the effect of foreign competition, as our merchants are naturally handling the merchandise which returns the greatest profit to them. The war debts with their political features, both in the United States and European countries, will furnish a vast amount of material for politicians the world over. There is great potential danger of the extreme plausibility of some scheme which is unsound in fundamental principles leading to 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 29 a popular demand, in deference to which powerful opportunist politicians might override sane convictions. The real danger to American industry is not the fact that this country may be prevented from supplying a larger portion of the world's demand for commodities; the danger is that foreign commodities manufactured by cheaper labor will drive American goods from American markets. Increase of Productivity. Power — the chief factor in production' — is of two kinds: human and mechanical. Man power is the largest single ele- ment in production. The shortage of the world's supply of food and goods was aggravated by the lost production of millions of men who were needed for military purposes. With the termination of war the process of demobihzation was rapid. The effects of the war in human casualties, changes in mode of living and release from military discipline could not be over- come in a short time'. The process of absorption and readjustment has been slow and uneven. The period of world-wide economic depression and its consequences to American labor was early recognized by our government. In order to protect American institutions and to maintain our high standard of living, the emigration from foreign countries has been limited to prevent an influx of undesirable aliens. According to reports of many manufacturers, during the recent era of rising prices, an increase of wages did not result in increased production. Previously, an increase in wages usually showed an increase in output. During the war-time prosperity, wages of labor in many lines became inflated in the same proportion as the profits of the manufacturer. The tendency of labor to change jobs and take frequent vacations has recently been replaced by a more diligent applica- tion to work. Wage reductions and cancellations of war-time working con- ditions have been made in some industries. In spite of lower wages, the return of competitive labor conditions has resulted in increasing the per capita production; this is true in practi- cally all lines of business. 30 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. During the past year unemployment became so pressing in some sections of the Commonwealth that the Governor ap- pointed a special committee to study this situation. Several municipal officials have endeavored to secure modifications of Civil Service Regulations for local emergencies, to permit of relief by employment on public works. According to reports published by the United States Depart- ment of Labor, comparative retail prices of food indicate that Massachusetts has the highest food costs. This comparison shows that the retail meat prices in representative Massachu- setts cities are from 20 to 40 per cent above those in other parts of the country. The Commission is endeavoring to ascer- tain whether or not this is a true statement. This comparison tends to destroy public confidence, and breeds suspicion among the dealers as well as the consuming public. Furthermore, with the beginning of abnormal foreign competition as our com- petitors recover from the effects of the war, if the Labor Depart- ment figures are correct, Massachusetts is at a great disad- vantage on account of high living costs. If these figures do not give a correct comparison, a false impression has been created throughout the country that will retard the industrial develop- ment of Massachusetts. The deplorable situation in the shoe industry of Massachu- setts as compared with the activity in Maine, New York and Western States is due, according to our manufacturers, to one element, — cost of labor. The Commission has not attempted to analyze the wage question, but it is an economic fact that wages, under normal conditions, increase or decrease in the same ratio as living costs. When wages are reduced below living costs, the skilled worker is obliged to become migratory, not from choice, but from necessity. The maintaining of the high industrial position of Massachusetts is due in part to generations of skilled workers. Economic pressure tends to move manufacturing nearer the sources of power and raw materials, and to sections with low living costs. It is evident that the effect of Massachusetts agricultm-e upon food prices is closely connected with the ex- istence of our manufactures. Therefore the ultimate prosperity of the State depends upon the balance maintained between agri- cultiu-e and other industries. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 31 Following the Civil War, wages continued to advance for a time, then liquidation took place, but wages did not go below pre-war levels. However, our wage cost per unit was materially reduced by the introduction of automatic machinery and other uses of mechanical power. We are now facing a similar prob- lem. Therefore the capacity of labor to produce must be aided and supplemented by the use of more and efficient mechanical power; otherwise, despite legislation, Massachusetts will lose large numbers of her skilled workers to other sections of the country. Currency and Credit Conditions. Money is based upon two different standards, — gold and paper currency. The gold stocks of the United States have been increased from 1,917,000,000 in December, 1913, to 3,545,125,101 in December, 1921. This increase, which amounts to 85 per cent, is shown graphically on the following chart : — DIAGRAM I. 11IO I9II nil I9JA ISM 1112 191C i9ir 1910 1919 I9ZO 1921 1 6 ^ - z E E E E E = - E = = E = 1 Z - Z = = = 5 t ^ ^ \ »; ^ 2^ 5 1 r* E p E E E E E E E E z E E — = = z - = = = g E E E 5 d - ; = ~ 2 z - - = = = — r - = = z =; Y :z z z: — = = = ;^ \r. - ^ — t: z: z — — — n r ~ - — - d - - = p 7 = p z: — = = ~ n r & I — — - E z r E E E = ^ \ S ~ 2 ? i E ^ E ai s; ^ m - ~ — E E E Z 1 = ~ 2 = = =i — — - - - - - E '=. E = = ^ Z ? s ^ = E i - 3 i i^ S ^ E > i 2 ..If " C 'p n. Laf on l-M ■* From a study of other similar war-time periods, it appears that inflation of currency and increase of prices are related, as are deflation of currency and decrease of prices. According to the Federal Reserve Bulletin, it was not until the end of the year 1920, more than six months after wholesale price recession had been in full progress, that liquidation was reflected in the volume of credit. The movement of credit at 32 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. . [Feb. Federal Reserve Banks is significant in comparison with the fluctuation of production and volume of business, because the volume of trade and industry and the volume of credit are inter- related. The fact that commodity prices in this country are controlled by world-wide industrial and agricultural conditions has been manifested by developments during the past year. The danger of unlimited credit and currency inflation which extended throughout the world after the close of the war was foreseen, and a plan of deflation was inaugurated. The deflation of prices for most raw materials was very rapid, but credit curtailment did not take place at the same rate. There is at present a wide and apparently unreasonable margin between cost and selling prices. One interesting and far-reaching effect of the change in credit extension is that many banks are endeavoring to assist their borrowers in work- ing off large losses, due to sudden depreciation. While existing business is somewhat stabilized by this plan, many financiers claim that general recovery of business would be quicker and more effective if losses had been immediately charged off. If it had not been for this banking policy, the number of business failures would have been greatly augmented. Curtailment of Extravagant Expenditures and Demand. Due to the redistribution of wealth during and following the war, many people had money to spend for luxuries to whom such a condition was a novelty. Naturally, what took place was an orgy of spending with soaring prices, making luxuries prohibitive to many people who had been accustomed to them. However, the people who were forced to curtail were out- numbered by the great newly rich group, who more than offset the curtailment in buying power. According to the United States government more than $22,500,000,000 were spent in this country for luxuries during 1920. The manufacture of luxury goods increased not only on account of the demand, but governmental control of those dealing in necessaries made the manufacture of non-essentials attractive to many men who like to work on their own initiative without governmental interference. On top of all this was piled the demand for luxuries by foreign countries whose own 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 33 industries were overloaded working to full capacity on the necessaries of life. Naturally, when conditions changed, the foreign demand fell off first. In fact, some countries whose only chance to meet their enormous war obligations was to practise the most severe thrift, placed embargoes against im- ported luxuries. In the United States, those who had newly acquired money were the first, as a group, to feel the pinch of deflation. This group had naturally spent freely having their first taste of money and power to buy luxuries. In addition, those who during the war had difficulty in making both ends meet had experienced so severe a lesson that money in the bank to replace drafts made on their savings during the emergency looked better to them than luxuries. In any case, the demand of this group has not been and will not be for a long time sufficient to keep operating the greatly in- creased plants created to produce luxuries. Many of these plants are now closed, or have been financially reorganized, and will have great difficulty in recovering, as the first flood of imports will be largely composed of the luxury lines, as these ordinarily contain the least raw materials of which our com- petitors are short, and they also show the greatest profit. There has been a marked increase in imports of foreign luxuries; for instance, customs returns show imports of 5,480,000 pieces of "undressed fur" in September, 1921, against 3,321,000 in September, 1920; 409,000 pieces of "fur dressed on the skin" in September, 1921, against 41,000 in September of last year; 261,000 pounds of artificial silk yarn against 46,000 pounds one year ago; 478,000 pounds of "mushrooms and truffles" against 158,000 pounds in the same month last year; 2,051,000 pounds of Italian and Swiss cheese against 50,000 pounds last year; 650,000 gallons of edible olive oil against 531,000 gallons last September. With slackening demand for automobiles, jewelry, musical instruments, etc., it is interesting to note this year that cheaper grades- and cuts of meat are more popular; that clothing fads do not attract so many followers; that householders are not heating unused rooms; that where unemployment prevails, wood is partly substituted for coal; and that janitor and other special services connected with housing are not now in great demand. 34 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Exports and Imports. The export and importtrade of the United States has been the source of much apprehension. The Commission believes that Diagrams II and III, prepared by the Federal Reserve Bank, showing the trend of value and volume of our imports and exports, clears up misunderstanding occasioned by news- paper statements that our exports have declined at the rate of • $200,000,000 to $300,000,000 per month. Comparison of physi- cal volume and value of exports, as shown in the accompanying charts, indicates that our exports are actually increasing rather than decreasing. Price reduction is largely responsible for the falling off in the stated value of our exports and imports. In nearly all im- portant articles which we export and import, the prices are far below those of a year ago, and in many instances are approxi- mately at the pre-war level. Based upon normal exchange, the present rates of foreign exchange operate against most countries and in favor of the United States. Such conditions would increase imports and decrease our exports were it not for the fact that commodity prices in foreign countries have increased considerably more than in this country. From the diagram of foreign commodity prices compared with the United States upon a currency and gold dollar basis, shown in the cost of living section of this report, it is apparent that foreign commodity prices, when taking into consideration the difference in exchange rates, are but slightly lower than the average for the United States. Government ownership by the United States has added over 8,000,000 gross tons to our shipping fleet, which prior to the war amounted to about 1,800,000 gross tons. At the present time the United States is the second maritime nation of the world in so far as possession of ships is concerned. However, it is evident that our ships are not carrying their proportion of the United States commerce. In July, 1920, American ships carried about 48 per cent of our foreign trade, while in July of 1921 only 43 per cent was carried in American bottoms. There is a rate war being waged by foreign countries endeavoring to regain and enlarge their overseas commerce. Freight rates to 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 35 DIAGRAM II. lU to o u a 1919 I920 19Z1 1 \ \ \ A ' 340 /\ /\ / , 1 / ^ ' \ aio r I 1 \ \ 1 190 R zeo \ \ Z70 1^ -Do ilo. V. nvt J 1 \ A \ /( \ A ( 1 Z20 /\ 1 1 31 1 2,10 J- -X- f ' \ •' I'n r^ 1 1 1 « I ,^ ( 1 n f / ' \ i— ■ — 1 180 J ,1 / 1 \ ( 1 ' 1 ' 1 \ 1 1 \ »7t» / / ; 1 / J 1 1/ \ lA / I If \ lt*~ / 1 \ \ I t / / -Vo l«m &/ \ \ 1 11 J 1 \ '/ M 1 V 11 / \ / A 1 / J39 1 \ A ' \ i 1 > (i , 1 \ s/ Vi 1 V A 1 '*/ 110 \ A 1 •4 1 1«M J 90 eo lyi. 'A ira pe. * JPOJ U/llTED OTATC^ inPOia TII.ADC- DOLLAIL Yi\LOC ^ ptIYOlCAL VOLOMt t}Q'Vq ky Cooi'Te./ii of B>«j-'to ^eJ te/<«.r>«e/ boBiu, 36 NECESSAEIES OF LIFE. {Feb. DIAGBAM III. U.S. ti^POJLT TlLADEr. tOIXAR^YALUC V1D rnVoiCALVOLUMC- 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 37 Europe are now about one-third of what they were in January of 1920. To rehabilitate the war-stricken countries, raw materials and machinery are absolutely essential; and to pay their enormous war debts is a serious problem confronting these countries. Therefore, as payment must be made from the profits of trade, it is evident that this can be accomplished only by re-establish- ing a profitable export balance. In considering the future trend of the foreign trade of the United States, the decreased exports during the past year of luxury and manufactured goods, the increased exports of raw materials and machinery, and the increased imports of luxury goods are the most significant features. World-trade supremacy will not be had for the asking, but experience gained by shipping men and merchants of the United States during the recent foreign-trade boom will be of inestimable value in the future, and tend to carry this country forward to a greater place in the world trade and finance. Chapter II. Price Movements. In the operation of economic laws, the following are axio- matic regarding price movements: — 1 . Wholesale prices quickly reflect price movements of raw products and market conditions. 2. Retail prices move more slowly, especially in a declining market. 3. Wage levels fluctuate more slowly than commodity prices. 4. Salaries change more slowly than wages. 5. Real estate values change more slowly than commodity prices, wages or salaries. Wholesale Prices. The wholesale price of a commodity is usually based upon the price of raw material and labor cost. The volume of busi- ness or rapidity in turnover of capital is greater in wholesale than in retail trade; thus a lower margin of profit is adequate for the wholesaler. Consequently, wholesale prices are ex- tremely sensitive to conditions affecting raw material and labor, or to events which retard the normal movement of commod- ities. 38 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. In this connection, raw materials having a low labor cost show greater price variance than manufactured articles having a higher labor cost. War prices encouraged many producers with a high cost of operation to enter certain lines of business, but peace-time competition cannot be met by these concerns, and they are being forced out. In addition, every great war has resulted in the overplanting of industries that are connected with the prosecution of the war. The same is true of agriculture. The return to normalcy or rehabilitation will involve business changes and financial failures. For instance, there are even at the present time deserted factories in Massachusetts which are relics of the Civil War. In other words, it will be the "survival of the fittest." The consequences of the buyers' strike, with the enormous expansion of industry and agriculture, were early realized by the producers and wholesalers. The increasing dislocation of foreign exchange hastened the break in the market. Some concerns had prepared themselves for such an exigency, while others had distributed their excess war profits in special divi- dends, bonuses and extravagant expenditures. When it becaane apparent that high prices could no longer be artificially sustained, the producers and wholesalers fran- tically endeavored to pass the loss along to the retailer. Some were successful, but this resulted in creating a feeling of sus- picion and lack of confidence on the part of the retailer. The fact that many producers and wholesalers were not able to unload their high-cost stocks is evidenced by the large number of concerns which have been in financial straits during the past year. Retail Prices. The retail price of a commodity is usually based upon the demand of the public and replacement cost. It is said that the great American public are as changeable as New England weather. However, the well-known expression of President Lincoln, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time," is applicable at the present time. It is one of the reasons for deflation. The retail dealer comes 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 39 in daily contact with the public. They are the source of his bread and butter. The retailer sensed the change in the con- sumers' demands last year, and in many cases immediately curtailed purchases from the wholesaler. This clogged the machinery of production and distribution, and the process of deflation was hastened. Before the war American business had made considerable progress in relieving seasonal operation of industry, largely through the custom of placing orders for merchandise months before delivery was desired. With a faUing market, presenting the appearance of a "bottomless pit," retailers did not dare to gamble on the future. Suspicion of what might happen was fiu-ther impressed upon the retailers in a practical manner by what had happened in the sugar market. At the peak of the market the sugar refiners practically forced dealers to sign contracts at about 25 cents per pound for future delivery. When the bottom of the market fell out, a few months later, these dealers were obliged to live up to their contracts and to sell sugar costing 25 cents a pound for about 15 cents or less. Other commodity markets have experienced similar conditions. Retailers have been forced to protect themselves by hand- to-mouth buying, and will probably follow this practice until the market becomes more stable. Some retailers in a rising market follow the practice of basing their price upon the average cost of the merchandise in stock; likewise, in a declining market, the same rule is followed. Other retailers base their price in a rising market upon replace- ment cost. However, in every trade there is an unscrupulous element. These dealers base the price to the consumer on "what the traffic will bear." In governmental investigations many retailers claim that the replacement cost should be the basis on which to fix the price to the consumer. Nearly all merchants who a year ago claimed that replacement cost should be used as the basis of retail prices are to-day proclaiming that averaging of costs is the proper method. The result of such a double standard of business policy is manifestly unfair to the consuming public. Not only does this practice force retail prices to go higher than would otherwise be the case, but it retards deflation^of prices. 