Annual report of the North Carolina Department of Labor

              Ctje Hitrarp
of tt)e
^niuerisitp of Bout Carolina
€o\ltttwn ot i^ortj^ Carolmiana
C35I
e-
1—
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL
00033934743
FOR USE ONLY IN
THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION
}
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BUREAU OF LABOR AND PRINTING
OF THE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
FOR THE YEAR
1900
io>ff/i/(/j/f'>fri^ €1
acu.
%Oct)/>?ii4:ti6?ie/'^.
R A L E I U H :
Edwards & Broughton. and E. M. Uzzell, State Printers.
Presses of Edwards & Broughtox.
19 1.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
Ensuring Democracy through Digital Access (NC-LSTA)
http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofbu1900nort
i
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BUREAU OF LABOR AND PRINTING
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
FOR THE YEAR
J900
B. R. LACY, Commissioner.
W. E. FAISON, Asst. Commissioner.
1^ TRAPEsfrI^^gj^JcowjCILjl
RALEIGH:
Edwards & Brougliton. and E. M. Uzzell, State Printers.
Presses of Edwards it Broughto:;^.
1901.
INTRODUCTION.
In issaing this my last report as Commissioner of Labor and
Printing, I wish to congratulate the State on the very marked
improvement in labor conditions and the present most encouraging
prospect for the future. In the six years that I have given to the
work of this Department, I have learned much of the conditions
and needs of our working classes and have striven to make this
Department of practical service to them. How far I have suc-ceeded
is demonstrated, to some extent at least, by the great inter-est
awakened and the determination to improve conditions.
In retiring from this work, I wish again to call the attention of
the Legislature to the inadequate appropriation. There has been
no increase since the establishment of the Department in 1887. The
work, however, has increased and new duties have been added, the
performance of many being rendered impossible, because of the
lack of funds. The inspection of mines placed in this Department
by the Legislature of 1897 could not be carried into effect, as no
appropriation whatever was made for the purpose. The Legislature
of 1899 placed the examination of all the State printing and the
approval of bills for the same in this Department, likewise without
any increase of appropriation or salaries. While, as Commissioner,
I have each year earnestly recommended an increase of salaries and
appropriations, I desire in this my last report to emphasize more
strongly the need of this Department, and recommend that the
salary of the Commissioner be made $2,000 per annum and that of
the Assistant Commissioner $1,500. As the Department of govern-ment
created and maintained for the benefit of that large and
deserving class of citizens, the wage earners, it should be placed on
a par with the other State Departments.
As before stated, the Legislature of 1899 placed in the Depart-ment
the examination and approval of printing done for the State.
Under the act I was under the necessity of collecting the penalty
prescribed by law to the amount of two hundred ($200) dollars,
VIII Introduction.
from the State Printers for failure to deliver Laws of 1899 within
time specified. I can also report that all matters in dispute between
the State Printers and this Department which have been left to
arbitration or ruled on by the Attorney General, have resulted in
the contention of the Department being sustained.
I desire, especially, to give Mr. W. E. Faison, the Assistant Com-missioner,
credit justly due him for his earnest, faithful, and very
efficient work in this Department. He is the right man in the
right place, and especially in examining and passing on the print-irfg
bills, has demonstrated his fearless and unbiased ability. The
chief clerk of every single department receives more than he does,
and I desire to emphasize the fact that neither his nor the Com-missioner's
salary is commensurate with the duties imposed on
them.
The workingman's especial department should be put on a foot-ing
with the other departments of State.
LETTER OF TRflNSMlTTflL.
KN
To his Excellency, Daniel L. Russell,
Governor of North Carolina.
Dear Sir :—Herewith I transmit to you the Fourteenth Report
of the Commissioner of Labor and Printing. As it can be no longer
considered selfish in rae, this being my last report, I desire to most
heartily recommend as an act of simple justice that the Commis-sioner's
salary be increased and he be given the same as the Com-missioner
of Agriculture and the Corporation Commissioners receive,
and that the Assistant Commissioner, who has a laborious and
difficult position to fill, receive the same compensation as the chief
clerks in those departments. I also earnestly recommend a com-pulsory
educational law, that I feel certain will solve the child
labor question.
Respectively,
B. R. LACY,
Commissioner of Labor and Printing.
January 10, 1901.
1
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.—A&RicuLTUEAL Statistics.
