ECCENTRIC OFFICIAL STATISTICS
531
They (wage-earners) have learned that since the year 1860 wages have steadily increased ; this is proved by the following table of figures compiled from the census reports and official statistics :
AVERAGE YEARLY WAGES IN THE U. S. IN MANUFACTURING INDUS- TRIES AS SHOWN BY CENSUS REPORTS.
Year
Population
Employes
Total Wages
Equivalent total wages in
MM
Av< ra t '( annual wages in
Wages in- creased since previous
gold
gold
census
1860
31,443,321
1,311,246
- 378,878,966
1378,878,966
$288
1870
38,558,371
2,053,996
775,584,343
674,421,168
328
14 percent.
1880
50,155,733
2,732,595
947,953,795
947,953,795
347
5-5 "
1890
62,831,900
4,712,622
2,283,216,529
2,283,216,529
484
39
In his debate with Mr. Harvey, Mr. Horr quoted similar statistics with the result of weakening with wage-earners the cause he advocated. While such statistics may deceive others and lead them to wonder at the discontent of wage-earners, they do not deceive that class, but excite their animosity against those who they believe juggle figures for the purpose of deceiv- ing the public as to their wages.
While Colonel Wright calls attention to an error conveying the impression that wage-earners receive an almost insignificant proportion of the value which their labor produces, he strangely neglects to correct the more common erroneous impression of an enormous increase in wages.
H. L. BLISS.
CHICAGO.