40 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Many retailers still pursue the policy that was popular with the public during the period of high wages and war prosperity, namely, that high prices indicate a high-grade store, while low prices without relation to the actual quality of the goods cheapen the standing of the merchant. In the opinion of the Commission the public is no longer in a financial condition or in a frame of mind which permits the continuance of this unfair method of doing business. One of the results of the above conditions is that suspicion is created, not only among the trade, but on the part of the public. In some instances injustice has been done the retail dealer. The recovery of normal conditions will be gradual. Only by careful cultivation of confidence on the part of all dealers will substantial progress in this direction be made. Wages. From the foregoing it is apparent that production cannot be stopped the moment that peace is declared or orders cease to come in. The momentum carries over; and demobilization and absorption of men formerly engaged in war activities is a slow process. During 1920 the manufacturer found his stock of manu- factured goods piling up as demand fell off. To avoid indefinite shutdown, prices had to be reduced. The fortunes of war enabled some classes of labor to secure increases out of line with the increases in living costs. It also enabled some manu- facturers to sell their goods at a price that would net a greater profit than ever before obtainable. In such industries deflation started first. Some manufacturers immediately cut wages, which in most cases represents one of the largest items; others first cut inflated profits. The general liquidation of profits, wages and overhead re- sulted in the further limitation of the purchasing power of large numbers of people. Thus the "circle" was completed and new deflation started. An interesting feature of the period of liquidation is the increased efficiency of labor during the past year. Competition has resulted in increasing the efficiency of labor, as competition has resulted in reducing certain commodity prices. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 41 The Commission finds that one of the greatest dangers con- fronting Massachusetts at the present time is the comparatively higher food costs in this section of the country. It is obvious that living costs should decline before wages, and that every reduction in wages further tends to reduce living costs by limiting demand. There is, of course, a limit to wage re- ductions. The effect of lower labor cost is to attract new industries. Consequently, it will be necessary for Massachu- setts to increase the use and efficiency of mechanical power, or materially reduce living costs. In this way it will be possible to retain our skilled labor and maintain our high industrial position. Salaries. The salaried, or "white collar," worker, under which heading is included the professional men as well as those receiving an- nuities or pensions, experienced great hardship and suffering in the era of rising prices. Those who render service were not organized to the same extent as those who produced goods; consequently, increases in salaries were not as numerous or large as increases in wages. The result of high wages prevail- ing during the war and the increasing cost of living attracted many of the salaried group to the ranks of manual labor. This had a tendency to decrease the supply of service workers, and the inexorable law of supply and demand had the same effect, as in the case of commodities, necessitating higher salaries to obtain service workers. Many pathetic cases of those who depend upon fixed incomes or pensions have been called to the attention of the Commis- sion in its rent and housing activities. These people were practically at the breaking point, as their income was no longer sufficient to purchase an adequate amount of food and fuel and pay an increased rent. However, increase in the purchasing power of the dollar during the past year has brought some relief to this class which suffered so keenly during the period of increasing prices. Competition among salaried workers is a slower process than in the wage group, where experience and training are not so necessary; also, in the operation of business, the overhead expenses are not usually reduced until after the profit and labor items have been cut. 42 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Shelter, One of the, fundamental principles of American government is the protection of property rights. The life of property is indefinite, while the individual is here but for a generation. When raw material and wholesale prices increase, retail prices, wages and salaries follow. During the war this resulted in increased prosperity of large numbers of our people who had formerly been accustomed to living in three or four room tene- ments without bath or other conveniences. The demand for better housing quarters was accentuated. In fact, during 1919 and 1920 the demand for apartments with all modern improve- ments in many sections reached a competitive bidding state; that is, some one would offer $10 to $20 more per month for an apartment than its occupant was paying, the result being that the tenant paid an increase or was obliged to move. During the same period there were many tenements vacant which were without modern conveniences. From an examination of thousands of rent cases handled by this Commission and the Boston rent and housing committee during 1919, 1920 and 1921, it is evident that many families were living in better and higher-priced apartments than they had been accustomed to in the past. With the general increase in living cost, taxes and mainte- nance of property increased. The lack of new construction in the building industry during the war further augmented the housing shortage. However, the effect of deflation with unemployment and reduction of wages and salaries was soon reflected in a slacken- ing demand for the better type of housing. The result is that at the present time the so-called high-class' apartments have many vacancies, and rent reductions from 20 to 35 per cent have been made, while rents for the lower-class tenements are now increasing. The following is a typical example. In 1918 and 1919 a property owner had ten vacant tenements out of eighteen on one piece of property. The rental charge for those tenements, which did not have modern conveniences, was $12 to $15 per month. At the present time there are no vacant tenements on this property. In spite of the fact that the rents 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 43 have been increased $5 a month, the owner has a waiting list of more than fifteen families. (fr,_The demand for housing is based upon ability to pay,' and therefore fluctuations in commodity prices, wages and salaries affect rents. 44 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. w ""!^:"T""^--"-'-'"- M ::^7:"i •'. 2^ / rr/^.„,-____.T„_ "/;<^'-4 :^j* """J, i—:> , - %< . ^--i ._':^ v ^ ' ! \ ^ J-4-1-. a> -\ - V^ ,-^^ Jr;— k— - _._ \-\ L . L_.l,__. • ^ = _ — .^L-J^ — r.- 0^ " ~ " '-, ^ ^ -1 > ::: -::r ,\..j.... ^^>^s^V-4- < >- > .1 . V 1 a ..-^-Yj- SI :::: ^"^M .. ';'^rr — vJ 0\ ~ " ^^yi ^"li rHr 10 jK (> ~ 'i tj el ^ ^Iv (^ C 3r O 1 r> \j if] i » \ ^ N « « T .1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 45 SECTION III. Chapter I. Cost of Living. The Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life has con- tinued its stu3y and investigation of the circumstances affecting the cost of living. Under the following divisions monthly index figures have been published by the Commission (see Diagram IV for cost of living curve from 1910 to 1922) : — Per Cent. Food 43.1 Shelter 17.7 Clothing 13.2 Fuel and light 5.6 Sundries 20.4 The average retail prices in 1913 have been used on the basis of 100. For instance, $159.60 are needed in January, 1922, to piu-chase the same amount of necessaries that cost $100 in 1913. The relative purchasing power of the dollar since 1913 fol- lows: — DIAGRAM V. \W HM WS IfIC i9ir 1918 1919 I920 1921 ==-^ .-^'V or J..P. -T/IBWV, rokcA \ \ \ Ts f . ■"^ \ / \ / / V / M POKCHAiinS POWCL ..-™» DOLLfl?. f6.«D»,yMt His) 46 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. The method of preparation of the Commission's Massa- chusetts cost of living figures, with classification of the articles used and price charges of each article during the past decade is set forth in detail in Appendix I. In this way it is possible for trade and labor associations to compile comparative cost of living data for application to local communities. For the purpose of comparison the wholesale prices of com- modities in currency in this and other countries are. shown in Diagram VI. DIAGRAM VI. 191a I9H I9I3 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1 1 1 e^o r\ 4m ^ - ;« ■ — — — — — — — ^ -7 ■f r-= ■^ — — H — 1 v :^ — - 100 — « »ip ^ s. ^ ^^^ ^ ^ - - — — - — — — — — -fr. - 9« E E ■= t E — B E E E E E s is fe ^ "i- T! — t s V/jlOLtSALt f ILICM 1/1 COILtCnCY b.i/fa»ti.4-.l From the foregoing chart it is evident that wholesale or com- modity prices increased more rapidly and to a greater extent in foreign countries, where currency inflation was practised beginning with the outbreak of the war in 1914, than in the United States, where currency remained on a gold standard. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 47 Wholesale prices in American dollars in the United States and in other countries are shown below, in Diagram VII. DIAGRAM 711. 360 1017 1918 1919 19Z0 1021 ^ 1 s ' 1 JJO j« J30 MO 290 /' 1 - T 270 ' 1 ' _^ f t 1 ', / ■K\ V r V /\ 1 f 1 \> . / \ / /- \ / ^ f .- V 1 * Jl ■**'' t r ' ■' ■- "y A s7 ^. > \ b'» / >- A . ,'^ ,, /^ s \ /\ " / V ' ' xlet ,' J h\-rttj) 3T = 3 K 1 -^ iiso f* "^ i^ZJ f — 1 1 \ > 1 no ( n 1 \s ■T \ s -y i' A 1*) 1 A v'' -• 1 ^ ^ y* j;o \ 100 r- ■ ' iV" /■v 1 . 'v; ''^ t ' ' 70 1 60 1 J lL - \L t 40 -4'^ "'¥^/ -" u1 ^ WHOLE>3ALC PIOCC:) in DOLLAIO. Flunetuattons in foreign exc>)^&nae rates coniiilereA. — Diagram VI indicates the increase of living costs in foreign countries, while Diagram VII shows the purchasing power of the American dollar abroad. From a comparison and study of these charts the potential dangers of foreign competition in American markets are evident. 48 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Chapter II. Household Budgets. Introductory. The necessity for and the advantages of a budget system in government are generally recognized. The Federal govern- ment and all the States, with the exception of Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, have a budget system. Its increasing use in the family, the primordial government, caused the Com- mission to study the various forms of family budgets in more detail. President Harding, in his last message to Congress, relative to the recent adoption of a Federal budget, stated: "It (the budget) is the greatest reformation in governmental practice since the beginning of the Republic." The benefits derived from the proper form of budgetary control are obvious. During these times economy in govern- ment, business, and more especially the home, should be the watchword of every one, if we are to get back to the much sought for "normalcy." There is an increasing need for an eflBcient systematization of our expenditures, and it will be to the advantage of every family to give the subject of running the home on a budget plan serious consideration. The definition of the word "budget," according to the standard dictionaries, is a "financial estimate," and when the term "household" or "family" is applied in this connection, it means simply a "financial estimate of running the home" — in other words, planning beforehand on what one expects to spend, with the idea of getting the most out of the money to be spent. Running the home on a budget gives the spender accurate knowledge of every dollar paid out, and serves as a guide or warning when expenditures seem to be unduly high or out of proportion to the total income. If all items of household expense were fixed, a budget would be entirely superfluous, but this is far from being true. Rent is practically the only item that remains fixed. On account of the many seasonal; health, economic and social as well as numerous other influences, directly affecting the family finances, some plan of estimation should be followed. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 49 Classification. Budgetary studies have generally been divided into two classifications, namely, cost and quantitative. The Commission is of the opinion, however, that the prep- aration of a budget is an individual matter. Each family must consider its own needs and base its budget upon these factors rather than upon any general figures. An examination of hundreds of family budgets shows wide differences, due to peculiarities of environment, education, social requirements, health and other qualifications. Fixed rules cannot be followed in determining how the income should be divided, and classifi- cation of the budget as a practical method of operation should be left to the decision of the individual family. The Commission has therefore attempted in this report to call the attention of the householder to the advantages of running the home on a budget system, and to offer suggestions as to the simplest plan to follow. In this way the budget will be something more to the family than a memorandum of moneys spent'^ Distribution of Income. The Commission lists below suggestive divisions of budgets,* with incomes ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per year, based on recent prices and conditions. These illustrations are not presented as rules or standards to be adhered to, but merely to show how the expenditures of families of stipulated size ^wo adults and two children of school age in each instance) and moderate habits are distributed on the average. The individual budget will no doubt differ from the Illustrations. Income. Food. Shelter. Clothing. Operating Expenses. Advance- ment. Savings. $1,000 1,900 WOO 2,000 2,500 3,000 $150 529 590 610 70d 778 49.0 35.0 30.6 30.5 29,,;8' 1290 350 4S0 480 m m 29.0 23.3 26.7 24.0 :i'9.2\ ?0.t) 1190 250 290 320 iSO'l 4j25 15.0 16.7 13.9 16.0 14.0 >4.2 $120 279 390 390 ;526n ' 690 12.0 18.3 19.4 17.5 21.0 21,. 7 $30 100 100 120 225 250 3.0 6.7 5.5 6,0 9.0 8.3 I $70 120 220 6.0 8.8 10.0 1 Courtesy of SmaU, Mayriard & Co. (Marinirig Home Budget). .^3 ,s; 50 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. The divisions as shown on the above tabulation are ex- plained as follows : — Food. — Groceries, meat and fish, outside lunches. Shelter. — Rent, taxes, interest on mortgages, repairs and upkeep, fire insurance, business and school car fare. Clothing. — Anything to wear. Operating Expenses. — Telephone, laundry, coal, oil, wood, gas, elec- tricity, household supplies, furniture insurance, water, car fare, post- age, express, repairs and replacements, incidentals. Advancement. — Education, books, magazines and newspapers, vacation, health, church, music, social clubs, amusements, entertaining, travel, charity, gifts, automobile, personal expenses, health and accident insur- ance. ' Savings. — Savings, mortgage payments on principal, life insurance investments. It will be noted from the above table that, as the income increases, the percentage of income spent for the actual neces- saries, i.e., food, shelter and clothing, decreases, and the money spent for such items included under the headings of operating expenses, advancement and savings, grows proportionately larger. It is a logical conclusion, as the family with the larger income can afford to spend more on the items which cannot be properly classified as absolutely essential than the family with a smaller income which is obliged to spend the greater part of its earnings on the fundamental necessaries. Some expenses can be charged to more than one heading, but when that is possible, the individual should select the heading which promises the most definite information, and consistently adhere to the plan selected. Food. — The cost of food for a family varies, and is affected by many things which must necessarily be taken into consid- eration when planning the food budget; for instance, the size of the family, age, occupation and health of the individuals, neighborhood, market conditions, value of foods, waste in prep- aration, etc., — all these conditions have a direct influence on the total amount to be expended for this important division of the budget. "What's one man's poison is another's meat or drink" com- pels the Commi^^oi^ to forego any attejnpt at preparing an "ideal" menu. There are many rul^s fpr the purchasing of foods with respect to caloric values and other standards which 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 51 can readily be obtained by the individual desiring to follow such methods- One very popular guide for dividing the doUaf is to spend it for food in the following proportions : — Meat, eggfs and fish 20 cents, or less. Milk (1 pint to each child, I quart to each adult) . 20 cents, or more. Cereals and bread 20 cents, or more. Vegetables and fruit 20 cents, more or less. Fats, sugar and other groceries . . . .20 cents, or less. The housekeeper may substitute less expensive foods in some instances, without injury to the health, in order to economize and keep within the amount allotted for food, but great care should be taken to insure the purchasing of the proper amounts of milk, vegetables and fruit. Outside lunches are usually included under the heading of food, and should be estimated in this division. Shelter. — Shelter is an item which requires but little ex- planation. Practically all famiUes Uving in hired property know what is necessary in the matter of rent, and will find no difficulty in estimating that item. It is well for those seeking new quarters to remember that, if the amount to be paid for rent is more than the income would justify, other items of expense will, of course, be more restricted. It has been said that society's guide to one's stand- ards should be based upon the expenditures for development and advancement rather than upon a false impression gained from an excessive amount spent for shelter. An analogy is found in the shopkeeper who places all his stock in the window, leaving nothing to sell from the shelves. It is realized that ■during the present housing conditions, prospective tenants are compelled, through lack of choice, to accept shelter at figures that are admitted to be out of proportion to the total incomes available. However, it is believed that there are many people who still endeavor to maintain a higher standard of shelter than an economic division of their receipts justifies. A gen- eral yardstick as to the proper amount of rent a family can afford to pay is that the monthly rent should not exceed one week's income. If the home is owned, such items as taxes, interest on invest- ment, whether or not the property is mortgaged, repairs, up- 52 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. keep and fire insurance, as well as proper depreciation, will come under the heading of shelter. Business and school car fares are also usually included in this division, on account of the close connection that these items bear to the amount paid for rent. Clothing. ■ — Clothing requirements are distinctly individual, but purchases should be made from a common-sense viewpoint. The pidncipal use of clothing is to serve as a protection from climatic conditions; the secondary purpose is to enable the wearer to make a presentable and satisfactory appearance in the company of friends -or acquaintances. The necessity for careful selection of wearing apparel, especially by the house- wife, is comparable to good cooking in the home. Quality is very important and should not be overlooked when the clothing budget is planned. The occupation, social require- ments and other needs of the wearers must be considered. Special sales should be taken advantage of when the items advertised are needed, and included in the budget. In this way it is possible to save considerable money during the year. Operating Expenses. ■ — There are three items of operating expense which are absolutely necessary, — light, heat and water. It is possible to estimate these with a fair degree of accuracy by an examination of the bills for the previous year. The expenditures for other operating expenses, such as tele- phone, laundry, household supplies, car fare, postage, ex- press, repairs and replacements and incidentals are governed largely by the standards maintained in other divisions of the budget; for example, laundry charges will be affected by the quantity and quality of the clothing purchased, and the tele- phone bills by the social requirements of the family. The housekeeper who entertains on a large scale will find that her operating costs will be increased because of the additional light, heat and other items of service necessary for the comfort of her guests. A definite replacement plan, including an allowance for the depreciation of household furnishings, and the cost of repairs and new furniture will eliminate crippling the pocketbook at a time when other needs are of more concern. Advancement. — Individual choice determines almost entirely 1922. HOUSE — No. 1400. 