II.
—
Trades.
III.
Miscellaneous Factories.
lY.
Cotton and Woolen Mills.
V.—Railway Employes.
VI.—Newspapers.
*YII.
Compulsory Education.
'^->YIIL
Cumnock Mine Disaster.
*Chapter V. on page 235 should be VII.
CHAPTER I.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.
The following average tables are compiled from 3G9 blauks filled
out by representative farmers from every county in the Slate. The
farmers always respond promptly. In this chapter we also publish
letters showing the needs and condition of farm labor.
The returns were received during the period from June 15 to
October 1, 1900, which explains difference in selling price of cotton
and other products shown in Table No. 5.
Table No. 1 shows an increase of twelve per cent in value of land
in thirty-nine counties, seventeen per cent decrease in three counties,
and fifty-five counties report no change. Eighty-four counties re-port
fertility of land maintained, and thirteen report fertility not
maintained. Seventy-four report tendency to have smaller farms,
eleven larger, and twelve no change.
Table No. 2 shows mode of living in eighty-nine counties im-proved.
Seventy counties report cost of living increased. Eighty-seven
counties report negro labor unreliable, seven reliable, and two
report no negro labor. Sixty counties report employment regular.
Table No. 3 shows highest wages of men $13.23, lowest $8.01.
Highest wages of women $8.01, lowest $5.20. Wages of children
$4.62. Forty eeven counties report increase in wages and fifty
report no change. In addition to wages farm labor has house, gar-den,
wood, etc., furnished free. These figures show an average in-crease
of twenty-five per cent over 1899.
Table No. 4 shows sixty four counties produce cotton at cost of
$26.19 per 5001b. bale. Eighty-four counties produce wheat at cost
of sixty-one cents per bushel. Ninety-seven counties produce corn
at cost of forty-one cents per bushel. Ninety-two counties produce
oats at cost of twenty-eight cents per bushel. Forty-nine counties
produce tobacco at cost of $6 50 per 100 pounds.
North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Table No. 5 shows market price of cotton nine and one-half cents
per pound, wheat eighty five cents per bushel, corn sixty-six cents
per bushel, oats forty-two cents per bushel, tobacco $7.92 per hun-dred.
These prices make the profit on products, four and one-half
cents per pound for cotton, twenty-four cents per bushel for wheat,
twenty-five cents per bushel for corn, fourteen cents per bushel for
oats, and $1.42 per hundred for tobacco.
Table No. 6 shows education condition good in seven counties,
fair in thirty-five, poor in fifty-two, and bad in three. Moral condi-tion
good in twenty-nine, fair in fifty-eight, poor in nine, and bad in
one. Financial condition good in six, fair in forty-one, poor in
forty-two, and bad in eight.
The question, "Do you favor a compulsory school law?" was
answered by 268 "Yes," by eighty-one "No," and twenty did not
answer.
In chapter on Compulsory Education will be found letters from
farmers giving their views as to the advisability of a compulsory
school law, and will be found of great interest.
Condition of Farmers.
Average Table No. i—Showing Condition of Farm Lands by Counties.
County.
Alamance
Alexander
Alleghany...
.
Anson
Ashe
Beaufort
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick
Buncombe
Burke
Cabarrus
Caldwell .__.
Camden
Carteret
Caswell
Catawba
Chatham
Cherokee
Chowan
Clay
Cleveland _
.
Columbus ...
Craven
Cumberland
Currituck _
.
Dare
Davidson
Davie
Duplin
Durham
E'l^ecombe
Forsvth
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Graham
Granville
Greene _--.
Guilford
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood _.
Henderson .
Heriford .__
Hyde
Iredell
Jackson
Johnston
Has Land
Increased or
L>ecrrased
iu Value?
irso.
What Per
Ceut?
Cause of
Increase or
Decrease.
Fertility
of l.aiid
Maiii-taiued
?
no
increased__
no
incteased__
increased
no
increased
no
increased..
no
no
no
no
no
increased..
no
no
increased.,
increased.,
increased -.
no
no
no
no
no
no
increased.,
increased..
no ---
increased.,
decreased _
no
no
increased
increased
increased..
no
decreased .
increased..
increased
no
no
no
no
no
decreased .
increased
no
no
lo
13
demand
7
25
20
10
belter prices .
population
better pi ices.,
demand
demand
better prices ..
population
belter prices..
population ..
population _.
improved
trusts
30
population _-_
population _ ._
better prices
Inw prices
better prices.,
dematd
low prices ...
better prices.