53 the manner in which funds available for advancement should be spent. The many items included under the heading of ad- vancement, development, betterment, well-being, life of the family, or whatever title may be chosen, are capable of indicating the real preferences of the family. Care should be taken, however, to insure that the expenditures are not so divided as to deprive the family of the benefits of mental, spiritual and physical development, which are all so essential to a well-rounded and balanced life. Saving^. ■ — It has never been seriously disputed that every family should save a certain portion of its income, if it is pos- sible to do so without injury to health or decent living. Despite this fact, it is astounding to learn that comparatively few fami- lies have any definite plan for saving. Unless there exists an unusual desire for thrift there is very little constructive saving in this country towards the building up of a reserve to serve as a protection for old age or to meet emergency, death or unem- ployment. A survey was made some time ago by several in- surance companies which showed a startling negligence of the American people in this respect. The following table repre- sents the financial history of 100 average Americans: — At age 35, of these men — ■ 6 have died 10 are wealthy 10 are well-to-do 40 live on their earnings 35 show no improvement At age 45, of these men — ' 16 have died 1 is wealthy • 3 are well-to-do 65 live on their earnings 15 are no longer self-supporting At age 55, of these men — 20 have died 1 is wealthy 3 are well-to-do 46 live on their earnings 30 are not self-supporting At age 65, of these men — ■ 36 have died 1 is wealthy 4 are well-to-do 5 live on their earnings 54 are not self-supporting At age 75, of these men — 63 have died 1 is wealthy 2 are well-to-do 34 are dependent Estimates at death of 100 men : 1 leaves wealth' 2 leave comfort 15 leave from $2,000 to S10,000 82 leave nothing. It is said that only the pessimist is thrifty. The life of the extreme pessimist is that of pleasant disappointment, as against 54 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. the bitter disappointment of the extreme optimist. Con- structive saving will tend to eliminate the disastrous showing recorded above, and will enable the family to view the future with a feeling of confidence. Life insurance, investments and payments on the principal, if the home is owned, are forms of saving, and are generally included in that division. Conclusion. The planning of the budget from the foregoing is a simple task. Without a practical division of expenses the novice in budget-making easily becomes discouraged. However, once the advantages of running the home in an efficient businesslike manner are fully appreciated, the budget will be maintained as a permanent part of the family life. The definite financial saving accruing from a well-kept budget will offset any tedious- ness caused by its upkeep, and will tend to stimulate interest and pride of achievement on the part of the family. The budget is particularly valuable to the housekeeper in running down the small leaks, which in the aggregate make the difference between comparative comfort, or even luxury, and discomfort and impecuniosity of different families on the same income. SECTION IV. FOOD. Previous reports of the Commiission have discussed in detail the food situation of Massachusetts, showing our dependency on outside sources for food supply, with its attendant dangers regarding price and possible interruption in supply on account of long-distance transportation. The Commission has also dealt with numerous phases of local distribution. The largest sources of new wealth in the world are the an- nual agricultural crops. In the United States, with the ex- ception of the cotton crop, all other important crops of 1921 were of average size. The same was generally true throughout the world, with the exception of China, Russia and some of the Balkan countries. During 1921 the index figure of the cost of living showed a drop of 19.9 points from 179.5 in January, 1921, to 159.6 in 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 55 January, 1922. This is a reduction of 11.1 per cent. As food represents about 43 per cent of the family expenditures, the benefit accruing from a reduction in this division of the budget is apparent. During the last few months the downward trend in retail food prices has halted, and a slight upward tendency which appears to be simply a periodic seasonal movement is noted. During the past year large inventory losses have been sus- tained by those having stocks of foodstuffs. As a consequence the market is unbalanced, and normal progress is being re- tarded because the relation between prices of one group of commodities and others closely related is abnormal; for in- stance, raw milk showed but a slight reduction, while butter, a manufactured product, showed a considerable reduction, in price. Recently in the case of eggs retail prices were about the same as last year in spite of the fact that corn and poultry feeds have fallen from 40 to 60 per cent. It is claimed that this is due to the activities of speculators, but the low price of grain has greatly stimulated the raising of poultry, and within a few months both the egg and poultry market will decline on account of the artificial basis upon which the present high prices are maintained. The wheat crop of last year was enormous, and imports, especially from Canada, have resulted in so low a price that many western farmers having high-cost farms are in serious financial straits. Further reduction in the price of bread and other bakery products must be made. In some sections where there is keen competition the 5-cent loaf has returned. Vegetable and fruit prices show a downward trend. In, the case of onions the United States Department of Agriculture encouraged a greater consumption to prevent demoralization in this market. In the case of fruit, on account of the low price and high transportation cost vast quantities of oranges and lemons last season were allowed to rot in California. Price changes during 1921 in the food commodities used in the compilation of the Massachusetts cost of living curve are shown in Appendix I, Tables 12 to 50. 56 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Milk. In the weighted cost of living, milk is considered as 7 per cent of the food cost. In families where there are several small children the percentage is greater, as milk is one of their fundamental foods. The retail price in Boston advanced from 9 cents in 1913 to from 15 to 17 cents per quart in 1921. From the exhaustive study of milk conditions during the war by the Federal Milk Commission for New England it would appear that the cost of producing milk depends upon two factors: first, price of grain foods and labor; second, national market levels of butter and cheese. In other words, the first factor is com- parable to raw material and labor costs in industrial pro- duction; the second factor indicates that raw product prices must bear some relation to the prices of manufactured milk products, — cheese, butter, etc. During 1921 retail fluid milk prices did not maintain their former comparison with the above factors. Upon investigation the Commission found that a vast surplus of milk accumu- lated. This surplus milk netted the farmer so low a price that much of it was fed to animals or wasted at the farm, while the price of milk in metropolitan Boston remained about 16 cents per quart. In other words, the law of supply and demand was not the determining factor in fixing prices. , Another reason for the special interest which the Commission took in the milk situation was the fact that a comparison of vital statistics during recent years showed that infant mortality as well as death rate from communicable diseases traceable to milk was higher in Boston than in New York. The Com- mission is composed of laymen and not health experts. How- ever, it would appear that the lower price of milk in New York (10 cents per quart bulk) resulted in greater milk consumption; this has strengthened the children's physical condition and raised their power of resistance to disease. Recently one of the large grocery chain store systems com- menced the distribution of milk in metropolitan Boston. This resulted in an immediate reduction of from 2 to seven cents per quart in the retail price, and injected active competition into the distribution of milk. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 57 The Commission believes that the most deplorable feature in the milk problem is the practical elimination of Massa- chusetts farmers in milk production. Not only has this re- sulted in higher retail prices for milk, but it has disrupted the Massachusetts farmers' system of agriculture. As a consequence of the limited supply of milk now available in Massachusetts, the Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire farmers have substantially a monopoly of this market. The Commission believes that the Massachusetts Legislature should consider the advisability of building up and encourag- ing the growth of our dairy industry to its former standing. The State Department of Agriculture and the Massachusetts Agricultiu-al College could be of great assistance to Massa- chusetts farmers and the Legislature in this respect. Another reason which has been given by many former Massachusetts dairy farmers for discontinuing the production of milk has been the great mass of restrictive legislation with which they are obliged to contend in this State. In the old days, when Massachusetts farmers raised the bulk of the milk we consumed, the retail price was low, the farmer was prosperous, and fresh milk was available for the home. From reports received by this Commission, it appears that many farmers outside of Massachusetts, whose milk is sold in this State, do not follow the sanitary methods in producing milk that Massachusetts farmers are obliged to observe. Meat. Meat constitutes about one-third the food cost of the average family, and beef comprises nearly one-half of this item. Mas- sachusetts is practically dependent upon outside sources for its supplies of meat products, which come from the west and southwest in special refrigerator cars to local distributing branches or agents of the packers. According to the November issue of the United States De- partment of Labor Bulletin comparative ratail prices of meats, as of September 15, show that Boston is the highest priced market; for instance: — 58 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. .. 5 ,-,.-- £ .-— y , t_ __ X_ :- ^ ■ ^ J .. ■■.. L - ■= = =-- ;'" I :. -■ ., s' ... :: r ' ' ' ' KL ' m4JiUJHH4li -;:::;:;:::.: ::!!■._-' s:-,: - <- ,/ __.;: ::^i:: :::::::::::::::..... = : / .1 ..:::? 10 1 : 1 1^ '' *--.- ^--- L " ' .-^ ::;r :r :: ::;r::::::::: '■'[ 1 ■-. 3 I I ===: ■ t 1 ; j: ::. \ = ' -'p ^ ::" ;:::;:::::::: :;::::::^ :r:::::x ■-- !:;i_:_:^.:^ T 3 ' . ::::::::::::::::: ::1j:^:^^: :::::: ^ :^ i> ^ ^ ^._..j_.--. 1* ^ ^ =:: :'. .ci.^l __. _. . _ . ..'>J.. ___ ^ ::::: 1 <^ ... ^ :—i ■;: ^ • .. J ...:.'* . .,?5 i . ■ V 'i t ^ ^ ,.-, .^_ ... 1^ -— <- -, J /A- — _ ._ jS... - . ' _ ■> i « ...±.i:;...t |;j.-,..U o ± =-_ a, ^j Nio -i ?^ f=, .. <:. ', '^siiBt"' I'.-., -,. \ s 8 s| ii 1 ] { 1 ^ §1o «' t::_^ -- -^-..-+ -- 3|5 1 ---(--- „ u 3K--8J V^ ^ t!!i i ::::::::"" " — p lilt": t , ) t 0^ a§2.sh . / I 5 o jsjsis .. l^', \- 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 59 Boston, Mass. St. Louis, Mo. St. Paul, Minn. Atlanta, Ga. Cents. Onts. Cents. Cents. Round steak (per pound) 53.3 34.2 29,7 33.1 Rib roast (per pound) . 33.9 29.4 27.4 27.4 Ham (per pound) ^ 99.6 50.4 50.0 62. J Lamb (per pound) 35.1 29.4 28.7 32.1 In many western cities, at the present live-stock prices, the farmer is able to secure a higher return by selling his cattle for local consumption. The packers claim that Boston consumers insist upon the heavier or better grades of meat, and that there is practically no demand for the lighter and cheaper grades, which represent the basis for lower prices in other sections of the country. The Commission has received from the Bureau of Markets, United States Department of Agriculture, reports which indicate that the quality of fresh western beef received in the Boston and New York markets during 1921 was nearly the same. The Commission is endeavoring to make further comparison of the quality of meat receipts in other representative cities. The method of cutting meat varies in different sections, of the country. In Boston many meat cuts are "boned," while in other sections of the country bone is left in to flavor the meat. Therefore in making comparison of meat prices it is necessary to consider the method of cutting and the weight of the bone as well as the quality of the meat. One of the practices of the meat trade that has been forcibly brought to the attention of the Commission several times is inequitable price fluctuations. Daily bulletins of live-stock prices and selling prices for carcass of western-dressed meats in some of the large centers of the country are published by the United States Bureau of Markets. From these reports and independent investigation it is apparent that a rising market is closely followed, and a declining market is but slowly followed; that is, an increase of live-stock prices is almost im- mediately followed by the packers, wholesale and retail dealers, but a decline in live-stock prices has to be prolonged and of several weeks' duration before being reflected in retail prices. 60 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. -- -- --- 1 --r--- "'>'-'">-" st' ^-::. <:""- ^^,-- s 2 1"^ J.n "=---- i -" *.i" -J _ _ - -. ; n S^ d - --•-" --? - ^ ' "; ^ ---=":. i. i - '— '■-^. i 3; ::t":r:" " A -liit ^ L-Ht'"" L -"" ---Sscja £: t""n:S;,; ::::::t iHU ;::-" .-^' .^.,.... dtl ii±n~- ■'■--^ — '^ i<3s"j 5""I ^::i::::-^ :_..... 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L_. 1...,/ -- "1 . _..^..i- \ ■ot« 3^^.W»©OC0O^fhM«0 t>cot^e^H^coequ9 oooooooooooo oooooooooooo OP491«O^CQ00«0{r4OO00 •tfl-^OSOSoioOOO-Hf-lO ooaOQses^o^oooo c^u3r«ooa>^eQoooo3«o ^i-iooT-iasooo-H^HO 0000300)0^0000 wQO'^eococoowcot^uS'* Oft o Oft Oft ^ Oft Oft Oft Oft Oft Oft o^ ^^t0T_i00OWSt-O^-O.-» eOCOCOcDU3CO«OOt*CO«OU3 OftOftOftOftOftnCaOftOOOftOft Ob o Ob I 1 iocDr-(^eou3ioc40ftt«e^^ OaU90fte^OO>Oft'^>At~C4CD OftOftOftOO^O^OaOOC* ■4C4r-ICOt^OC4-«Ot^arH eoeo-^0>oecoe4iecooeo<^ U30ft-^o>oet^OOOO cq^oio^ioooeoi-HCOc- u^lacsloooco■^•-)oeec^^- C4^U3-«COCOt«t«Ot*010 rai-HoooftoooA^M^eo OOOft^O^OOftOOO^ _Oftou30fti-4eocot« Oft Co Oft Oft ^i Oft 03 Oft Oft Oft Oft o> 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 107 Ob 6Q ri g i i ^«*"*U3M5USiOUSiOeoeO«0 s ^-^-^-NMNC4C404•ow3iou3in»oio»oio ggggggggSSgg a a oooooooooooo gggggggggggg i oooooooooooo gggggggggggg oooooooooooo OaOiOiOsOsOSOCsOiOiOsoa a a oooooooooooo oacoo3003a»a>oiOaAO»a> ss iJj IfoiiMllJ 00 3 m 1 U o Ob 8 e ft. t 1 3 ra^eqiiOO*-iooi-icvNce*K rHpHOOOO^^OOOOOOOOOO NMWCijeS— t.-ii-it-ii-iTH.-i eieQoou3o<4(aaoo>o>«oo oooaoaooooogoooocouaeq lousooeoooooooeqoeotoco *HMe<9•n>QMu3^~0^o^HC4 (OooeoeoM'-iwMosaicsi t^oooDa>o»eSoooooo t^t* 03 O^ O ^^ O O CO O Ob Ob i>>r^oooooou3inu3inAObOb iO^-^CqC^C4C4C4COC4e4C>) OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUSCOOOOO lO^«0-t*b-fr«t~OeQCQCO OOOOOOOOOOOO ^-t>-t«^>^>^«^~^«oooo O O O Ob 0> O^ 03 Ob O O O ^D ObObOO'ObOCbObO^O^ OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO gOOOOO^OOObObOb OOOOO^OOObOOb OOOOOOOOOOOO oooooooooooo OOOOOOOOOOOO Ob O O O O Ob O O Ob Ob Ob Ob Ob O Ob Ob Ob Ob Ob Ob Oi Ob Ob O Ob O Ob ^& Ob O Ob Ob 0> Ob O Ob >;& _-€^-^.S S.^S B'S 3 3 9 S)S o 0) 108 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. ^ PQ s 00CO»OTfl00iHO)OSTj*Cnif31O CO0000t-I-l>l>f-t-00000O s s ts.rt^t..oeooo»-(THt«-osu5 SssilS^SSIaa eocoMMeoi^^i-«.-itOQ0^ aa222222ssa3 s C4 (M oa w w t« r- c- 1^ c- 1>- r- S2SSS3SSSS33 s w««eo(Mmoo>cno9eoeo i-<-<<-Hcqe>acoeoeo OOOOOSOOOOO^.-l in OOOOqe>4C«l-^U3U3U3lOC« ssgsssssssss 3 s osaoausususcotoicusioio g5SgSS£;SSSSS s coe^e d s osasoseoweowweotDwco ggsssagss^sss^ 1 1 ;£ a I oooooooooooo caoooooduaneoooooo oaoaooooooDCOQOOoaooor^ OaOiOaOOOOOOOOO oooooooooooo u3U3UBeooooeou3C^c«iu3u3 oooooooooooo oooooooooooo _f .-. r-t ^ .-H i-( i-H i-H N e!i (N 00 OC0U3OC4U3OOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO ooooo^^oiooeoua OOOOOOOOO*-!^^ oooooooooooo OOOOOOOOOOOO oooooooooooo OOOOOOOOOOOO oooooooooooo SOQOOOOOOOOO ooooooooooo OOOOOOOOOOOO S999QOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO ssssssssssss OOOOOOOOOOOO aija - . ■si sag illl^illflil 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 109 o ■13 i ^ 1 o m rt ^ g sis 1 •S? 1 eq s ^1 a. $17 00-J21 00 16 00- 18 50 16 00- 17 00 15 00- 16 50 11 00- 15 00 13 OO- 15 00 13 00- 14 75 11 25- 16 50 10 50- 14 50 10 00- 15 00 9 00- 13 50 10 25- 14 00 t S8gSggggg§Sg 000»Q00>0»t-CQ>Tto» i ooOMsSooooooo osaoaso>*-to»-ioooc»oo ^-^-^-oooosoa»oooooo^. ja 3 no NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. OS ^ B OS CL, »■ « o I, H 1 i 85.6 71.9 4S.1 44.8 42.1 40.1 41.1 40.6 38.0 35. 6 28.0 29.3 i s cct-i-4«ou3ncoo»iot-t^i-t SSSSSSSssssS i i oor-coeoooiooooocoowio gcii«#Qo^ioioioa»t-»oco in «oeoeou3coequ»i-(a> OSOSCBOOiOOOOOOiO s «OTH'*i-('*ooi-too-*ooooeo gggssssiiiii" i ■*o>o»«c»-*asiot*»ow(M OOOOGOOOCOCOQOOOCOQOCOCD s s Mcsicsi'^'^oOf-isDeoeoeoho sssgssssssss slllllllllll 1922.] HOUSE — No. 14O0. Ill e f g -s 1^ ^ > ■c "3 > '3 >■ ■3 " ■c (etOlOkAiaiQiAUStAIAU)^ s ^-^fr-t^t-iN.totototo meomcoc* it^t-tototo -iet9)w)Ot«i»teteiwio ^*<»» -1C4C4dNMmc>3CSI o .«^ y s ss S a r T* ^ o> t>l S-i3 O s. « •a CL< 112 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. t II •^froo w o »o *a « o a» **t* t^ ■ 1 i KB ~f~f=0 -^00 CO O-H -,-,-,« gS|g|||gggS| s 2 o MS •^■^■*00 00 00 00 CO •«*.'*o o 2 i K--S W3WSO:)»S«5«l«»»*OOOo -vt-Oo SS2S|55SSg5| 1 i «-B 1 i 1-5 1 »H 4? MV3 ■ tN^.^.^^^^^.^.«3n»3»^*^ SSSSfffggSg^ 1 i 1-5 fr-*^t^t^t*b.««at-t.-i^t.- SSSSSfgSfS^f 8 Ji S i id 1-^ O O O O 00 -<^Q0 *^ fr- fr* t^ t^ 1 i ii ooooooQoooooQoosoaooosoa i s s u SESS5S33SS3SS, 1 llllllllllll 1 s 03 i A^ a£ J^ f^ aJ; ^ ftm. Pn fiM 9^ fj^ Sk^ ■a e M^ei?*-! 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"s^^'w ^- io «» 1 li oQito oo oo ■* to od >-i *-.>-. >-i 00 1 s ll WtotoOsoooowaooo'DCSto s s a a ll -♦^*-*^it-^ OS o> osoa>-.**-si. g £ s a ll SSosos55S5SSSS 1 o i a ■^-*^*'^to to to OS •-:^v(..^(.v^ SSoSososoivhSSSS i a a 4^ «V3 t- f* ■-^>-frto to ■«^-«^-*■*^-*^-<^ IqIqt^Vh 00 CXI -h^-*.) >.(<>.( >H>-I OsOs0^030sO-,>H»-t--H»-<«S»J«lOa»- oo kn u:) u:i us «3 »s -«t-oo o o * »o cj ci CJ cs ^Ms *^ ^ o o •? li^*#'4i^Mc4mnc4^c9 oooo94»«o*M'-Ht*oao»i^^. '«H3«*3O6«i»ieot»^00»3*3 totototo^-oso^9}usO)W»l e «» ''*^*®3*^=F»r55to'~^to'o"o'5"o~" QOto'oototo'*-Ht-io»OS03Qios o «» ooiSOO-^'-**-»0'S'-iWje» at 00 a*'e* cnMNMuacsixH'^i o M- ■■-iC)(aoot3soaC>Ci'-H»-C) rHa»C*C-flOOOO»OiH*-«Oa o «» OC>oe^*^o»W3 -+0O 00 »o O o C) "^-^O IS >o 00 to xa Q ocsC)Ososcoo*^«a>-i'^ AOieiaOOOA^O ra'<4t M i-l ^^*H«-t*-i'r-ie4c«eqe4c>«e« o J» «auau500000QCj<»o »-D~a9AO>AO>0>9>Oai o c» >*30*oatoe50ot^o«o»3«3»s OS ■«♦■•«(.■.-, ta CO -^o us Ma »Hosaso4B)^ £° 3":3"?> ?^ 2° r" S? ?> 3— <»--* ^-oooo^-t-^-^-^i^^oooooo uatoiD^TtiLnmuimtewto o os«wc-^ai»--i5^55S O £ sssassasssssa s a en ii W-3 -*■-*-* -*wj ^-^i* t- on«a -* osoioaOsQos^5^o?55' 1 sssssaassisss s a 1? KB OS O o o OS 5 So 5 S S 2 S 1 CM ssssaaassaas o 3 cooooSosSSSSSSS £ aassaassssss lla^slSllcSln i o -t-oi O'-ieooosooob^-t^aj - ■•-< 93 ai •*>-< •^•5 Qo" 00 >-<" >-« -*■' ' CD^-<0>a tOC0 00 00CO-H *s'»s so ~* co<»i^ooC)0*-iei3ao-HOoto CO fiO €0 CO *~<>-<'<^'^<300s :AOC4P4^ C4e<4esic4eoeoexc4cocococo e ««■ »3 eo *4-W ^+93 93 93 OS OO OV Ot ^tt tt OS oi C6 tt OS *<^cs -!t-^ C)ClClSCl03CSOO'^>-.»<»l iHC40e>40C4Me4C04l(AiA C4MC4C>«C4C4C4C4e^e^C4C^ o ^osn^osnosOsosAOs^ Cbosoonoaosasosososoo e os os OS -^fros oj os -<»■•<^■*=^^!^os ososWOsosososO^^OOoa eeeotooeiHcoiHiHo t4NC4iHC4C>4e>4C4C>IP9e>4M e «»■ -^-^■^■vhCO ^*95 93 93 93 ■*»■** ^cb^^to^ososQ **■•«^ca OOOoOsOsObOS^OCSf^OsOS r4iHNC4iHC4e4C4e«iC4T-ie4 e _J* IQ IQ K^ IQ IQ IQ •^■*!t.^^-^-<(. V(. ::+-*^-Q'to^IS"^"i5^~^^-^*»5"^ S ;3'SS S ^::?"* * Os' -^j-os" OS toODto%t«Qb.ososc«t»co o «» llli^iillfll 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 115 1 I 05 m < s .1 00 00 C4 m M e ca m C4 m *h *h i 1? K'-3 a ^1 04 <*! -^©a ««i»»3»3©»**©* QOOOgOOOiOsOsOiOjOoOoOo 6 £ s •1? £ 5 a Jj 1 91 a t^t*^.l^t^t^i^t.*^0Oi^Q0 §§§§§§§§§s§s i £ o »H % > W*3 t^e^t^t*fr*Qot-e^t~e^t^t^ SSgSgS8§SS§S £ NC4NMMMNMC4C4MC4 s Illlllllllll^ s •c 3 a* ll siiiiiiiiiii 1 a M'-S ggggsillllll S £ s a ll , £ o *•• 1 1 1 S^i. (5 I -^OC-lSD O* t^O^ »3 09CO>' »3 flo »5 0--^^^^^^^^-^^-*so■^ tQM-^t-^Co to *^ Co ^ CO »3 Co OooOiHb-E~c-t-t-t>eot- C0»3»3t^t^^-0SOOS050«0 CO ^-*->0 lO>i3»ic5000QOQd »* ^ »^ op «3 W3 -^ms >Q «J «» «J coto*^to•^^-toto^-^-^-to OQ oo Us QD "^U) oo 00 Q OQ toe~-o>'-H«o«ososo»3»sW3-* 1 >~i >-< «4 O) Ot «t -^^^^UJtAUSIAiOWUlOp s ®5>-iOdOOCiOiaiCi'00 •^oooocsooioicadd e o O Ci o o ooooooooo t^Q«iKa>o»e»waxs«j>Q»^ >^ '•^ >H O C) - l^ tl S*I o «» ff (S - -S S « Sat 116 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. i II OS •! "^OS BO >H « W t^ 1 i «-.3 1 & i 4i »H »H to »i -^-q-w* --t-Qo -"H «o *-i 1 111 i 21 OS «« *H 00 a* *^ -* t- s* *H >-i »-i 1 i asoooooo*HOaos*H*jososo» i ■1? <0^!-«<»=0OOW-.-.~. ss|3S|g||ggg ■B 3 S ll «3 00 -*^+e- oa Qo 00 »3 ■^**Do osS5So»-«w»i»*csSSS 1 i 11 CD 00 00 »s ■<^'^ *H ^. -«^.■*^■«^-^ 1 a a 00 00 IKJ-Oa 03 «3 00 ■» «» 00 00 Co 1 M'-S *h0000W3»O«S»OOC>0000Q0 QoSSoo'^ta-^ooooSSS S . 2 saaaS'sssaaaa a 4i (§•43, . 00 •■-4 Q BQ ua us -sfroo >H iM »a *H 1 aasassaassas s a MS S5i;si§5sss§^s aaaS'saEaaass s sa* iO00X9«QM->hQQB3*O«3O01 «QE>lAU»tniAia>OU3>AU>U> QtsSCDAOstoAosasosxaus etCO»3COOODOOODO>Q>4 H Co .i^^e-.Qi3»3e3Go 04 etS^Q^QiSQ cotocococotococococococo ososoaosoaos^^os^^oa cocoe4«a^^O)«4^^^^ M ro cq CO €4 03 CO CO 90 M PO c ||iit?ill|lli 1922.] HOUSE — No. 14D0. 117 g' O «C) 93 «0 ■^>-< «3 00 Oa «t «o <30 8 i 4i M--0 I. 3 01 a* II 1 i ii <:;394»SS*aoa*<>300QO»»*SQ^ 1 a 4s S C4MC4nc4C4mMC4mmc4 a s ■1? W43 I n9MM«U3(0 ^^10 to 3 S owswsfrswiocst^aiwicscs |§SS|||||S|| £ s Si iiiiiiiiiiii 1 i ll S £ a a ll •H i ll •^03 QOOOO«3GOOOOOOOOOQO OOOOOSCOSOiObOlOs OS.Oi Oi ei ea W M C4 ^iH M C4 M M M iHC4MMC4Cie4C4C4C4C4e>l a Ad 00 O *^ t* t* t- -^O O «> «l OS s £ 1 CD eoe40o>tet*>Aioia(eto o *» OClOOOOiSOOCSdO Qoaooo«l^^ea«t^^C)0 aooaooc4cac4c<4«<9e -+o «. t*. 00 J as;3asssi's3^s ^ ll •3 »3 e^ *H ".-i i^ wt'cTo o" «*oo 1 asasa^asssaa i as ssaaggssssaa s ■3? KB a a £ aaaaaaasaaaa a 4? W43 aaasaaasaaas 1 ll aasssassssaa a 4i K-S o«-.-,oooo>-.o«m §i§=:s§g8§=:§SS S 2 gassssssasaa 3 3 o saaasssssssa o *H^'(ft sa oTsft'tftoj >H -^ >T»^ a a ■<-i*^OoO0Ci0O0O0Q0*H*H--.-»H ■^■-hOoOoOOOoOoOo'-h»h*-i>-i ssggggggssaa a a ll 33^33333gg§s§s 1 ssssssasgggg a MB J ssassasssssa s. i -is KB gggsg §§§§853333 s £ sassggsaaass Si. 00 (N H n co%^Ob1~■aocoo^ ■^ »H«H >^ -fci aa •*>o ^- ^ fo «ioc)^od>^ooo*iQp«i«)«i ooE-teu»u»tQU9OU30 « iQ -H o o t^ *<^U5 o) cs -^ oo CO to »0 ©3 ^*Oa 00 Oj 03 to «4 Oo -+00 »se^i^»3ors>cjtoaso*<3 H■s^lQto<%ooQo>Qaaoo>Q^ >oa^CSfr-Q0'l3«3'Qa)tooo>QettoCQaa QOQOOoOQOoQoOOOOCfcOO in p^oo (ewcooeoeoeomus o _5» 1922.] HOUSE No. 1400. 119 cy 1 § 03 < i Jl 8 o Oi OS OS OS «o so OS ^*00 00 00 oo . s saKsaasssasa s 2 rt--3 00 s is ^•5 '»ai'to«>.oooo S sSfaaaasaaaa i i| -^■-.t*-i to eo Ws "*a> -*0 t* •^~* QO^COto^toW!00^~OSDDCiO o _*» OO0000-iQ000*^to OOoOCiosooooi^t^oot^co o «A to «l 1*3 oo ■-• ^-*ni "o <» <© «^ ■>-i Its ©> --I 00 ^^00 00 s* «( to' to--*~^ost^totototot^*^oo oicoeaemeovHiHc^Mao e _(# '0"3>*50Qoooci'saso»asto ■-^«»«»toooQot^^«■^-»oos■~^ t3C'-iOa'v;Osto«flK3to»H'-*cci NoietoM^iHca^eoaete o _» «o W3 1^ at ea to ->-*wi -^'Q 00 00 ■^ *^ OS ~+oo oo f^ ~<^^<^*^^ OsOsO'-'OdOSOsOOOSOSOs "H oo ■^ »> — ^*os OS i>~ ^ -^os -*d ^-oo^-ol^-»C)0^to'-^to 00 00 OS 00 CO Oo -+oi ©9 oa ot'oa ^OsOSOSOSOsOsOSOSOSOsOs coeouseoroeoeo-^^^^^ (o CO coeocococaracocococo o ilfei4U i 120 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. I (5 6h J 1^ hi 1 ii «=. O *-i OS -^o* « -^frKa »o to ko 1 i §•1 iote o oTi-i w t- e- (0 c« t^t!^ 3 a P3-B OS 1^ 94 i£3 to wa -iHo <CSOdCS 1 i ll I i ll >H»-«'-(<3>csuiuau»tou>u)io n Mia in a a fr-OSCjCSCj^ iiSI S < Is •! 1 < iS o !z; a (5 ?^ e ^ CO t-H 00 to -^ 00 t* *H l-H -+t«. i>. ** ts.' tJ «( »a i^ «5 « w OS 03 55 bj, in e- oTos c-teoe«oaiw(eio s Oto09totoosnc«oj'>HOO CJ OO -^00 oo -4.^'vj.*-, cj Oo •» C)0»»^toOO?^*5-4 0D>-1 ^«>-^»-(OOWS oooo*M"^'-^*».oo'^'-"OCJto 00HQa^Qt9t>^«t9194«««4 eec4i-iNcoee>ie4iAinco e t-o-^-^t-*>.**-^o to to-»- >j:s^t-^QOo^as3iaMr4coeoeo ~»r»ito'to'*H^^H'^H'^"^^^:^e;ro ^^c> ci«3e3»a00OsOSlQ9t osai'ciC3>H'.-,-^>H-»-.»H««©a e «>■ '"•iBBO'oo'oTro'o^'Ssto -^~<^Q0 oo oo 00 i-H oo oo 00 -^cj OS -^t-cs ci toCQtoOQooooscbOeboto (Suawtf^ioiOfDintDtD e tototototototototototo93 tetptoietetstofetetoteiA vH*-liHrHT4«Hi-lr4v4i-li-l«H o M- Oooo»3toto0stoo^>~icb Oo CO oq 00 -*o 9 to o to «o to ooooQoooaioQooo»HO S «»■ tototo»iflo«aooocscio o Ci Q •^■^hoo Oo oo 00 oo Oo OQ Otooaao^oooQCDOooooooD o ■^ *H t^ -v^-vj.^ -I-* OS OS to to to »:>05>C)Osoa«i»totoc>c>to «DflQOO>o)oo«ot-e«teteCC)0'=> 111111111111 1 ssssssssssss i iiiiiiiiiiii 1 ssssssssssss a IIIIIIIIIIII 1 ssssssssssss a 4? ooooocsoooooo S§§8SS§§S§S§ s 2 ssssssssssss i rtv3 IIIIIIIIIIII ssssssssssss s 11 CSOOOOOOCSOiSCiO §s§§s§sss§§s 1 ssssssssssss s lL-.;;iWl <5 ^ ^ 8 ^ S CO S e flooooeeeooflowee s o 0> O) O^ O^ Ot Ol O^ 0> O) 0) o> O) CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO o flO dD oo Oi Oi 4k Ok Ok 0k 0k 0k Ok CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO o *A- tD«0(0(D(Owaooooocqc4ae e C)C>c2<:^o^a^oaOkOaaio o CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO 00 CO CO CO o w- CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO lA e CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO e &S - • • ■ •■^-'aS'g-S 122 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. I p. g I i CO CO § • SB-' 00 00 O 00 «»*«*♦ 00 -^Cft OS OS 1 i 1-1 1 SBsasssssaS's i II OlQ>QlQ>0t«<0>«*0>0>Q>Q 1 ^^ ^H ^^ ^H ^H ^H ^H ^H ^H %^ tH tH i KB »~(^wj©ia«oooooo»o-^'-^W3 1 sss§sssgss§"a s 5 a «-5 1 sssslsssiaas to ^ > «B So «s »*a -«^■^ 1 s P3'-S «isososo'-t>-«»Heoto^Ko«o 8 ggggsssssSii' s K'-C 1 ■1? K« O0OOO00O»3«S«3»30o00O00O gfi'gggggiifi' s ■ 3 4i Ui«oco«4«4«twt«tet«(«i 2 3 ll oooooooooo»»wiQ40soa>-iso £ ggggiggggggg o i K- ^«iW)«««i«4W«e40t«)«t«t «*SBoao*3W3Wi»5*3*J«5»i 8 £ gggggggggggg o liilililiili s e CO H m ■eo*sS5J5S!5S?P29 HC>4e4NMC4*- cocococicocscsc>csc>o«3 oocDdo*-.t^e^e^t^h »3l»«300«3 030300e-^«0 O3e30'3e'3«on«3930a*3a3eo (iCsooooocscJcicioo oooeoeooooeio oooooooooooo ooeoeooooooo OOOCJC)OQQOQC)0 Cl^dOOOQOOOOO oooooeoeeeoe goooe oo .i§^S^S»^^^^0!3D 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 123 1 t s o S5. CO K--S •c B3'43 ■c K'-S ■a © !> rt--B P3-.B _2 o % > ^^ ^ IQ C> CD ^ Q> CD ■«*■*-! -:(■ «» •o Ws *9-ns to to i« to ■^*H "^ o> MCOC4C0^^09C4noe)flO oooooo<3ooo«t'*i«t^»tt<.to ^>»i*»i>-ivHftoiaiO)Oi^to oooooooocococccoooodoocio ^ oa o^ ^ o^ o^ ^ o^ ^ o^ o> o^ tAioiommm m ia u) m us in~ ^*-*-< Oj O 00 -Jt-t*. 94 «4 03 »3 es ^^^*H cjitot-ao»50soos^toto tototo0003QO*H'-ea)OOB-B* totodC)C>iQC)*--4«ReoiQ^ooto tntnoeetaocsocrmuft "V3CS»«jXS»(aOOO O >-• '-t >-* " tot^>^«t«i»^tototok<^U3U3 wi w « -^-^os ®* wi a* ■-i *-H ■-H >o to e e O komio >o la m >a to>-'*«>H'^to*Hto'Q>^>^»-* 00 :* •^*<(-:3-Q0 ■^OJ Ci U3 Us to oiomuameiaoemioin QiAetcncnaiAerHeee totototoscM^-i^^to^toto OQ QO do OQ OO -It- "^ ■'ft- 00 Oa 00 OD O) O^ O) 0t cn O) Ok O) O) 0> 0> 9t **■ to to to to ^*H *H to to to ^*h to to oaasosajto»taoattoi^oooo eaoooooooooicnea to"to"*H^ ^ a :*-«f--*::3-^^ °s ^ ^ S *"H *^ *"H to to *^ *H **f to to to to va to to OS cs ""tHia iq oa oi oi ca '' mmmoouiiomcsooo eooooooooooo So* a* fe^ 3 5*0.0 o A. 1 ^ 00 CO ►J n ■< caaoc-oaoaOftOaB^o^oso^oa 00 OQ OQ 00 OQ «t •« -4t-^-.<}.>v}.-.4f«^cc to to ssss oeeeoeoeooee tototo*H'-HQooooooo -^■»*■■«^ Qooooooooot»!*^t,lj>;i>;t^t,I >S l-H >H --fr-jj-t^ t- t^ »>* o o o Dooooeeooe ^.^.t^(^^^^^.fr.^^^.^.lQ oeooeooeoeSe «^{^t>.t.t.e^{^i-~t^ aeooeooooooo tototo*^^-^-l^^-E^^-^-^^ c-S^t^oacsoaOaOaOatototo WS to CO CO 00 CO CO CO 00 ^ ^ "t oaoaoaoaca^^oaoa^i^^ <%os03AOaOaOaOaOaoao^oa oa Oa ^ Oa oa oa oa ^ o^ oa oa c 124 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. S5, I s s e s 1 05 CO II 1 g-oo = o=. e a i $"""'"""'"'""' a 4i K'-S 1 iiiiiaiagaig a a eototeOOQOQOOOOOQOOOOOOO SssssslSSass i iiiiiiiiiiii a if 1 iiii§§§§§§gi a Ad osasdosoiobososojososOB 1 iiigigiiiiii i 4t IIIIIIIIIIII iiiiiiiiiiii - a" ^■1 IIIIIIIIIIII ooooooooooao 3 il IIIIIIIIIIII i iiiiiiiiiiii i 4i W+3 IIIIIIIIIIII 1 oooo a a IIIIIIIIIIII 2 ooo = =,oo = oooo a a II §SS§SSSS8SS8 i oo llllllllllll Oj 0> OS OS 93 OS **-<(-+'<*-0 O 00 00 oo' 00 93 go ;:?■;:*■;* ;:3-o o OOOoCQOQOOOOOOOQOt^Ali- U9«0tCfl0(0tD«0ie4MMCae> ooooi^iwnesasaaeaM §g sssssaaaaaaa Ok Ok s> oi OS d oooo:30(sC30oC)(a nnnnoinno! eeeeeeee Sgnooeeeeoeo soeeee ooocJoooooood ooooooooosoo SSSSSSSSSSeS e «^ >-^'-^'-^'-^■-«■.-J»H■-^>-.000 *-,>-i.-;i-;»-i»^>^>«;»4ooo eeooeeooeosAA o 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 125 g 1 i ii 1 i **•*>-, to « t- 00 ci >-« ^*»» ^- 1 i P3« «t OS -*OS 03 OS 06 -^OS -<^OS OS CLi s s s 11 1 i ■3? oso>>HOs«,ososoi«i -*«i -vf. 1 s a a 4g WJ3 -<^Ol OS t^ -totoos^ >s Qs OS ■«t-i>^ >>i OS >-) c> VN >H ta to to ^SO «» O OS O >H 99 -^^ eeoeeeeeeoee e <» §Os ^ -^Op «tO«3»3«SQdi/:^>Q g b- ■**■% »3 ■>-•'-< >-i t- to to eeeoooeoou)ua aaas;jsssisss s «t 00 ot at ot aa -<-fr- as a>3 ^. iq ^- OS i^ «t a) «) OS •^^- 1^ '**^ aQtoooata^aa^OoooDOe^ s^siiisissii s e4c>ataoatatQ4toto9393n ^. ::*(-t^ os^>t^^osOsat«)at ODdootoaoooooeoaoVatQua sisssssiisss eeeeeoooooeo o «» iQiQCoaia^^taatoa^atata) '**-*>-< oooo'ooooas^-i^^^^^^ *»■^»to■^•-l•-■>-l»30ooooooo eeeeeooooeeo oeoinintomooeeo s ooaiaaataqatooatatotataj "^^^^ i- ^» (^ »^ * t^ ^.' *sl ooooeooooee o «» ODX^obooOoetatoooooDOoao OoiQQoOOOOdOOOOOODOOOO OD ^ OO op 60 ^ ^ OO op op OO OQ eeeooeeeoeoe e «y OO0o«!«»»«l9aa»OOOOWS»JS -*h*^(^ ^- is, ^- ^-' f-^ *tS 0OeO»-lrtrt,H*Hi-t000OT4TH eeoSSSSSSeeo o <» oocooQootototo^co^oooo ■^-*--*~*Os" OS OS (si ->^^.s^ 0oCc>QO'%^Qo^ao0o0oooao w OO OQ DO c3 C9 ^ ^ OO vO 00 OO Seeeeeeeoooo e <» ooooooes.t^^osoooooocooo •^-<(-^c! C) o C) •«t.■«fr■v^•«t.-^ ODOoootototo^cQoooo^oo ^p ^p ^> T^ T^ »^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^> SoooooiNcqiooooQogoQog ^ ^ 0s 0s 0S t^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 5* oooooooeoooe e *» Q00000OJ*»®*^O00O0000Q0 -~t-<~000(,co«>^2^!- 3SS§SSSSS3g§ 8 ■n »9eoc4W3eQc>ae4esi0qmcoR9 s s s •n egMMPOMPaeomtowwjM s s -*-*-*>♦-<*-* •^^*'**-. «^ »-. ||||||SS|SgS S s sssasssassas o i ■1? 033 S|||||S|||8| ^>ou»inusiau>m>niniau) & ■»^^^» ^^^^^-^<.^<.t^%)toto s •B 1^ IhSSSSSSS^SS^ s. e 0t 2l |||S||S||||| •i CM flll^illflii K? S s i 1^ m Eh S e SI. m ^- 9« BO «« '♦to to to -*to to ** H>-f^'-.i-He»t-fr-e-^.e*e~ -5-*-*»* aa »j «e ♦! •» -«^-s^•(^ •«*■-«*-* -iA«etO(0feiA>aiA o oooocooooooococooocaoaoo o «■ IQ ■« IQ tQ tQ (Q to IQ )ia *C3 IQ IQ . coooooooflooo^oooooooo 00' ' ■AU»tA>AU>U>U)IAIAiaiQU9 e «» oooooocoaooooooooooooooo e tQlQlQlQIQlQIQIQtQtQlQlQ OOQOQoaooOODCOQO<%QOCoCio ■nioiAU9u3u)in>0tAU>u3ia S- tooCitotototoSootooo e «>■ cowaeoouaBaeaoasMMeB s "iQ kO >Q ■« to tQ iq IQ tQ^'^-^ii OoOOOOQoOOOQOoOoOOOtoS saassassssas S- Q» ^ oa oa Oft ct) oa ^^ ^>o>q Doooooooooooododto -^-"^-^ 3"*^'^"^5^'^"^ <4< m u» la 1922. HOUSE — No. 1400. 127 i li «4 Qo »>. »^ US Ob oi «s OS >-; -( >H T-l >-l 1-H >-« >-l % > sSsSSSISisaS 0) s «'-S ^4-*--t-*-*»H »H ■■-1 l-i ftia ffS 93 ■.^ >-; 1^ 1^ ■,»; t^ ^^ (>; (si ^--i.-^^ 1 S a ^1 'toCo«o>-i»-ioaOjosOi«)tt.^* SSS^sSisssSS i aaaaasaaasss & s 33S3S3333S3S 1 meQCQcoeoomtommeoto s U9 II wwus-owoimoa -*~}-* 33333il§§333 s •c a ii osotjOiOaoiosoaojojwausici £apici£ac4Me<4Nc4oe4 i ■3° oaqsjoaosOaB-sooasa^asoios «t IS) e« Q4 Wt *+^J^.^.^^«4 tN ©J COOOCOSOSOiOSCSOCl 2 S222£2S3r!:3nr:s3f22 & a ll o»oio>obosoi«a,o»abosOsoj ||S||S|§|S|| £ asaaaaaaaaaa s 4^ oioiosfaoiosojosojoiosoi aillilllSIII 1 aaaaaaaaaaaa s s a it K'-S 1 aaaaaaaaaaaa i p. o El, a 1^ n < in ideD'o"sajQ4«ai>.ooKsoo t> Co as «3 93 n -^ko to ^* t» oo _» ■N^•«^Ob oiOsOjOiOsoiOs*^-«fr uaksenrritotocotototooot^ o COOoOo»iitot^^-l^t-U5lQK5 >-,>-< w, -^^ «t I»l 9^ «| ^.^^ ooQOOot^OW3*3ao'>3'ja>i3U3 <»■ otot040tQttotototooo o&oq o «* "Q Ks »ra -^ *H -"-i.oa t« as oo to «I -<^-^^o^ Obajc>«ii^>-<»jcio Os0sO5OOO»3»^to00O-^ o «»■ :.li^-Q iQ iQ o^ to ^*>-i i« era toOdwawswaOeotoOs -+»^ *-i ao eo ^*.^~i}.efa a* >-, o os co loeooooeocec-teiocnd O 4» >QUalQlQlQUaUaU3>Q ^-**+ ^asoaojobObObOsob^-o-i'KH C9 C4 GO 09 C4 €0 CO ro C*^ tf to C0 O tototototototototoOiOs** -HT-,*-,-.-,l-,*H--H^--lC.OOb tototocstewwtewtn w « o «»■ Ocic>^C>ts*c;i«»tj'oC>co ®5 »3 aa as CO ■^f-^+'^'^-^aa >^ ooeOOTwoooooeoootD o aiObO^^ajosObObOsOaOaas cicJcJooo^ocJcscicJ asaaaaasasasa^eoasasaaas 00 flO 00 00 00 00 00 00 OO 00 00 00 o >:& ^Ji si4„-.. I ill a a "^ <^£ §3 f &0.2J 128 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. s o § Jl -frwa OS 1 s i ii t^t^osos(K>oa%OiOs»j 1 Mcaeoooeoeoee- s s Ij e* to «3 --i t- t* «i «3 •^^<*-+ a< s I i a so s s •3*a«»3«iws«s*aaoas -*to OciocicicJoocJcJwto 8 2 aaaaaaaaaaaa « II to to so to to t^ t^ to -*»3 as to s ■c sssssaasaaaa s. 3 s^t^assssssss 1 aaaaaasasssa a t-totoww^•*»*■«-^l^s)so■-^ i aasaaasaasaa s 1 it P5'-S s aaaaaaaaaaaa s 00 oooooooooooo ;S3I33SS9S93! «« is «« oi •$ e« «t »t «q 99 ^ Sq ««Ot»t'-«>-4'^>H*H>>i9l99«) i-m-W* r4N •4N >4N -^n o ^» lALAtnuaiAiAUsuauamusm e llllllllllll laiAtAioioioiAioiaiainta SS§8§S§§§§8g dOOOOOOdCSOOO §SdS&*=i'=>'=>ciooO ooooooooooo lOkomAiotmuioiaiouaio eaMC9c>ic9C4C4e4CsieOjC» ~f^--iOOQOOOOOODOOOoaoQOOoOo gsss^ssss^^a- 1 1 •1? Qiaio^soc»cjcsoo'-t>-i-'-( =;§§§§§§§§§§§ £ giiiiiiiiiii Iiiiiiiiiiii 1 41 § o e e O o ■ e^ «o *o "^to" «o o (Dec<9eoe9tDe<4ootP(eto OOOOOOOOiHOOO e «» OO 00 OO 00 OO 00 00 00 00 ^ ^ ^ OO 00 00 OO OO 00 00 00 OO o o o e -f.HTH»H>Haiiar3»3»3«30'SW OOOdO»30^«a05*SWS»3 MMNMcqoaeoooaQoQoeoo ssssssssiiss a eeeeeeooooee o «» ooeeeooeeeee e «» u>(e<0tO(Dts(O(Oi V lO to to tf to *o to ^ t^ t^ t* oeoeeeeoeoee e *» IIIIIIIIIIII to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to ^ to SoeoeeeeeSee o «» totetDtotototoiototDteto e <» to to to to to to to to to to to to tototBtotototptocototoco oScaeeooooooe o w» to to to to to to to to to to to to tetototoioiototstotetocB s tOtOtOtOtOtOtOtOtOIOtDtB StetetoiDtotototstetpto oSeeeoooaoo o t» I oia »« §3 5&o£j 130 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. U i 1 I 13 i .? t^ I Eh 0) o I 5 o a o 1* 00 1> '^ Tfi "* r- CO « ■* op lO «3 Omu3COff4noD US CO 0> ■>:}< O) O r-l & to eisnn^t^ ^ e>9 » rft '* (N CO OOOC4 OU3 ^H OS t^ ^ OO CO M^ w cOQOdmcpcoou Ot»oac4ooco-it<^ C4aacoc<9QOooco^ «ooocoeii*-«c>»- A ^H U3 C« CO d) usiooo "JwoT O 1-4 1-1 1^ 04 CO cQeorj)M^e>9l> COODcOCOC^OOOS-tfCO asoooua-Hr- 00 e 019 o o CO eq OS m cx) 0» 00 eo OB i-t ec ua o »o t^ •C U3 U3 CO OO OS CO t~ t^ C4 rH'*OW500ow5'*.rtrt_«OU5000 CQ^C0C4rHiHf-e •aajj pauMQ eo c>)coocoeo 00 oi Tl< 00 CO oa ■panjio 42.0 36.3 63.9 58.2 40.1 42.0 44.1 57.6 49.7 U3 kO i-< ffi CO o> SlfflCOCONCC •p9:»naa m s 68.0 63.7 46.1 41.8 59.9 68.0 65.9 42.4 60.3 us lO o> ^ ■* ^ U3 ce 03 in F-l 1-i eo^eocot^co III •pajaquinoua 00 41.5 43.2 36.0 36.8 20.0 21.1 24.7 19.6 33.9 eOM«osoeo ■aajj 04 ^ 58.6 66.8 64.0 64.2 80.0 78.9 76.3 80.6 66.1 ■*t*00^Ob- w g o 'pajaqmna -ug: pau/ttQ o iiawoooMo» lO M !>. lO ■^NMCOMoi eOlOOlpOOOOO^OO ■aajj pauitto GO 0> CO OO ■pauAio 00 t^uaooMO>MO»ioo coo-*i-ieo.ocooir-oo ' g a •pajaqumoug 48.9 48.8 41.6 39.9 23.8 22.8 30.0 35.6 40.6 -^tCOOCOOOCQ NOCOWSiOCO •aaj^ .-H M lO ,-H M M O-* "* C0 1*1 O-* est I^- >00>-IC4QOOO t^t-tO-^TtlCO SSSSgKSSS & -pajaquina -ua paujio in io«t^ioot*eot-^ (»00-HNOO»Na>(» ■aaij pauMQ oo 20,4 19.0 30.6 33.9 32.0 33.0 29.5 35.5 28.4 O.H1-H00OCO •pauMO CO ui 1*1 oo«M.*o«)we^aa so 00 MS 00 .-( CD cJ OS r-" TjJ ^ t^ W3 ijH "O eo CQ CO ssssssssss •pa'jua'jj ■<** 60.2 62.8 47.7 43.6 68.0 57.2 57.8 44.8 52.1 1 i a 1 a New England: Maine, ..... NewSHampshire, . Rhode Island, .... Connecticut, .... Geographic Divisions: New England, Middle Atlantic, East North Central, West North Central, South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, Mountain, Pacific §5 s a t 1 ■g u X, ja p a a 1 .g ja Tl 1 Tl 1 1 ■g 0) g s i I O V S 8 £ S 5 T3 ja a 4s . S S ■» T3 g S S °> a o 5 p. b bfl a fi « 8 g a •H bD fl 132 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. IFeb.i Table 53. — Analysis of 15,3^2 Boston Bent Committee Cases. City or Boston Rent and Hottsing Committee, Dec. 29, 1921. Eugene C. Hultman, Chairman, Commissiofi on Necessaries of Life, State House, Boston, Mas^i. . Dear Sib: — I submit in some detail a statement of th'e dis- position of the requests made to this Commission for aid in difficulties between landlords and tenants. The Committee was organized on March -26, 1920, and from that time to date! there have been 15,342 eases disposed of, as follows: — Rent increases found to be unreasoiiable and adjusted, Complaints heard ; agreement with parties to adjust, Disposed of by tenant, ... Found proposed rent to be not unreasonable, . Extension obtained on vacate notice, Extension impossibleto obtain on vacate notikie, Vacate notice found to be illegal, ... Vacate notice canceled, '. \ . Court notice withdrawn, = Complaints considered and held at request of tenant, Court action brought prior to receipt of complaint, Referred to board of health, \ . . '. . Referred to building department, Referred to other communities, . . ... Referred to fire department, ... Referred to Legal Aid Society, . , -. Referred to police department, Referred to water department, . : :- Referred to overseers of the public welfare. Referred to boiler inspector, .„ . Complaints of lack of heat, screens, etc., . MisceTlarneous,- . ..... . . ... Information given to tenants and owners as to rights,. Referred to State Commission, . . . ,- , • Total, ; 2,458 747 35 366 1,773 104 . 478 213 86 675 126 393 29 104 80 51 36 31 44 1 490 190 6,817 15 15,342 This tabulation shows that of a total of 3,606 complaints re- lating directly to the amount of rent — (a) The Committee adjusted (6) Prevailed on parties to adjust (c) Found rent to be not unreasonable (d) Tenant disposed of ... 68 %of such complaints 21% of such complaints 10% of such complaints 1% of such complaints 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 133 and of a total of 2,654 requests for extension of time beyond that stipulated in vacate notice — (e) Extensions were obtained in . . . 96% of such complaints (/) Extensions were impossible to obtain in . 4% of such complaints In the consideration of these cases the Committee has held approximately 30,000 interviews, or an average of 60 per day. Of the cases now coming before the Committee, 50 per cent are on vacate notices and 40 pet" cent on rent increases. The complaints of rent increases are made almost entirely by persons paying from $25 to |40 per month. I desire to express for the Committee its indebtedness for the co-operation so generously given to it by you in its endeavors to render a useful service to the community. Yours very truly; Edmund Billings, Chairman. 