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
ycs. --.
yes
yes
\es
yes
yes
yes
yes
Tendency
to Have
Larjier or
Smaller
Farms?
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes_ —
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
}'es
no
)es
yes
yes
no
yes .
yes
yes
ves
yes
no
yes
yes
smaller.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
larjijer.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller,
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Average Table No. \—Continued.
County.
Has Land
Increased or
Decreased
in Value?
If so.
What Per
Cent?
Cause of
Increase or
Decrease.
Fertility
of Land
Main-tained?
Jones I increased.
Lenoir
Lincoln
Macon
Madison
Martin
McDowell
Mecklenburg
Mitcliell
Montgomery -.
Moore
Nash
New Hanover
Northampton
On-^low
Orange
Panilico
Pas-quotank
Pender
Perquimans __.
Peison
Pitt
Polk
Randolph
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham
Rowan
Rutherford
Sampson
Scotland
Stanly
Stakes
Surry
Swain
Transylvania
Tyrrell
Union
Vance
Wake
Warren
Washington
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancey
increased.
no
no
increased-increased
increased,
increased,
increased,
increased.
2G
lo
timber
population _.
no
no
no
increased
no
no
no
no
increased -.
no
no .
increased __
increased __
no
no
increased.,
increased.,
increased..
no
no
inert- ased..
no
increased..
no
no
no
no
no
increased _.
increased..
no
no
increased..
ID
20
10
10
25
20
stock
demand
population __.
poimldtion __
population __.
tiuiher
ben cr prices.
impioved.
yes...
yes
yes. ..
yes
yes. ..
yes...
yes...
yes. ..
yes...
ye>_ ..
yes
yes...
yes
no
no
yes
yes
yes_._
yes...
no
yes
yes-...
yes...
yes
yes...
yes
yes
no „ -
ye,-.__
yes
yes
yes
ye......
yes ....
no
yes
yes
' no
j ye^-. ...
I no
! ye-....
1 ye-^
trucking ' yes
demand ! 3'es
1 yes
yes. . __
yes.
im])roved-po]
i dation
bc-fer prices..
deinund .
population . .
population ..
better prices..
10 timber
Tendency
to Have
Larter or
Smaller
Farms?
larger.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
larger.
sm lUer.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
larger.
same.
same.
smaller.
smaller.
larger.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
smaller.
same.
smaller.
Condition of Farmers.
AVERAGE Table No. 2-Showing Condition of Farm Labor.
County
Alatnatice
Alexander
Alleghany \
jes
Anson _.
Ashe _-.
Beaufort
Bertie _.
Bladen
Brunswick
Buncombe —
Burke
Cabarrus
Caldwell
Camden
Carteret
Caswell
Catawba
Chatham
Cherokee
Chowan
Clay
Cleveland
Columbus
Craven
Cumberland —
Currituck
Dare
Davidson
Davie
Duplin -
Durham
E<lgecombe
Forsyth |
yes _
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Graham
Granville
Greene
Guilford
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood
Henderson
Hertford
Hyde
Iredell
j
yes _
Jackson I yes _
Johnston ' yes.
Cause of
Abundance or
Scarcity ?
public work _.
demand
public work _
public work _
public work _
surplus-moved
.
public work _
cotton mills _
public work .
demand
demand
discontent...
public work .
public work .
public work
public work .
public work .
cotton mills .
public work
moved
indolence __
demand
Is
Employ-ment
Regular?
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
} es.
yes.'
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
ves.
no.
demand
public work
demand
moved
demand
moved
public work
moved
public work .
public work
tlemand
moved
puV)lic work
puV)lic work
public work
public work
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
public work
public work
yes.
yes.
yes.
}es.
no.
5es
no.
no.
yes.
no.
ves.
North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Average Table No. 2
—
Conlinued.
County
Jones
Lenoir
Lincoln
Macon
Madison
Martin
McDowell
Mecklenburg
Mitchell
Montgomery _
Moore
Nash
New Hanover
Northampton
Onslow
Orange
Pamlico
Pasquotank __
Pender
Perquimans ._
Person
Pitt
Polk
Randolph
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham
.