134 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. B ^ I •H^-iooo>a»oooooooooDi>- r.*d«<-ieooooDcot^<-iooiou3 »-ii-tNeomcQCQm"*»Of-i>- ei3eQeoio4D)>nU3U3 S«ococo«DcDceiodoood ooo^oo^oooo eQC0COcOtOeO O 0> 03 OiOi 0> OS ^^^^ ^^ Qb O) ^ CQ> Oft Od 0) OS OS O O ^? oooooooooooo S'oooooooooeo ^oooooooooo oooooooooooo ooooooooeoeo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo lll^illll 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 135 Table 55. — Retail Prices of Blue Serge Suits, 1910 to December, 1921. 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, $17 M 17 00 17 00 17 00 1921, January, 1921, February, 1921, March, 1921, April, . 1921, May, . 1921, June, . 1921, July, . ,1921, August, 1921, September, 1921, October, 1931, November, 1921, December, .135 70 . 35 70 . 36 00 . 34 95 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 17 00 17 00 19 80 24 40 . 34 65 . 34 05 . 32 50 . 31 90 1918, 1919, 1920, March, 1920, October, 35 00 48 00 S6 00 48 00 . 3195 . 31 80 . 31 85 . 31 75 136 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Ob 05 .? ^ ^ Q^ CO m m ■< a oe»o eoeo oeo cqci lOCD^HCCCOTlt 8- I e -i Hats Gloves Cellars Hosiery, ..... Underwear 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 137 ^ 13 S 1> m a n i csi'^ioo»i^MO><»'*ioweo oot-oooraoggogM^M 3 U5 eo 00 rH t» -*•*<» lo io o (O e»t*t*.^aso»o»oseoiO'*oo s 0> ooaooooDooeennioeoco |g|gg|S||||| sssiiiiiiiii s 3 3 oooooooooooo 3 3 eO«OcecO«OU3eoe£)03i-i,-<.-i ggggggssgsss i oooooooooooo llgllgllgg§g 3 oooooooooooo gllg§§lll§§l 030>o>03a>oo>o>o>dse»A sgssssssggss ■^1- ■- ■ ■- ■|MI lll^lllllllf! 138 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Table 58. — Retail Prices of Women's Corsets, 1910 to December, 1921. e 1 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1919, October, 1920, January, 1920, March, 1920, Jiily, . (2 90 2 90 2 90 2 90 2 95 3 25 3 55 4 05 4 70 5 30 5 35 5 70 5 95 5 65 1920, 1920, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, 1921, October, December, January, February, March, April, ■ . May, • . June, July, . August, September, October, Noyember, December, S5 65 5 45 5 35 5 25 5 00 SOO 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 Table 59. — Prices of Blue Serge Suiting, per Yard, 1910 to December, 1921 . 1910 . (1 32 1918, January t3 30 1911, March, . 1 32 1918, April, . 340 1911, August, . . 1 25 1919, January, . . 285 1912, January, . . 1 27 1919, March, . 285 1912, July, . . 1 32 1919, July, . . 400 1913, January, . . 1 32 1919, August, . . 4 15 1913, November, . 1 20 1920, January, . . 490 1914, January, . . 1 37J^ 1920, September, . 3 70 1915, January, . . . 1 25 1921, January, . 3 70 1916, January, . 1 40 1921, March, . 3 00 1917, January, . 1917, AugSt, . CI- - . 2 00 1921, September, . 2 50 . 2 85 1921, December 2 50 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 139 Table 60. — Hide, Leather and Shoe Prices. Packer Hides, Native Oak Sole Heather Chicago City Calfskins (Per Pound). Upper Leather Shoes. Steers (Per Pound). (Per Pound). Calfskins (Per Foot). Manu- facturer's Price. Retail Price. 1911. January, to 13 JO 31 iO 16 SO 22-SO 27 t2 66 S3 50 April 16H 30 18 23- 28 2 66 3 SO July 16 30 18 23- 28 2 66 3 50 October, 16H 30 18M 23- 28 2 66 3 50 1912. January, 16 31 19 23- 30 2 66 3 50 April 18}i 31 20 23- 30 2 66 3 60 July, .... 19 36 21 23- 30 2 66 3 60 October, 19Ji 36 20 23- 30 2 66 3 60 1913. January, 19 36 18H 23- 30 2 75 3 50 April 17 36 23- 30 2 75 3 50 July, .... 18 37 21 24- 30 2 75 3 SO October, mi 37 2m 24- 30 2 76 3 60 1914. January, 18K 37 21H 24- 31 2 86 3 75 April 18^ 37 21 24- 32 2 85 3 75 July, .... 21 38 22J^ 26- 35 2 75 3 76 October, 22 38 233| 26- 36 2 75 3 75 1916. January, 22J^ 37 22 25- 32 2 76 3 76 April 22 35 19 26- 32 2 76 3 76 July, .... 27 36 22 28- 34 2 80 3 75 October, 26 37 26J4 30- 38 2 80 3 75 1916. January, 23 38 26H 36- 46 2 90 3 75 April 24 39 33 48- 56 2 90 3 76 July 26 _ 34 50 3 00 4 00 October, 31 35-65 74 3 00 4 00 1917. January, Sl'A 46 60 3 60 5 50 April ilH • 68- 60 3 60 6 60 July 33>| 35-45 57- 59 3 65 5 60 October, . . > . 3ihi - 33-45 56- 68 3 65 5 50 1918. January, 29 60 36 63- 66 3 70 6 50 Ajril October, 28 60 35-46 63- 66 3 70 5 SO 30 44 61- 63 4 10 600 29H 40 66 4 10 600 1919. January, 28 61 40 72 4 10 6 00 AprU July 36 90 55-75 80- 85 4 10 6 00 47 1 03 77-1 00 1 20- 1 30 5 60 8 50 October, 46 92 87 1 20- 1 36 6 60 8 SO 1920. January, April 39 88-92 70-76 1 20- 1 40 6 60 8 50 36-40 92-95 65-70 1 20- 1 30 6 80 10 00 October," '. '. '. 30-45 88-92 30-36 85- 1 00 6 46 9 50 28-32 76-80 25 70- 85 5 60 9 CO 1921. January, April October,' '. 20-21 60-70 16-16 40- 66 6 60 9 00 9-13 65-60 16 35- 60 4 80 7 60 11-14 66-76 20 45- 56 4 46 7 00 17-18 66-76 19 45- 55 4 46 6 50 140 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Fuel. Table 61. — Comparative Population, Number of Dealers, and Deliveries of Domestic Anthracite Coal in Representative Cities and Towns of Massachusetts. Deliveries, , City ob Town. Population. Niunber of Dealers. Coal Year ending April 1, 1921. Adams, 12,967 S 13,656 Amherat, . . . . . 5,550 5 11,426 Attleboro, . . 19,731 6 23,984 Barnstable, 4,836 6 7,553 Brockton, . 66,254 14 68,423 Chicopee, . 36,214 6 25,509 Easthampton, 11,261 4 9,282 Fall River, 120,485 9 101,219 Falmouth, . . 3,500 6 4,653 Fitohburg, 41,029 4 55,851 Framingnam, 17,033 6 31,007 Franklin, . 6,497 4 7,658 Gardner, . 16,971 4 14,405 Gloucester, 22,947 5 32,991 Grafton, . 6,887 5 5,541 Great Barrlngto a 6,315 4 13,290 Hatfield, . 2,651 4 2,194 Haverhill, . 53,884 16 68,746 Holyoke, . 60,203 a 79,735 Ipswich, 6,201 4 6,474 Lawrence, . 94,270 25 101,228 Leominster, 19,744 4 17,912 Lowell, . \ . . ... 112,759 14 120,796 Lynn, 99,148 8 139,096 Mansfield, . 6,255 4 6,630 Milford, . 13,471 4 15,637 Montague, . 7,675 6 10,069 New Bedford, 121,217 5 131,960 Newburyport, 15,618 5 25,665 Newton, . 46,054 6 98,526 North Adams, 22,282 7 24,308, Northampton, \ t\ \ \ 21,951 7 44,917 Norwood, . 12,627 5 16,663 Peabody, . Pittsfield, . 19,552 5 12,852 41,763 6 72,589 Provincetown, 4,246 5 3,991 Salem, 42,529 16 75,189 Springfield, 129,614 18 211,522 Stoneham, 7,873 4 12,353 Taunton, . 37,137 4 54,680 Wakefield, . 13,025 6 28,482 Waltham, . 30,915 S 61,162 Ware, 8,526 4 7,445 Wareham, . 4,415 4 7,046 Webster, . 13,258 4 8,459 Westfield, . 18,604 4 26,217 Weymouth, 16,057 4 17,500 Woburn, . 16,574 4 22,568 Worcester, . 179,754 17 256,128 Metropolitan Boston, i 1,332,649 113 2,130,413^ 1 Metropolitan Boston includes the following cities and towns: Boston proper, Arlington, Bel- mont, Brookline, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Cambridge, Dorchester, East Boston, Everett, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Medford, Mehrose, Milton, Maiden, Neponset, Readvillef Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, Somerville, Watertown, Winthrop and Quincy. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 141 Table 62. — Receipts of Domestic Anthracite Coal, and Stocks on Hand by Months in the Years 1920 and 1921, in the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts. [Domestic anthracite coal includes broken, egg, stove, chestnut and pea sizes. All figures in net tons.] 1920. 1921. Month. On Hand. Receipts. Month. On Hand. Receipts. January, February; March, April, M^y, . June, . July, . August, September, October, November, December, 342,925 242,766 243,136 233,779 265,853 2,310,188 406,066 424,394 371,600 478,854 January, February, March, April, M^y, June, July, August, September October, November December 261,903 288,892 486,076 808,029 912,560 1,007,257 974,453 916,868 492,006 564,905 624,734 1,471,052 847,439 363,277 486,470 } 778,163 Table 63. — Receipts and Slocks on Hand of Domestic Anthracite Coal by Months in the Years 19S0 and 1921 in Metropolitan Boston. ^ [Domestic anthracite coal includes broken, egg, stove, chestnut and pea sizes. All figures in net tons.] ," 1920. 1921. Month. On Hand. Receipts. Month. On Hand. Receipts. January, February, March, ^:. June, . My. . August, September, October, November, December, 152,049 94,732 84,343 72,182 968,050 170,201 169,686 120,009 204,683 January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September October, November December ' : : 108,900 121,900 212,233 298,154 326,068 357,304 346,135 330,508 200,977 221,211 221,701 676,055 351,577 149,952 224,304 1 313,314 "^tMetropolitan Boston includes the following cities and towns; Boston proper, Arlington, Bel- mont, Brookline, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Cambridge, Dorchester, East Boston, Everett, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Maiden, Neponset, Readville, Revere, R,oslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, Somerville, Watertown, Winthrop and Quincy. 142 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Table 64. — Prices of Company Coal F. 0. B. Mines. [Per gross ton (2,240 pounds).] Broken. Egg. Stove. Chestnut. Pea. 1910 S3 50 S3 75 S3 76 S3 76 S2 00 1911, 3 50 3 76 3 76 4 00 2 00 1912, 3 50 3 76 400 4 15 250 1913, 3 50 3 76 400 4 16 2 50 1914, 3 50 3 76 4 00 4 16 250 1915, 3 60 3 75 4 00 4 16 2 50 1916, 3 60 4 16 440 4 50 280 1917, 4 66 4 46 4 70 480 3 10 1918, Apr. 1, 1918, Nov. 1, 4 90 4 60 4 75 4 85 3 45 5 96 5 85 6 10 6 20 480 J9I9, May 1, 6 0S 6 96 6 20 6 30 490 1919, Sept. 1, 6 46 6 36 6 60 6 70 6 30 1920, Apr. 1, 6 55 7 30 7 60 7 60 6 80 1920, Sept. 1, 7 60 7 70 800 8 00 6 15 1921, Apr. 1, 7 25 7 25 7 56 7 55 6 90 1921, May 1, 7 36 7 35 7 70 7 66 600 1921, June 1, 7 45 7 46 780 7 75 6 10 1921, July 1, 7 56 7 66 7 90 7 86 6 20 1921, Aug. 1, 7 66 7 66 8 00 7 95 6 20 1921, Sept. 1, . . 7 76 7 76 8 10 8 05 620 1922, Jan. 1, 7 75 7 75 8 10 8 05 6 20 Table 65. — Average Transportation Rates to Boston. [Per gross ton (2,240 pounds).] All-hail Anthracite. Delaware & Hudson. Philadelphia & Beading. 1910-1915, . 1916, 1917, ... 1918, . . . . 1919 1920, . 1921, 1922, S2 65 2 56 2 66 3 06 3 06 4 55 4 75 460 S2 60 2 75 300 3 25 3 26 4 86 490 4 75 Rail and Tide Anthracite. \ Mines to Philadelphia and New York via P. & R. Tide to Boston Com- pany and Independent. Total Rail and Tide. 1910-1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, $1 30-Sl 55 1 30- 1 40 1 35- 1 46 1 60- 1 90 1 60-1 90 2 60- 2 70 2 60- 2 70 2 50- 2 60 SO 50-Sl 26 90-1 75 1 06- 1 95 1 05- 1 85 1 65- 2 06 2 05- 2 86 1 16- 1 60 1 10- 1 60 SI 80-S2 80 2 20- 3 IS 2 40-340 2 65- 3 75 1919, 1920, 1921, 3 15- 3 95 4 65-5 55 3 75 4 30 1922, 3 60-4 10 Note.— From Nov. 1, 1917, through Deo. 31, 1921, all figures include war tax o{ 3 percent. 1922; HOUSE — No. 1400. 143 Table 66. — Retail Prices, Stove Coal, Boston, 1910 to December, 1921. [Per net ton (2,000 pounds).] 1910, January, . »7 60 1917, December, . . 19 86 1910, April, . . 6 75 1918, January, . 10 25 1910, July, . 7 00 1918, July, . . 11 00 1910, September, . 7 26 . 1918, December, . . 12 00 1911, January, . 7 60 1919, January, . 12 00 1911, April, . . 7 00 1919, February, 1105 1911, July, . . 7 26 1919, June, . . 12 00 1911, September, . 7 60 1919, August, . 12 50 1912, January, 7 60 1919, November, . . 12 75 1912, March, . 8 00 1920, January, . 12 76 1912, June, . . 7 50 1920, February, . . . 13 60 1912, September, 7 75 1920, March, . . 13 50 1912, October, 8 25 1920, April, . 1920, Alay, . . 14 60 1913, January, . 8 26 . 14 50 1913, February, 8 00 1920, June, . 14 60 1913, April, . 7 26 1920, July, . . 14 50 1913, July, . . 7 50 1920, August, . 14 50 1913, August, . 7 76 1920, September, . . 16 00 1913, October, . 8 00 1920, October, . 16 00 1914, January, 8 00 1920, November, . . 16 00 1914, AprU, . . 7 26 1920, December, . . 16 00 1914, July, . . 7 60 1921, January, 16 00 1914, August, . 7 75 1921, February, . 16 00 1915, January, 8 00 1921, March, . 16 00 1916, April, . . 7 26 1921, April, . . 16 00 1916, July, . 7 60 1921, May, . . 15 00 1915, August, 7 75 1921, June, .- . 16 00 1916, January, 8 00 1921, July, . 16 00 1916, May, 7 75 1921, August, . 15 00 1916, June, . . 8,00 1921, September, . . 15 00 1916, August, 8 25 1921, October, . 15 50 1916, October, 8 75 1921, November, . 16 60 1917, January, . 9 60 1921, December, . 16 60 Table 67. — New England Anthracite Tide and Rail Receipts. [Net tons.] 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. January, 920,000 747,000 778,000 916,000 866,000 959,000 February, 926,000 558,000 782,000 788,000 671,000 1,114,000 March, 762,000 1,026,000 1,120,000 348,000 846,000 1,203,000 April, 816,000 956,000 1,168,000 782,000 797,000 905,000 May, . . . 739,000 926,000 1,312,000 984,000 948,000 1,041,000 June, 813,000 1,061,000 1,504,000 827,000 1,175,000 1,072,000 July, 975,000 1,159,000 1,677,000 1,013,000 870,000 961,000 August, . 1,138,000 1,297,000 1,381,000 883,000 1,078,000 788,000 September, 949,000 1,113,000 1,244,000 1,029,000 987,000 688,000 October, . 939,000 1,081,000 1,090,000 1,048,000 1,129,000 919,000 November, 889,000 990,000 823,000 912,000 908,000 870,000 December, 860,000 766,000 862,000 1,048,000 1,081,000 864,000 Totals, 10,715,000 11,680,000 13,621,000 10,578,000 11,265,000 11,374,000 144 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Table 68. — New England Bituminous Tide and Rail Receipts. [Net tons.] 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. January, . 2,263,000 1,980,000 1,533,000 1,392,000 1,477,000 1,688,000 February, 2,142,000 1,617,000 1,708,000 1,210,000 1,336,000 1,265,000 March, .' . 2,083,000 2,081,000 2,309,000 1,070,000 1,765,000 1,335,000 April, 1,928,000 2,264,000 2,217,000 1,447,000 1,394,000 1,190,000 May, 2,044,000 2,599,000 2,601,000 1,567,000 1,793,000 1,238,000 June, 1,952,000 2,334,000 2,457,000 1,556,000 1,663,000 1,558,000 July, 1,896,000 1,985,000 3,053,000 1,744,000 2,425,000 1,246,000 August, . 2,177,000 1,941,000 3,020,000 1,827,000 2,404,000 1,500,000 September, 2,010,000 1,874,000 2,550,000 2,037,000 2,341,000 1,468,000 October, . 1,929,000 1,833,000 2,319,000 1,945,000 2,017,000 1,647,000 November, 1,840,000 1,641,000 1,971.000 1,087,000 1,781,000 1,581,000 December, 1,858,000 1,355,000 1,433,000 1,300,000 2,038,000 1,472,000 Totals, 24,122,000 23,504,000 27,171,000 18,182,000 22,434,000 17,188,000 Table 69. — Bituminous Exports and New England Receipts. [Net tons.] Pi 1 H orts from Hamp- n Roads, Balti- ore, Philadelphia d New York. Si ■art 11 ■aSS a o. PI 4 1 1 1 x ■•^ &5BS Oh^ 1(5 g l§s o a H H Z a z Oi £ 1912 2,722,000 4,376,000 1913 2,804,000 4,834,000 - - - . 1914, . 3,091,000 4,990,000 - - - 1915 5,805,000 9,138,000 - - - - _ 1916, . 5,696,000 7,830,000 14,193,000 9,929,000 24,122,000 59 41 1917, . 4,659,000 6,516,000 12,693,000 10,811,000 23,504,000 54 46 1918 3,620,000 3,850,000 16,057,000 11,114,000 27,171,000 S9 41 1919, . 4,681,000 7,774,000 8,527,000 9,655,000 18,182,000 47 53 1920 13,290,000 21,028,000 10,211,000 12,223,000 22,434,000 46 54 1921, . 6,989,000 9,306,000 8,814,000 8,374,000 17,188,000 61 49 Export figures, 1912-19, from Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Export figures, 1920-21, from Geological Survey. New England bituminous receipts, 1916-21, compiled by New England Fuel Administration, New England Coal Committee, Massachusetts Fuel Administration. Note. — Exports from Hampton Koads, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York constitute about 95 per cent of total exports, not including those to Canada. Exports to Canada in 1921 were about 13,000,000 net tons. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 145 U as s e I" "13 S e •(SI m a 3 a o sa.s oooooc oooooc oooooc poooeo sooooo OOOOOOOOO^OO oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo TtT vH to Oa « 00 00 1*3 1-H ■* t»^ I> §5 o ■ I t oooooooooo oo^ooooooo oooooooooo M oo cf M CO lo m oo CO oT oooooooooooo ooocsoo^^oooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo ■oooooooooooo oooooooooooo OS OO ■* CO 00 O COQO O) t^ i-T co.-ioocor*pat^osooo-^ cOI{^lacotn^-<0ooooa»a3 oooooooooooo oM^com 3S USD- CO CD I oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo oooooooooooo 146 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Table 71. — New England Importations of Mineral Crude Oil. [Gallons.] 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. Maine and New Hampshire, MassachusettB) Rhode Island, Connecticut 24,629,000 35,616,000 52,634,000 , 23,499,000 48,552,000 82,320,000 40,866,000 235,703,000 171,648,000 C 27,636,000 499,441,000 203,665,000 Totals -112,779,000 154,371,000 448,217,000 730,742,000 Table 72. — Massachusetts Anthracite Tide Receipts. [Net tons.] 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. January, ?19,000 165,000 48,000 155,000 125,000 177,000 February, 219,000 98,000 78,000 120,000 120,000 226,000 March, 219,000 245,000 185,000 51,000 175,000 187,000 April, May, 219,000 207,000 173,000 99,000 137,000 98,000 219,000 192,000 240,000 189,000 164,000 216.000 June, 220,000 216,000 200,000 167,000 218,000 222,000 July, 223,000 240,000 215,000 179,000 165,000 165,000 August, , 254,000 224,000 204,000 144,000 218,000 124,000 September, 207,000 212,000 184,000 179,000 181,000 131,000 October, . 228,000 172,000 135,000 121,000 192,000 183,000 November, 164,000 154,000 118,000 156,000 139,000 116,000 December, 127,000 97,000 128,000 170,000 181,000 121,000 Totals, 2,518,000 2,222,000 1,908,000 1,730,000 2,015,000 1,966,000 Table 73.— Bituminous Tide Receipts [Net tons.] 1916. 191T. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. January, . 665,000 675,000 392,000 417,000 384,000 324,000 February, 665,000 504,000 514,000 348,000 442,000 271,000 March, 665,000 703,000 773,000 279,000 471,000 336,000 April, M^y, 665,000 717,000 662,000 384,000 367,000 319,000 665,000 631,000 936,000 367,000 431,000 293,000 June. 666,000 573,000 747,000 336,000 447,000 428,000 July, 603,000 536,000 962,000 293,000 485,000 348,000 August, . 785,000 594,000 1,033,000 390,000 425,000 515,000 September, 572,000 471,000 808,000 386,000 465,000 451,000 October, . 591,000 472,000 664,000 274,000 326,000 534,000 November, 014,000 510,000 731,000 414,000 281,000 457,000 December, 626,000 347,000 416,000 419,000 402,000 517,000 Totals, 7,782,000 6,733,000 8,638,000 4,307,000 4,926i000 4,793,000 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 147 Table 74. — Boston Anthracite Tide and Rail Receipts. (Net tons.] 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. January, . 176,000 143,000 72,000 116,000 120,000 182,000 February, 134,000 85,000 77,000 64,000 99,000 200,000 March, . 158,000 204,000 169,000 36,000 152,000 158,000 April, . 225,000 162,000 139,000 80,000 123,000 77,000 May, 177,000 161,000 181,000 167,000 156,000 164,000 June. 170,000 173,000 184,000 163,000 193,000 177,000 July, 172,000 183,000 187,000 168,000 148,000 137,000 August, . 173,000 180,000 173,000 114,000 199,000 97,000 September, 156,000 175,000 154,000 143,000 169,000 91,000 Octqber, . 199,000 135,000 131,000 115,000 181,000 148,000 November, 160,000 121,000 104,000 143,000 122,000 101,000 December, 136,000 77,000 101,000 132,000 153,000 101,000 Totals, 1,986,000 1,799,000 1,672,000 1,430,000 1,816,000 1,603,000 Note, — Boston tide district includes Chelsea, Everett, Hingham, Hull, Maiden, Medford, Quincy, Somerville and Weymouth. Table 75. — Boston Bituminous Tide and Rail Receipts. [Net tons.] 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. January, 594,000 587,000 324,000 302,000 286,000 249,000 February, 456,000 382,000 416,000 269,000 335,000 221,000 March, 508,000 527,000 590,000 212,000 362,000 263,000 April, 565,000 521,000 493,000 276,000 264,000 267,000 May, 516,000 465,000 699,000 250,000 330,000 236,000 June, 502,000 394,000 544,000 236,000 319,000 302,000 July, 486,000 408,000 719,000 203,000 311,000 262,000 August, . 542,000 469,000 775,000 252,000 293,000 396,000 September, 478,000 378,000 644,000 252,000 311,000 327,000 October, . 437,000 322,000 502,000 200,000 228,000 414,000 November, 441,000 371,000 527,000 296,000 193,000 350,000 December, 489,000 271,000 311,000 311,000 321,000 417,000 Totals, . 6,013,000 5,095,000 6,544,000 3,059,000 3,553,000 3,694,000 Note. — Boston tide district includes Chelsea, Everett, Hingham, Hull, Maiden, Medford, Quincy. Somerville and Weymouth. 148 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Table 76. — Retail Prices of Kerosene Oil, 1910 to December, 1921. [Cents per gallon.] 1910, January m 1917, July, . . 12 1910, April 9% 1917, October, 12 1910, July 8^ 1918, January, . 15 1910, October l^ 1918, April, . . 15 1911, January 1918, July, . . 15 1911, April G^ 1918, October, . 15J4 1911, July 63^ 1919, January, 15J^ 1911, October si 1919, April, . 16J^ 1912, January 1919, July, . . 19 1912, April, 9?i 1919, October, 20 1912, July 9^ 1919, December, . 21 1912, October, . . 9^ 1920, January, . 22 1913, January, 1920, April, . 23 1913, April 1920, July, . 23 1913, July, 1920, September, . . 24 1913, October 1920, October, 24 1914, January, 1920, November, . . 25 1914, April, .... 1920, December, . 24 1914, July, . lOJ^ 1921, January, 24 1914, October, .... 10^ 1921, February, 22 1915, January, 9^ 1921, March 21 1915, April, . . . . 9 1921, April, . . . . . 20 1915, July, . 9 1921, May, . . . 19 1915, October 9 1921, June, . 18 1916, January, 11 1921, July, . . 18 1916, April, ... U 1921, August, 18 1916, July, . 10 1921, September, . 18 1916, October, 9H 1921, October, . 20 1917, January, 9H 1921, November, . 20 1917, April, . ... 12 1921, December, . . 20 Table 77. Sundries. • Retail and Relative Ice Prices, 1910 to December, 1921. Price per Hundred- weight. Relative Price. Price per Hundred- weight. Relative Price. 1910, SO 25 100.0 1918, . SO 50 200.0 1911, 25 100.0 1919, . 60 240.0 1912, . 25 100.0 1920, January, . 60 240.0 1913 25 100.0 1920, May, 60 240.0 1914, . 25 100.0 1920, September, 60 240.0 1915 25 100.0 1921, January, . 60 240.0 1916, . 27H 110.0 1921, May, 60 240.0 1917 37^ 150.0 1921, December, 60 240.0 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 149 Appendix II MISCELLANEOUS REPOETS. Report No. 1. To the United States Senate Committee ON Finance relative to the Proposed Import Duty on Foreign Petroleum Oil. An import duty of 25 cents per barrel on fuel oil and 33 cents per barrel on crude mineral oil will this year add directly $5,000,000 to the fuel bill of New England alone, and indirectly a very much larger sum in the stifling of existing competition between oil and coal. New England is largely dependent upon outside sources for its supply of power. Fuel is the chief source of mechanical power. Coal always has been, and still is, the most important available fuel. During the past twenty-five years, however, in- dustry has experienced with increasing frequency great difficulty in securing an adequate supply of coal, with attendant loss to both employer and employee. During the last few years un- certain transportation, excessive prices and wholesale abrogation of coal contracts have caused many manufacturers to install oil- burning apparatus. Prohibitive freight rates eliminate the western and southern oil fields of the United States as the source of supply for the eastern industrial section, leaving foreign oil the only alternative to the eastern manufacturer when con- fronted with unfair practices in the coal trade, interruption of domestic transportation, or cessation of work at the mines. To a lesser degree fuel oil has become a competitor of anthra- cite coal in the heating of our homes. At the present time Mexican oil is the only foreign oil which is readily available. Its increasing need to the industrial United States is clearly indicated by an examination of official reports which show that, although production from 1920 to 1921 grew about 17 per cent, New England demands on the entire Mexican output rose 47 per cent and Massachusetts 91 per cent. United States customs reports show the following: — 150 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Importations of Mineral Crude Oil {almost All from Mexico). [Gallons.] 1918. 1919. 1920. 1921. New England, Massachusetts, 112,779,000 35,616,000 154,371,000 48,562,000 448,217,000 235,703,000 660,000,000 » 450,000,000' ' Estimate based on rate to date. Approximately 90 per cent of the oil imported from Mexico is sold as fuel oil in the United States. It is therefore in its com- petitive and complementary relations with bituminous coal that foreign oil should be chiefly considered. Analysis shows that average fuel oil has 18,300 British Thermal Units, and average bituminous coal 14,200. A careful test made in a Massa- chusetts mill showed that 163 gallons of oil were equivalent to 1 net ton of bituminous coal; this means that approximately 4 barrels of fuel oil, representing 168 gallons, are equivalent to 1 net ton of bituminous coal. The cost at present, moreover, of 4 barrels of fuel oil is considerably less than the cost of 1 ton of bituminous coal. The New England normal annual requirements of bituminous coal have been 24,000,000 net tons. Excluding the railroads, 75 per cent of the bituminous consumption is by industrial plants, gas and electric companies and large buildings. In normal times this would represent 18,000,000 tons. Applying this percentage to 1921 receipts, based on the rate of the first eight months, these classes of consumers will receive only twelve and one-third million tons, and the balance of the present subnormal demands, ap- proximately three and one-half million tons, will be filled by fuel oil. Temporarily this great increase in the use of oil has reduced our consumption of bituminous coal, but there is little doubt that the near future will see the need of normal quantities of bituminous coal, in addition to a larger amount of fuel oil; in this way the market will be kept in equilibrium by healthy competition. In other words, Mexican oil now constitutes 22 per cent of New England fuel for industry, public utilities and large buildings, and in Massachusetts the percentage is even higher. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts and trade organi- 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 151 zations have filed" with us a list of hundreds of fuel-oil burning installations, including — Pacific Mills, Lawrence. The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Saxony Worsted Mills, Newton. Merrimac Manufacturing Company, Lowell. The Academy of Notre Darne, Boston. The Warren Institution for Savings, Boston. Harvard University, Greater Boston. Technology Chambers, Boston. The Scollay Theatre, Boston. The Fall River Electric Light Company. Newburji-port Gas and Electric Company. Almy Water Tube Boiler Works, Providence, R. I. Walker Webbing Company, Brockton. Practically all users of fuel oil are enthusiastic in its praise. The following extract from a correspondent is typical : — We find that we get a very much more efficient operation from the oil than was the case when we used coal. There is, of course, a great saving in labor both in unloading and in handling, and the oil is very much cleaner and simpler to work with. We now have instead of a large number of firemen just a few men to look after all our boilers. The advantages which we find in the use of oil over coal, provided the prices of the two are somewhere in line, are so great as to make what few disadvantages there may be appear minimized. As regards a general increase in the use of fuel oil, it would seem to depend mainly on the relative price between fuel oil and coal. Oil companies and the refineries are so situated in New England now that it looks as though the use of oil would become more general. Provided that fuel oil can be bought at a price in competition with the best coal, we believe that the use of fuel oil in industrial plants will continue to grow. The international aspect of the petroleum industry is well presented in the final report of Dr. H. A. Garfield, Federal Fuel Administrator, by M. L. Requa, General Director, Oil Division, United States Fuel Administration : — The fundamental fact remains unaltered; we are increasing our con- sumption of petroleum products at a tremendous^ rapid rate, domestic production no longer suffices to meet the demand, and in the light of future needs we should, as a nation, encourage in every way possible our nationals in the acquisition of petroleum-bearing lands throughout the world. The revolution worked by the internal-combustion engine in our social and industrial life has been made possible only by gasoline derived 152 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. from petroleum. Substitutes therefore are unavailable in quantity sufficient to be of any material use. Lubricating oils made from petroleum not only lubricate the internal-combustion engine but all forms of me- chanical energy as well. Mechanical power is the dominant note in the determination of future industrial supremacy; the products of petroleum are essential in the development of this power. We must see to it, there- fore, in behalf of national welfare, that our reserve supplies are increased at every opportunity through the acquisition by our nationals of reserves in foreign lands. To do this most effectively will require co-operative action by the petroleum companies that must not only be sanctioned by the government, but must have most hearty and sympathetic support of official Washington. The views expressed in this report, dated 1919, have been more succinctly set forth by President Harding in his letter re- garding an import duty on crude petroleum addressed to Chair- man Fordney of the ways and means committee of the House of Representatives. The United States produced in 1918 petroleum products, ex- clusive of natural gas, valued at $1,400,000,000, compared with a total coal production valued at $1,600,000,000. The basic importance of coal and oil in the economic life of all nations is well illustrated in the making of the peace treaty. The action of our Secretary of State in protecting Americans from discrimination in the development of the oil resources of certain mandated territories will be nullified if we impose an import duty on the products from these sources of supply. Mechanical power will be of extraordinary importance to the United States during the period of readjustment of social re- lations following the world upheaval. The capacity of labor to produce must be aided and supplemented by more and efficient mechanical power; otherwise, despite legislation, wages will be reduced to levels approaching those of our foreign competitors. Fuel is the chief source of mechanical power and one of the primary factors in the maintenance and development of our country. Any fuel which in a few years has pre-empted prac- tically 25 per cent of the industrial fuel requirements of New England and has been shown to give such excellent service, together with economic operation, should be encouraged by the Federal government rather than restricted and hampered by tariff legislation. E. C. HULTMAN, Fttel Administrator. ' pCT. 25, 1921. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 153 Report No. 2. Peepared for the Attorneys-General of New England and New York relative to Recent Pennsylvania Tax Laws on Anthracite Coal, The Pennsylvania Legislature enacted at the last session the following laws, relative to anthracite coal : — No. S2o. — An act imposing a State tax of IJ per cent on anthracite coal; providing for the assessment and collection thereof; and providing penalties for the violation of this act. (Effective July 1, 1921.) No. 444- — An act affecting anthracite coal mines and operations ; establishing the Pennsylvania State Anthracite Mine Cave Commission; definmg its jurisdiction and powers; imposing an assessment of 2 per cent and duties upon owners and operators of anthracite coal mines; and imposing penalties. (Effective Aug. 27, 1921.) No. ^46. — An act regulating the minmg of anthracite coal; prescrib- ing duties for certain municipal officers; and imposing penalties. (Effec- tive Aug. 27, 1921.) The first two of these laws place a tax on anthracite coal sales of Ij and 2 per cent, respectively. No. 225. — At least twice before, in 1913 and 1915, the State of Pennsylvania imposed a tax on anthracite coal. The law of 1913, almost identical with the present law, was later declared unconstitutional. The State of Pennsylvania did not attempt to collect the tax imposed by the law of 1915, which was palpably unconstitutional. However, under both the 1913 and 1915 statutes the producers collected an amount equal to the tax. After the decision of the court in the case of the 1913 statute some producers refunded to the retail dealers while others did not; but in any case, so far as I have been able to find out, the refund did not go back to the ultimate consumer upon whom it had been levied. The same situation existed in •connection with the 1915 statute. If it is intended again to exploit the people by adding this tax to their already crushing burden, due to the existing high price of domestic coal, it is most urgent that the real purpose of Act No. 225 be determined in order to prevent the recurrence of this unfair practice. It appears that the price of coal has been increased by some pro- ducers without specifically billing the tax on the invoices. Therefore the retail dealer and the consumers cannot recover any excessive amount paid for coal even if the law is declared unconstitutional. 154 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. If this method of taxation is constitutional a precedent has been established that will endanger our industrial prosperity and the welfare of large numbers of our people. There is nothing to prevent this tax from being increased indefinitely at the pleasure of the State of Pennsylvania, so that property and other taxes can be made practically negligible. Furthermore, this will probably result in a tax being levied on bituminous coal pro- duced in Pennsylvania. In view of the above, it is of first im- portance for New England and New York to consider the possibilities confronting their industries. New England and 'New York are largely dependent upon outside sources for their supply of power. Fuel is the chief source of mechanical power. Coal has always been and still is the most important available fuel. New England and New York receive most of their coal from Pennsylvania and West Virginia on account of proximity of these fields, drawing from them an- nually approximately 32,000,000 net tons of anthracite and 50,000,000 net tons of bituminous. All of the bituminous coal is used for railroad, industrial and commercial purposes. About 60 per cent of the anthracite consumption is by householders, the balance being used principally by large buildings, gas companies, etc. In this connection the following statement in the report of the Special Board authorized by Congress to conduct the Super- Power Survey is especially interesting : • — Forty-seven per cent of the industrial activities of the United States are containied in the area extending from Washington to Boston and inland from 100 to 150 miles. New England and New York, together with Delaware and New Jersey, represent all of this territory which is dependent upon outside sources for its supply of fuel. Pennsylvania and Maryland have fuel resources within their boundaries more than adequate for their needs. This section, in order to maintain its industrial life, must meet foreign and domestic competition by increasing the efficiency and use of mechanical power "to a very great extent within a short time. The labor cost per unit of production will necessarily have to be reduced by aiding its expert and specialized workmen with mechanical devices to offset the lower wage scales and living conditions of its foreign com- petitors. Another alarming factor is the variance in foreign exchange rates. Tariff legislation will not be sufficient to fill up 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 155 this gap which is greater to-day than ever before. For instance: Assuming that $4.80 is the daily wage paid to an American workman, it is possible to hire 25 German workmen with this money. Under such conditions the enormous profit and in- ducement to German manufacturers to sell their products in this country is evident. During the last few years uncertain transportation, excessive prices, and wholesale abrogation of coal contracts have caused many manufacturers to install oil-burning apparatus. However, there is little doubt that the near future will see the need of normal quantities of bituminous coal, in addition to a larger amount of fuel oil. Fuel oil has had the tendency to keep the coal market in equilibrium by healthy competition. It must be borne in mind, however, that the consumption of petroleum products in this country has increased at a tremendously rapid rate, and the permanency of a supply of such fuel is uncertain, whereas our bituminous coal deposits are practically inex- haustible. It is very evident that fuel oil cannot replace coal which remains the basis of our mechanical power. The following table of New England and New York's bitumi- nous coal dependency is significant: — Anntial Requirements (Tons). New England . . . . . . New York, ... 24,000,000 26,000,000 Total, . .... Total production of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland, 50,000,000 236,000,000 Statistical tables compiled by the United States Fuel Ad- ministration, showing in detail the sources of New England and New York's bituminous coal supply during the coal year 1918-19, are appended. The tremendous importance financially of the present tax levy cannot be fully appreciated without considering the fact that New England and New York receive a total of about 23,000,000 gross tons of domestic anthracite coal annually out of a total production of about 52,000,000 gross tons. Steam sizes of anthracite are in competition with bituminous coal, and cannot absorb this additional expense which must be added entirely to the prices charged for domestic sizes. Reliable 156 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. authorities estimate the probable cost of the 1| per cent tax levy at 15 cents per ton on the domestic sizes. At this rate New England and New York are being assessed $3,450,000 per year for the governmental expenses of the State of Pennsylvania. Another important fact is that all anthracite coal is produced within the boundaries of the State of Pennsylvania. Many engineers and geologists claim that the anthracite region has reached its maximum possible production, on account of the limited deposits of this coal; others advance the argument that production is artificially controlled, through understanding or agreement between the operators. In any case, the fact is there has been no increase in production during the past ten years, while the population of the anthracite consuming territory has grown 15 per cent. As long as New England and New York are dependent upon anthracite coal for their domestic requirements we will have to pay the price and the taxes imposed upon us by the State of Pennsylvania should such laws be constitutional. If such laws are not constitutional, some legal regulation or governmental supervision should be provided in connection with the collection of the tax, pending the decision of the court in regard to its con- stitutionality, to prevent the exploitation of the coal consumers. In this way it will be possible at least to insure the refund of the tax to the people from whom it has been ■ collected, and afford protection against a repetition of the plundering which took place in 1913 and 1915. In the case of Act No. 225 the anthracite operators are re- quired to make their first report to the Pennsylvania State authorities on Jan. 1, 1922. No. 444- — This act is claimed to offer liability insurance to operators in case of cave-ins and surface damage. It establishes a commission of three members, each to receive $8,000 per annum, which will have complete control of disbursements, em- ployment of specialists, engineers, etc. The following statement, contained in the Oct. 20, 1921, issue of "Coal Age", causes me to regard this act with increasing suspicion: — At the time of the passage of the bills it was generally understood at the Capitol that neither was constitutional. As a matter of political expediency both were passed finall}', and, as Governor Sproul had given his word that he would approve them if they ever reached him, he signed both. Both the Fowler (No. 444) and the Kohler (No. 445) measures were scheduled to die. The House passed them finally with the general 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 157 understanding that they would end in Senate committees, but the fac- tional fight at the closing of the session upset many plans, and as votes were needed for other measures the mine-cave bills finallywere put through. Reliable authorities in the trade estimate that collections or premiums at the rate of 2 per cent on sales in the case of one- half of the total production would amount to over $5,000,000 annually. In order to continue such a commission indefinitely it is evident that disbursements will nearly equal the receipts to avoid the possibility of its discontinuance by the accumu- lation of a surplus. Therefore I am of the opinion that in addition to supporting many of the charities of Philadelphia the anthracite consumer has a direct financial interest in this governmental agency of the State of Pennsylvania. No. 443- — This act is considered as complementary to the mine-cave law No. 444, referred to above. Judge Henry A. Fuller of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has recently rendered a decision in which he holds that Act No. 445 is unconstitutional. The test case was brought by H. J. Mahon and wife of Pittston, who sought to restrain the Pennsylvania Coal Company from mining under their home. The case will be appealed to the State Supreme Court. The foregoing is respectfully submitted for your information and consideration as to whether or not it is possible to take suitable action to safeguard the interests and welfare of our people. * E. C. HULTMAN, Fuel Administrator. Nov. 9, 1921. 