Rowan
Rutherford ._
Sampson
Scotland
Stanly
Stokes
Surry
Swain
Transylvania
,
Tyrrell
Union
Vance
Wake
Warren
Washington _
Watauga
Wavne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancey
Have
Farmers
I.u-proved
ill Their
Mode of
Living ?
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes -
yes .
yes .
yes -
yes _
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes _
yes .
yes .
jes .
yes .
jes .
yes .
\ es ,
yes
no ..
yes .
\ es _
yes _
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes _
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes _
yes .
yes .
no ..
yes .
no ,.
yes .
yes _
yes _
yes .
no ._
yes _
yes -
Has
Cost of
Living
In-creased?
j'es _
yes .
no ..
no ..
no ._
no _.
yes .
no ._
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes ,
yes .
no ..
yes .
no ..
yes .
no ..
yes .
j'es .
yes .
yes .
yes .
yes .
no ..
yes .
no _.
yes .
yes .
yes .
no ..
yes .
no -
yes .
yes .
}es -
no ..
no _.
yes .
no ..
yes .
yes .
yes .
Is
Negro
Labor
Reli-able?
yes
no
no
no __
no __
no
yes
no __
no _.
no __
no __
no
no
no
no __
no __
yes
no
no __
no __
no
no
no __
no __
no --
no
no
no __
no __
no __
no
no
no
yes- _
none
no __
no
no
no
no
no __
no —
no --
no _-
no __
no __
no __
no _.
Is Labor
Abundant or
Scarce ?
plenty. -
scarce
scarce
plenty
abundant__
scarce
plenty
scarce.
plenty
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
medium
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce -
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
abundant__
abundant..
scarce
scarce
scarce
plenty
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
scarce
plenty
scarce
plenty
Cause of
Abundance or
Scarcity ?
moved
unreliable
good wages,
public work
moved
Is
Employ-ment
Regular
public work --
public work
moved
moved
moved
saw-mills
public work
not here
moved
moved
public work ..
won't work
moved
public work
public work __
public work ..
moved .
public work ..
public work ..
moved
public work __
cotton mills __
moved
demand
surplus
no demand
public work -
moved
moved
public work ..
pul)lic work ._
public work _.
indolence
public work ..
moved
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
Condition of Farmers.
Average Table No. 2,—Showing Wages Paid Farm Labor.
Alamance
Alexander
Alleghany
Anson
Ashe
Beaufort
Bertie
Bladen __.
Brunswick
Buncombe
Burke _.
Caharrus
Caldwell
Camden
Cartaret
Caswell .
Catawba
Chatham
Cherokee
Chowan
Clay
Cleveland
Columbus
Craven
Cumberland
Currituck
Dare
Davidson
Davie
Duplin
Durham
Edgecombe
Forsyth
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Graham
Granville
Greene
Guilford
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood
Henderson
Hertford ___
Hyde
Iredell.
Jackson
Johnston
North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Average Table No. i—Continued.
County.
Jones _,
Lenoir
Lincoln
Macon
Madison
Martin
McDowell
Mecklenburg .
Milcliell
Montgomery _
Moore
Nash
New Hanover .
Norlhamplon .
Onslow
Orange
Pamlico
Pasquotank
Pender
Perquimans
Person
Pitt
Polk -- .
Randolph
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham _
Rowan
Rutherford
Sampson
Scotland
Stanly
Stokes
Surry
Swain
Transvlvania_
Tyrrell
Union
Vance
Wake
Warren
Washington _
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancev
Hiehest
Wanes
Kaid
Meu ?
Average Wages
512.00
11.50
10.50
16.63
15. 13
10. 67
19. 87
11.95
2r. 2[
12.50
9-33
10.50
I '^•59
11.00
14. 55
13.66
12.00
12.50
14.99
11. 83
14.50
9-50
14.94
13-42
12. 00
I
I • 35
18.50
11.75
13. 00
12. 33
12. 29
13-30
12. 00
14.38
18. 00
14.07
14.91
8.50
7-75
12.50
8.66
13. 26
10. 67
12. 10
11-75
9. 00
16.33
13-30
13- 23
Lowest
Wages
Pa.d
Men ?