158 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Statistical Tables. The following statements on bituminous coal are taken from the statistical tables compiled by C. E. Lesher for the coal year 1918-19 and issued by the United States Fuel Administration. All figures are in net tons. Phoduction of Bituminous Coal. Total Production, All-inclusive. Amount. Percent. Total A, . . . . . . . Pennsylvania, . ..... West Virginia, Maryland, . . ... 623,000,000 192,695,000 88,066,000 3,000,000 100 31 14 1 Total, . ... 283,761,0001 46 1 Pennsylvania, 68 per cent; West Virginia, 31 per cent; Maryland, 1 per cent. Total Production^ excluding Coal for Railroads and Export, - Amount. Percent. Total B, ... . . . . Pennsylvania, . . ... West Virginia, Maryland, . . ... 421,000,000 141,970,000 64,863,000 2,346,000 100 34 IS 1 Total, .... . . . . 209,179,000' 50 1 Pennsylvania, 68 per cent; West Virginia, 31 per cent; Maryland, 1 per cent. Total Production, excluding Coal for Railroads, Export, Domestic Bunker, Coal coked at Mines, Coal used at Mines, Coal sold at Mines. Amount. Percent. Total C . . . Pennsylvania, . ... ... West Virginia, Maryland, . . . . 331,000,000 94,296,000 65,853,000 2,044,000 100 28 20 1 Total, ... . ... . . 162,193,000' 49 ' Pennsylvania, 58 per cent; West Virginia, 41 per cent; Maryland, 1 per cent. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 159 DiSTEIBUTION OF BITUMINOUS COAL. Sources of Neiu York and New England Supply, excluding Railroad Fuel. Rail and Tide. Amount. Per Cent. Central Pennsylvania, ... , . Northern Pennsylvania, . . . . . j Pittsburg and Panhandle [ Westmoreland, Latrobe, Greensburg and Ligonier, . Connellsville, . . . . Somerset and Cumberland, .... Fairmont, ■ . "Kanawha and Kenova-Thacker, Northern Ohio, .... Pocahontas . . New River, ... ... Southwestern Virginia, ... 17,986,000 2,082,000 5,300,000 1,876,000 1,045,000 2,310,000 1,503,000 505,000 100,000 4,617,000 4,160,000 312,000 43 5 ' 13 4 3 6 4 1 11 10 Total, . . ... 41,796,000 100 Note. — From Pennsylvania fields, 71 per cent, or 29,538,000 tons; from West Virginia fields, 27 per cent, or 11,357,000 tons; from Maryland fields, 1 per cent, or 439,000 tons. Sources of New York Supply. Amount. Per Cent. Pennsylvania, West Virginia, . . ... Maryland, . .... All Others, .... 19,018,000 940,000 158,000 100,000 94 4 1 1 Total, .... . . 21,116,000 100 Sources of New England Supply. Amount. Per Cent. Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, . . . All Others, ... . . 9,670,000 10,417,000 281,000 312,000 47 sa 1 2 Total, ... 20,680,000 100 Production and Distribution of Bituminous Coal. Pbodttction. DiaTRIBUTION. Amount. Percent. Amount. Per Cent. Total B, . Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Mary- land, 421,000,000 209,179,000 100 SO New York, New England, . Total, 21,116,000 20,680,000 101 10' 41,796,000 20' 1 Of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. 160 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Report No. 3. To Retail Distributors of Anthracite Coal, on the Domestic Fuel Situation in the Com- monwealth ON July 1, 1921. Believing that the statistical information compiled by this office relative to the anthracite coal situation would be of interest and assistance to you, I am enclosing a brief summary concerning the anthracite and bituminous shipments to New England. , There is also appended a statement showing the receipts of domestic anthracite coal during the coal year April 1, 1920, to March 31, 1921; amount on hand as of April 1, 1921; . receipts during the period April 1, 1921, to June 30, 1921; and amount on hand as of July 1, 1921, in metropolitan Boston and the cities of the Commonwealth. Very truly yours, E. C. Hultman, Fuel Administraior. July 28, 1921. Receipts of Domestic Anthracite Coal and Amount ov Hand (Tons). Cut. Receipts, April l,1930,to March 31,1921. On Hand April 1, 1921. Receipts, ApriU,1921,to June 30, 1921. On Hand July 1, 1921. Attleboro, Beverly, Brockton, CMcopee, Fall River, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, . Marlborough, Methuen, . New Bedford, Newburyport, Newton, North Adams, Northampton, Peabody, Pitt86eld, . Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Waltham, . Westfield, . Woburn, Worcester, . Metropolitan Boston, 27,885 43,745 77,089 27,360 106,844 63,239 36,945 76,817 87,398 110,443 19,959 131,613 146,725 26,723 4,789 141,513 31,843 107,498 26,970 51,704 13,076 76,669 70,820 241,012 64,689 67,446 29,913 26,528 279,309 2,276,518 4,563 9,030 12,619 2,889 24,623 11,891 5,526 12,345 11,540 14,715 3,326 15,924 19,853 5,087 396 19,717 7,166 21,217 3,715 8,883 278 9,516 2,524 36,404 12,423 8,061 5,603 4,560 34,508 298,154 8,959 26,278 8,062 21,537 12,289 8,946 20,684 24,093 26,146 7,248 32,587 42,622 5,073 953 47,856 8,352 27,651 10,223 13,406 3,402 19,828 27,148 68,857 16,302 11,658 6,675 6,262 54,309 570,416 8,316 7,205 23,053 3,988 25,786 13,555 7,719 15,566 12,352 12,477 4,614 17,979 33,700 5,148 165 22,352 - 8,247 20,963 5,649 7,097 330 10,001 5,490 39,337 17,224 8,441 6,437 2,923 34,442 327,259 ' Metropolitan Boston includes the following cities and towns: Boston proper, Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Cambridge, Dorchester, East Boston, Everett, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Maiden, Neponset, Readville, Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, Somerville, Watertown, Winthrop and Quincy. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 161 New England Anthracite All-rail Movement as indicated by Average Daily Number of Coal Cars passing East through the Hudson Gateways. Boston & Maine. Boston & AXBANT. New Haven. Total. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. April May June July 237 188 176 'l63 159 193 172 169 58 125 129 116 65 92 72 69 63 137 197 134 203 189 240 233 368 «0 502 413 427 474 484 471 Average, . 191 173 107 75 133 216 431 464 Coal received in April, May and June {Net Tons). Tide and. Rail. Tide. BaU. 1920, . 1921, . 2,920,000 2,975,000 876,000 1,058,000 2,044,000 1,917,000 Anthbacite. During the first three months of the present coal year New England received approximately 3,000,000 net tons of anthracite coal. This record is about 55,000 tons, or 2 per cent, ahead of last year for the same period. During this same quarterly period the anthracite production has been 399,000 tons, or 2 per cent, ahead of last year. In considering the above it should be noted that Massachu- setts started the present coal year with 465,000' net tons of domestic anthracite ahead of last year. Comparative New England Receipts of Anthbacite. Tons. Jan. 1,1920, to June 30, 1920,' . 5,202,298 Jan. 1, 1921, to June 30, 1921, 6,252,000 During the first six months of the present calendar year New England received approximately 6,250,000 net tons of anthracite coal. This record is more than 1,000,000 tons, or 20 per cent, ahead of last year for the same period. During this same 162 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. period the anthracite production has been 1,500,000 tons, or 3 per cent, ahead of last year. In considering the above, it should be noted that Massachu- setts started the present coal year with 465,000 net tons of domestic anthracite ahead of last year. Bituminous. ) During the first three months of the present coal year New England received approximately 3,900,000 net tons of bituminous coal. This record is almost 1,000,000 tons, or 20 per cent, behind last year for the same period. During this quarterly period the bituminous production has been 26,000,000 tons, or 21 per cent, behind last year. Repoet No. 4. To Mayoes, Chaiemen of Boaeds of Select- men, Local Fuel Administeatoes and Coal Dealees, ON the Domestic Fuel Situation in the Common- wealth ON Nov. 1, 1921. With the approach of winter I thought you would be per- sonally interested in the domestic coal situation. The following table shows the comparative domestic anthracite coal receipts, stocks on hand and deliveries for Massachusetts, as of November 1: — 1920. 1921. On hand as of April 1, . . Eeceipta, AprU 1 to November 1, On hand as of November 1 Deliveries, April 1 to November 1, . . . 342,925 3,140,648 233,779 3,249,794 808,029 3,168,238 916,868 3,059,399 The above figures represent net tons, and have been compiled from the questionnaires of retail distributors of coal in Massachusetts. The annual consumption of domestic anthracite coal in Massachusetts is approximately 5,500,000 tons. There is ap- pended a detailed statement relative to the coal situation in the various cities of the Commonwealth. Local data and all in- formation available in this office will be gladly furnished upon request for towns having four or more dealers. Very truly yours, Eugene C. Hultman, Fuel Administrator. ■ Nov. 22, 1921. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 163 Domestic Anthracite Coal ^includes Broken, Egg, Stove, Chestnut and Pea Sizes). [All figures in net tons.] CiTT. Receipts, April, 1920, to April, 1921. On Hand April, 1921. Receipts, April, 1921, to November, 1921. On Hand November, 1921. Attleboro 27,885 4,563 16,908 6,768 Beverly, 43,745 9,030 17,963 5,611 Brockton, . 77,089 12,619 43,337 20,666 Chieopee, . 27,360 2,889 17,483 3,804 Fall River, . 106,844 24,623 63,850 25,791 Fitchburg, . 63,239 11,891 25,466 12,006 Gloucester, 36,945 5,526 21,095 7,125 Haverhill, . 76,817 12,345 40,297 16,166 Holyoke, . 87,398 11,640 42,933 8,736 Lawrence, . 110,443 14,715 69,930 17,017 Leominster, 19,959 3,326 13,580 6,827 Lowell, 131,613 15,924 66,167 26,679 Lynn, . 146,725 19,863 86,661 40,237 Marlborough, 25,723 5,087 9,432 5,166 Methuen, . 4,789 396 2,369 148 New Bedford, 141,513 19,717 97,880 18,198 Newburyport, 31,843 7,166 16,485 6,597 Newton, 107,498 21,217 66,618 18,341 North Adams, 26,970 3,716 18,265 4,338 Northampton, 61,704 8,883 26,071 6,646 Peabody, . 13,076 278 11,336 331 Fittefield, . 76,669 9,516 37,648 7,713 Salem, 70,820 2,524 62,761 7,134 &)ringfield, Taunton, . 241,012 36,404 145,365 60,866 64,689 12,423 29,737 13,917 Waltham, . 67,446 8,061 27,237 6,780 Westfield, . 29,913 6,603 13,746 6,409 Woburn, 26,628 4,660 14,676 3,319 Worcester, . 279,309 34,608 126,840 36,021 Metropolitan Boston, 1 2,276,518 298,164 1,301,888 330,608 > Metropolitan Boston includes the following cities and towns: Boston proper, Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Cambridge, Dorchester, Bast Boston^ Everett, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Maiden, Neponset, Readville, Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, Somerville, Watertown, Winthrop and Quincy. Report No. 5. Domestic Fuel Situation in the Common- wealth ON Jan. 1, 1922. Boston, Jan. 17, 1922. Memorandum. To Retail Distributors of Coal. The accumulation of stocks of domestic anthracite coal, the uncertainty of railroad transportation rates, the danger of a coal strike April 1, and the readjustment of prices consequent to establishment of a new wage agreement with the miners, are the sources of much apprehension and concern to those connected with the domestic fuel situation. Therefore, in order that the dealers may be able to consider all available information that will assist in solving their complicated problems, this office is submitting herewith comparative domes- 164 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. tic anthracite statistics, showing deliveries during the last coal year, stocks carried over, and those received this season to Jan. 1, 1922. Deliveries during coal year April 1, 1920, to March 31, 1921 (tons), . 5,207,643 Stocks on hand April 1, 1921 (tons), 808,029 Receipts during period April 1 to Dec. 31, 1921 (tons), . . 3,945,553 Total (nine months period) (tons), 4,753,582 Similar information covering all cities and towns of the Com- monwealth having four or more dealers is given in attached report. The total domestic stocks on hand in Massachusetts on Janu- ary 1, 1922, show 934,770 tons, as compared with 261,993 tons last January. These data have been compiled from the reports of retail coal dealers. There is also attached hereto a statement showing receipts of coal into New England and the division between tide and all- rail during the past six calendar years, together with rail receipts for comparative periods in 1920 and 1921. The increase in tide- water and corresponding decrease in all-rail receipts last year, due to lower water transportation cost, is a significant factor. The average daily number of coal cars passing east through the Hudson gateways during 1920 and 1921 shows the general dis- tribution of all-rail anthracite coal in New England. Anthracite coal, which not only fails to conform to sizing speci- fications but contains such a high percentage of impurities that its heating value is materially reduced, is being forced and foisted upon the dealers and subsequently upon the public. This low-heating value results in a real cost for fuel much greater than even the present high prices indicate. The coal market has now shifted from a sellers' to a buyers' market, and dealers are responsible for their purchases. Therefore, I request the co-operation of all dealers in improving the quality standard of domestic fuel and conserving our transportation facilities by re- fusing to accept shipments of poor quality coal. Eugene C. Hultman, Fuel Adminisirator. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 165 Comparative Domestic Anthracite Coal Statistics (includes Broken,Egg, Stove, Chestnut and Pea Sizes) in Communities having Four or More Dealers. (All figures in net tons.) Deliveries Receipts Community. April 1, 1920, to On Hand AprU 1, 1921. AprU 1, 1921, to March 31,1921. Deo. 31, 1921. AdiunB, . . . . . 13,656 2,261 13,940 Amherst, ... .... 11,426 2,067 8,980 Attleboro, . . . . . . 23,984 4,563 22,175 Barnstable, ... ... 7,553 1,090 7,278 Brockton 68,423 12,619 62,878 Chita>pee, 25,509 2,889 21,572 Eaathampton 9,282 2,334 3,514 Fall River, 101,219 24,623 78,947 Falmouth, 4,653 1,417 5,620 Fitchburg . . 55,851 11,891 31,897 Framingham, 31,007 5,225 25,820 Franklin, 7,658 1,067 5,510 Gardner, . . 14,405 5,317 12,724 Gloucester, 32,991 5,526 25,870 Grafton 5,541 765 4,607 Great Barrington 13,290 1,723 10,662 Hatfield, ... . . . . 2,194 230 3,017 Haverhill 68,746 12,345 61,168 Holyoke 79,735 11,540 57,193 Ipswich, . . 6,474 995 5,748 Lawrence, 101,228 14,715 80,777 Leominster, 17,912 3,326 16,434 Lowell, ... . . . . 120,796 16,924 80,711 Lynn 139,096 19,853 104,329 Mansfield, . 6,630 737 6,303 MiMord, ... . . 15,637 2,961 13,234 Montague 10,069 2,448 6,817 New Bedford 131,960 19,717 115,803 Newburyport, 25,665 7,166 18,748 Newton, ... 98,526 21,217 66,719 North Adams, 24,308 3,715 22,315 Northampton, . . . . . 44,917 8,883 33,149 Norwood, . 16,653 2,448 15,581 Peabody, 12,852 278 16,402 Kttsfield, ... . . . 72,589 9,516 50,630 Provincetown 3,991 348 3,125 Salem . . 75,189 2,524 64,308 211,522 36,404 168,220 Stoneham,' '.'.'.'.'.. 12,353 2,387 9,384 Taunton 54,680 12,423 38,132 Wakefield 28,482 2,517 20,763 Waltham 61,162 8,061 37,817 Ware, . . . . 7,445 989 6,427 Wareham, . . . . ■ 7,046 573 5,215 Webster, ... . . . . 8,459 2,389 9,100 Westfield, 26,217 5,603 17,506 Weymouth, . . . . . . 17,500 4,696 16,127 Woburn, . .... 22,568 4,560 18,882 Worcester, . . . . . 256,128 34,508 169,685 Metropolitan Boston, ' 2,130,413 298,154 1,615,852 1 Metropolitan Boston includes the following cities and towns: Boston proper, Arlington, Bel- mont, Brookline, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Cambridge, Dorchester, East Boston, Everett, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Maiden, Neponset, Readville, Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, Somerville, Watertown, Winthrop and Quincy. Anthracite — New England Receipts, Calendar Years {Twelve Months). Net Tons. Per Cent Tide. Per Cent Rail. 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 10,716,000 11,680,000 13,621,000 10,578,000 11,255,000 11,358,000 49 38 30 31 31 33 51 62 70 67 166 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. All Rail Movement as indicated by Average Daily Number of Coal Cars passing East through the Hudson Gateways. BOBTOH & Maine. Boston & Albany. New Haven. Total. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1920. 1921. AjprU 237 159 63 65 63 203 358 427 May, 188 ■ 193 126 92 137 189 460 474 June, 176 172 129 72 197 240 602 484 July, 163 163 116 66 134 208 413 437 August, . 201 137 98 68 207 151 606 356 September, 208 131 68 48 160 147 436 326 October, . 203 177 84 69 266 199 653 445 November, 151 170 74 71 201 197 426 438 December, 181 131 83 65 224 194 488 380 Average, 180 159 93 68 176 192 459 419 Report No. 6. Boston City Council Resolution eegakding Milk, and Reply of the Commission. Resolution of the City of Boston. Whereas, Quart bottles of milk are selling ia western Massachusetts for 7 cents a quart, and in New York for 10 cents a quart, and in Boston they are selling for 15 cents, with a threatened jump to 16 cents on August 1; and Whereas, The supply of milk in Massachusetts is so plentiful that the price should automatically drop responding to the law of supply and demand, but is sustained by artificial means employed by the distribu- tors, and the farmers as a consequence must feed their milk to their cattle or throw it away. Resolved, That the Boston city council request the Commission on Necessaries of Life to advise it on the Boston milk situation with a view to taking action against the milk profiteers. IM City Council, July 26, 1921. Reply of the Commission. BosTOur, July 28, 1921. To the Honorable City Council, City Hall, Boston, Mass. Sirs : — Your resolution of July 25 requesting information relative to the Boston milk situation has been received, and the Commission herewith transmits the following information gathered in its study and investigation of the production and distribution of this vital necessary of life. 1922.] HOUSE— No. 1400. 167 Metropolitan Boston receives about 90 per cent of its milk supply from sources outside of Massachusetts, viz., Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire, and even from Canada. The Massachusetts farmer is no longer a competitive factor in the Boston milk market. Through the New England Milk Pro- ducers' Association the farmers contract with local distributors on the basis of "fresh" and "surplus" milk. The following comparative tables show the elements com- prising the retail price of milk to the consumer in Boston: — , December, 1920 (Cents). July, 1921 (Cents). Price paid to farmer for "fresh" miik in bulk (S^-quart cans], . Transportation average to Boston, Distributing cliarge for bottling and delivering milk, 8} li 7i 6i 7 Betail price, 18i IS The so-called "surplus" milk is manufactured by the distributor or sold by him to creameries, condensaries, butter and cheese manufacturers at a price which nets the farmer about one-half the amount he receives for the "fresh" product. This lowers the average price which the farmer receives for his total output to a very low figure, when the surplus milk is not absorbed by the consumer. According to the reports of the United States Bureau of Markets, the stocks of condensed and evaporated milk con- tinue to pile up in this country, in spite of. the increased do- mestic demand for it occasioned by the high price of the fresh product. New York Gity has met the problem of the high retail price of this essential food by a method of distribution which results in a material saving to the people of that city. We are advised by the Health Commissioner of New York that practically 60 per cent of all the milk sold in that city at retail is in bulk at a cost of 10 cents per quart to the householder. From a comparison of the vital statistics of New York and Boston it appears that the infant mortality rate, child mortality rate under five years of age, as well as the death rate for com- municable diseases traceable to milk, are higher in Boston than in New York, as follows : — 168 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Death Rate under One Year per 1,000 Live Births. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. Boston New York 104.9 93.0 99.0 89.0 1U.6 92.0 96.8 82.0 100.8 85.0 Death Rate under Five Years for 1,000 General Population. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. Boston New York 3.98 3.76 3. 65 3.38 4.79 3.83 3.39 2.82 3.69 3.05 Average Death Rate for Five Communicable Diseases per 100,000 Popu- lation. 1916. 1917. 1918. 1919. 1920. Boston New York 37.0 37.2 40.1 38.6 39.1 39.0 32.5 32.4 28.8 27.0 The Commission is not a board of health experts, but we have been advised that the lower price of milk has allowed greater milk consumption by children. This strengthens their physical condition and raises their power of resistance to disease. We are attaching tables of comparative prices of milk in various cities. You will note from these tables that bottled milk delivered to the consumer is being sold at prices varying from 11 to 14 cents per quart in the principal cities of the East and Middle West, and for from 10 to 14 cents in communities of this Commonwealth. You will also note that in one municipality in this Commonwealth, for cash and carry trade, the price is as low as 7 cents per quart. The Commission believes that great benefit could be derived by the farmer, distributor and the consumer if the law of supply and demand had more effect upon the price of fresh milk to the people. The farming industry should receive encouragement and all the assistance possible, but with the vast quantities of surplus milk piling up each month the consumer naturally expects to pay lower rather than higher prices. The consumption of fresh milk should be increased, resulting in a corresponding increase of revenue to the farmer, yet with lower prices to the consumer. 1922.1 HOUSE — No. 1400. 169 The Commission believes that the city of Boston, through its health department, co-operating with the distributors and producers, can probably simplify the method of distribution of this vital food for its inhabitants, with the result that the thrifty and needy householders will be able to obtain a supply of good, pure and health-sustaining milk for about 10 cents per quart. E. C. HULTMAN, Chmrman. Exhibit 1. Retail Price per Quart for Bottled Milk delivered to the Consumer in Rep- resentative Towns and Cities in Massachusetts. Amesbury, Barre, Clinton, . Dalton, Deerfield, Easthampton Pall Kiver, Fitchburg, Greenfield, Holyoke, Ipswich, . Lee, Leominster, Lowell, Ludlow, . Maynard, Monson, i^ewburyport. North Adams Palmer, . Pittsfield, 1 Shrewsbury, Townsend Center, Turners Falls Ware, Webster, Westborough, West Townsend, Williamstown, Cents. 14 12 14 13 14 10-121 13 13-14 111-14 12-13 14 10-14 14 14 13 10 13 12 14 10-14 10-14 12-14 10 13 _2 10-14 12 13 14 1 Economy stores selling in Pittsfield for 7 cents per quart bottled. 2 Fifty per cent of milk supply sold as measured milk at 10 cents per quart delivered; 33J^ per cent of milk supply sold as measured milk at 12 cents per quart delivered; balance bottled milk sold at from 14 to 15 cents per quart delivered. 170 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. Exhibit 2. Retail Price per Quart for Bottled Milk delivered to the Consumer in Repre- sentative Eastern and Middle-western Cities, exdvsive of Massackw- Albany, N. Y.: Cents. Loose milk, 12 Grade B, 13-14 Baltimore, Md., . 12 Buffalo, KY.: Grade A, 13 Grade B, 12 Burlington, Vt., 11-12 Chicago, 111., 14 Detroit, Mich., 13 Keene, N. H., 10-14 Manchester, N. H., 14 New Haven, Conn., 14 iScranton, Pa., 12 Philadelphia, Pa., . 11 Syracuse, N. Y., 13 Trenton, N. J., . 12 Troy, N. Y., .... 13 Washington, D. C: Cash and carry, . . 12 Delivered, 13-14 Waterville, Me., 13 Report No. 7. Laundry Investigation and Finding of THE Attorney-General relative to the Jurisdiction OF the Commission. The following letter was sent to all laundries in metropolitan Boston : — Boston, June 29, 1921. Gentlemen : — The Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life has received a number of complaints concerning the high prices charged for laundry in metropolitan Boston. From a preliminary investigation and comparison of prices in 1914, 1920 and 1921 it would appear that laundry prices have not reflected the reduction in coal, gasoline, soap, soda, blueing and the other elements that enter into the cost of this service. Many laundry plants are now equipped with modern machinery which has reduced the labor cost of operation, but the present charges 1922.] HOUSE -No. 1400. 171 for laundry work by these presumably more efficient plants are in excess of the hand-labor laundries. During the war the laundries claimed that they performed the function of a public utility and should be shown preference in the distribution of coal. This claim was recognized by the Federal government and laundries were given a preferential classification. From the information so far obtained, and in view of the fact that prices are practically uniform for the entire district, the Commission beUeves that a thorough investigation should be made to ascertain whether or not present charges for laundry work are justifiable. Therefore you are requested to file with this office on or before July 11 the following data: — 1. Price list for laundry work 1920-21, indicating whether or not prices include pick-up and delivery service. 2. Comparative cost of various elements entering into the cost of doing business in 1920 and 1921, as follows: — (a) Wages paid to labor. (6) Cost of coal or power. (c) Cost of wash-room supplies. (d) Cost of boxes, paper, twine, etc. (e) Cost of pick-up and delivery service. (/) Other items. State what percentage each of the above items comprises in the cost of doing business. , 3. Copies of your balance sheets, showing the invested capital as in- terpreted by the Federal government, and profit and loss statements for the last two fiscal years. Very truly yours, E. C. HULTMAN, Chairmav. Boston, July 19, 1921. Hon. J. Weston Allen, Attorney-General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State House, Boston, Mass. Deab Mb. Attobney-Genehal: — I am enclosing herewith copy of a letter from . . . of . . . formally claiming that laun- dry work is a service and not a commodity, and questioning the jurisdiction of the Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life under chapter 325 of the Acts of 1921. It is futile for this Commission to carry its investigation of laundry prices to end in a public hearing, if we do not have the 172 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. power to summons and administer oaths. Further, in regard to the issue raised by . . . , if we cannot obtain sworn copies of balance sheets and profit and loss statements you will readily see that our investigation would be of no value to the public. Therefore I would respectfully request that you furnish me with an opinion as to whether or not the Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life has the authority, under the provisions of chapter 325 of the Acts of 1921 to give hearings, to administer oaths, direct the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and documents and other papers relating to the charges made for laundry work. Very truly yours, Eugene C. Hultman, Ckairman. Depabtmbnt of the Attornet-General, Boston, Aug. 26, 1921. Mr. Eugene C. Hultman, Chairman, Special Commission on the Nec- essaries of Life. Deak Sib: — By your letter to me of July 19, 1921, you ask my opinion in substance whether the Commission has authority under St. 1921, c. 325, to investigate prices of laundry work. The subject-matters to which the authority of the Commission extends are defined by St. 1921, c. 325, § 2. Said section is as follows: — It shall be the duty of the commission to study and investigate the circumstances affecting the prices of fuel and other commodities which are necessaries of life. The commission may inquire into all matters relating to the production, transportation, distribution and sale of the said commodities, and into all facts and circumstances relating to the cost of production, wholesale and retail prices and the method pursued in the conduct of the business of any persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the production, transportation, or sale of the said commodi- ties, or of any business which relates to or affects the same. It shall also be the duty of the said commission to study and investigate the circumstances affecting the charges for rent of property used for living quarters, and in such investigation the commission may inquire into all matters relating to charges for rent. . . . The question on which you ask my opinion depends primarily for its answer on the proper constructon of the words "fuel and other commodities which are necessaries of life." If laundry work is a commodity which is a necessary of life, within the meaning of those words as used in said section, the Commission 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 173 is authorized to investigate the circumstances affecting the prices of laundry work, with all the powers granted by St. 1921, c. 325^; otherwise not, unless authority is given by the inclusion of the clause "or of any business which relates to or affects the same." The words "necessaries of life" first made their appearance in our statutes, so far as I can ascertain, in St. 1898, c. 549, § 1, popularly known as the "Dubuque Law," providing equitable process after judgment in cases where the judgment is founded on a claim for necessaries of life. By St. 1901, c. 176, this statute was amended by including claims for work or labor performed by the creditor for the debtor. The words next occur in the "Commonwealth Defence Act of 1917," Gen. St. 1917, c. 342, after our country had become engaged in the World War. 'By section 23 of that act the Governor was authorized to investigate circumstances relating to "food or other necessaries of life." By Gen. St. 1919, c. 341, a Special Commission on the Neces- saries of Life was established, the duty and powers of which were defined in section 1 substantially as in the first two sen- tences of St. 1921, c. 325, § 2. This act was amended by Gen. St. 1919, c. 365, by adding a clause substantially like the last sentence of said section 2. The term of service of the Commission was extended, and certain provisions of Gen. St. 1917, c. 342, were continued by St. 1920, c. 628. The words "necessaries of life" also appear in Article XLVII of the Amendments to the Constitution of Massachusetts, which is as follows : — The maintenance and distribution at reasonable rates, during time of war, public exigency, emergency or distress, of a suflBcient supply of food and other common necessaries of life and the providing of shelter, are public functions, and the commonwealth and the cities and towns therein may take and may provide the same for their inhabitants in such manner as the general court shall determine. In an act of Congress "to provide further for the national security and defence" (act, Aug. 10, 1917, c. 53, as amended by act, Oct. 22, 1919, c. 80), measures are provided for conserving foods, feeds, wearing apparel, fuel, and articles required for the production thereof, which in the act are called "necessaries." "Commodity" is a word of comprehensive signification. 174 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Feb. (S. S. White Dental Mfg. Co. v. Commonwealth, 212 Mass. 35, 38.) It is a general term, " which signifies convenience, privilegey profit, and gains, as well as goods and wares." (Portland Bank V. Apthorp, 12 Mass. 252, 256.) But the word has also com- monly a more restricted meaning as signifying an article of merchandise. (Century Dictionary.) It is to be determined in the present instance whether the word is to be given its general or its more restricted meaning. In the statute under consideration the word "commodities" is used as applicable to things which are capable of "production, transportation, distribution and sale." It is used in conjunction with the word "fuel," and therefore by the principle of ejusdem generis its application should be confined to things of similar import. (Clark v. Gaskarth, 8 Taunt. 431; Renick v. Boyd, 99 Pa. St. 555; Matter of Hermana, 71 N. Y. 481, 486, 487; People V. N. Y., etc., Ry. Co., 89 N. Y. 565, 569; The J. Doherty, 207 Fed. 997, 999, 1000; Endlich, Interpretation of Statutes, 405, 406; cf. Reed v. Tarbell, 4 Met. 93, 101.) Laundry work is labor or service. Any materials used are incidental to the labor performed. It is not a subject of pro- duction or transportation, nor is it . an article of merchandise. In my opinion, the Legislature in using the word "commodities" in this statute did not mean to extend the authority of the com- mission beyond articles of merchandise, such as fuel, which are necessaries of life, or to include within its scope labor and other service, except in so far as they are included in the cost of com- modities. In this connection it should be stated that Gen. St. 1919, c. 365, amending Gen. St. 1919, c. 341, by extending the au- thority of the Commission to investigate charges for rent, was passed after a decision by a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court (Sherburne v. Sesen, Suffolk County, No. 16854, Law) that such authority was not given by Gen. St. 1919, c. 341, since rent is not a commodity which is the subject of "transportation, distribution and sale," within the meaning of the statute. The words "necessaries of life," taken literally, must mean things necessary to sustain life. The word "necessaries" alone may have that restricted meaning. (International Text Book Co. V. Connelly, 206 N. Y. 188.) It was used in that sense in the Federal statute. {Cf. United States v. American Woolen Co., 265 Fed. 404; C. A. Weed & Co. v. Lockwood, 264 Fed. 453.) The words "necessaries of life" naturally connote articles of prime importance, such as food, fuel, housing and clothing. 1922.] HOUSE — No. 1400. 175 If laundry work is not a commodity it is needless to consider whether it is a necessary of life. It may be observed, however, that no labor or service is included within the category of State and Federal laws above enumerated; that in the so-called Dubuque Law the Legislature evidently was of opinion that work and labor were not necessaries of life, and that it was necessary to include the claim for work and labor by amendment. It cannot be said as matter of law that the Work of public laundries might not be performed at home, or how much, if not all, could be done at home. It is my opinion, therefore, that laundry work is not a necessary of life within the meaning of those words as used by our Legislature. It remains to consider the effect of the words "or any business which relates to or affects the same." They form a part of a provision to the following effect: — The commission may inquire . . . into all facts and circumstances relating to the cost of production, wholesale and retail prices and the method pursued in the conduct ... of any business which relates to or affects the same (production, transportation, or sale of commodities which are necessaries of life). In my opinion, laundry work does not relate to or affect the production, transportation or sale of such commodities, and therefore the Commission derives no authority from this clause. I must therefore advise you that the Commission is not authorized to investigate circumstances affecting the prices of laundry work. I return herewith the papers you sent me. Very truly yours, J. Weston Allen, A ttomey-Oeneral. The following letter was sent to all laundries in metropolitan Boston: — Boston, Aug. 30, 1921. Gentlemen: — The jurisdiction of the Special Commission on the Necessaries of Life to inquire into the justification of prices charged for laundry work has been formally questioned by one of the local establishments. This Commission will not assume powers not specifically given to it by the Legislature. The question of jurisdiction has been taken up with the Attorney-General and we are advised 176 NECESSARIES OF LIFE. {Feb. that laundry constitutes a "service" and is not within the classification of "commodities which are necessaries of life" as specified in the law creating the Commission. It would be futile and unfair for the Commission to make an investigation and publish a finding without being able to ad- minister oaths and obtain sworn testimonies. However, we believe that your attention should be called to the fact that the high charge for laundry service has been the source of numerous complaints. Therefore the Commission takes this opportunity of calling your attention to the nature of some of the complaints received in the hope that steps may be taken by the trade to apply a proper remedy. Many of the com- plainants raised the point that the cost of washing an article is now disproportionate to its present or original cost. Others are unable to understand the necessity of some laundry agents receiving from 35 to 45 per cent of the entire charge as a com- mission for simply receiving and delivering the wash, or why in some companies the overhead, administrative and' general ex- pense runs as high as 40 per cent of the gross receipts. Another complainant has furnished the Commission with a copy of a stock-selling prospectus, and states that his laundry is trying to persuade him to buy stock in it. In this prospectus are made the following statements : — The company's dividend record has been regular and imbroken for years. The 7 per cent preferred stock dividend distributed quarterly, February, May, August and November, has been paid to stockholders without interruption. No dividends have ever been in arrears, passed or defaulted, — a record which speaks for itself. The annual net earnings of the company have averaged 3%o times the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. This is after deduct- ing liberal reserves for depreciation and for Federal, State and municipal taxes. Laundries perform the function of a public utility, but there is no supervision to safeguard the interests of the public as in the case of other public utilities. We trust, therefore, that you will protect the welfare of the community which you serve by reasonable charges for the service rendered. Very truly yours, E. C. HULTMAN, Chairman. 1922.1 HOUSE — No. 1400. 177 Appendix III. FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO JAN. 1, 1922. Unexpended balance of Special Commission on the Neces- r saries of I^ife and Fuel Administrator for Massachusetts I May 1, 1921, $27,629 55 General services (personal), $11,243 06 Traveling expenses, . . . . '. . 121 40 Office supplies, ...:... 2,054 23 13,418 69 Balance, $14,210 86 Date Due ■ ( « Remington Rand J nc.Cit.no. 1139 un -««« Cornell University Library HD6993.M4A5 1922 ■■■iif!f,K'.?.!J,l?.*.!iP.?.5!?.' Commission on '3 ■■i924 002 sao'g™