I7-II
7-50
6. GO
7-50
10. 25
7.67
8-55
7-65
12.83
5-50
5-33
6.50
10 51
5- 50
9.87
6.86
7. 00
8. 00
10.44
7. 00
8.40
7- 38
8-44
10. 40
10.44
6.75
9- 25
6.38
6-33
9. 20
7-99
7-95
9. 00
8.33
8.83
8.93
9-55
5-63
4. 00
7-50
4- 17
7-95
5-67
7. 00
6.63
6.63
8.67
8.64
8.01
Highest
Wajjes
Paid
Women ?
|9-o8
7-50
6. 00
6.05
9-25
6.33
8.00
8.00
10. 46
8. 00
5.67
8. 40
10. 91
7-05
11. 48
6.66
6. 00
9. 00
7. 20
9-69
5-«7
6. 00
8. 83
6. 00
9-!^3
8-93
II. 4s
6.38
7-93
7-52
10.36
8. 48
7.40
8. 02
8.00
7-37
10.35
5-61
10. 13
13-50
5.00
12.49
5-67
8.39
6.63
6. 00
5-88
8.55
Lowest
Wagts
Paid
Women ?
?5-o8
4. 00
5.00
4-38
4.88
4-33
3-58
5-38
6-75
3-75
3-50
5-55
7-43
5.38
7-65
5-43
3.00
5-50
7.09
5-33
3-70
4.83
5-97
4. 00
6.80
5-73
6.25
3-52
4-75
5-50
6.86
4.92
5.00
7-3°
4. 00
5-25
6.75
4- 15
5.81
8.78
2. 67
7.09
1-75
7. 16
4-03
4-33
3-75
5-55
Wages Have Wages
Paid Increased
Children? Decreased?
8. 01 5.20
P4-33
3.00
4. 00
4-04
4-75
3-44
4-15
b. 42
3-50
2. 67
4-37
5.74
4-50
5-57
2. 84
2. 00
5-50
5- 40
5.63
3-30
3-58
4. 6[
4. 00
5-74
4-51
5-74
4-05
4. 00
5-40
6. 27
4-23
4.40
5- 06
6.48
4-30
6.94
3-75
4-42
6.75
2.50
5-26
4-52
5-40
3-03
2.58
3.00
5-07
4. 62
no.
no.
increased.
no.
increased.
increased.
increased.
increased.
increased.
no.
increased,
no.
no.
increased.
no.
incrt-ased.
no.
no.
no.
increased.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
increased.
no.
no.
no.
no.
increased.
increased.
increased.
no.
increased.
no.
increased.
increased.
increased.
increased.
no.
increased.
no.
increased.
increased.
no.
increased.
increased.
Condition op Farmers.
Average Table No. \—Showing Cost to Produce Crops
County.
Cost to Produce—
Alamance __.
Alexander _.
Alleghany ._
Ansou
Ashe
Beaufort
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick ..
Buncombe ..
Burke
Cabarrus
Caldwell .__
Camden
Carteret
Caswell
Catawba
Chatham
Cherokee __.
Chowan
Clay .__,
Cleveland ._.
Columbus __.
Craven
Cumberland
Currituck __.
Dare
Davidson ._.
Davie
Duplin
Durham
Edgecombe
Forsvlh
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Graham
Granville ,_.
Greene
Guilford
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood
Henderson ..
Hertford
H^de
Iredell
Jackson
Johnston
500-lb.
Bale of
Cotton ?
I15.OO
24.50
35- 00
23. 12
30. 00
25.00
25-50
27.50
35- 00
23-33
24.83
25-75
25.00
Bushel
Wheat?
22.50
32.90
25-63
23-33
2^.75
25.00
27.30
35-00
24. 00
24- '7
30. 00
32.88
32. 00
35-00
25-67
21.75
26.83
22. 00
21.50
24-67
Bushel
Corn?
|o. 60
42
46
50
40
34
42
50
40
28
40
3«
43
3«
32
20
33
35
3«
28
43
43
5«
38
53
35
25
40
30
40
55
32
42
40
44
3«
35
43
50
30
53
39
35
38
34
35
38
47
47
B'lshel
Oats?
fo. 27
• 23
24
-30
. 21
.27
.25
•35
-35
. 20
•33
-31
.27
-25
. 20
.29
. 18
-25
. 18
-30
•37
34
. 20
-29
•23
23
25
38
20
32
30
31
25
25
32
. 20
33
34
22
21
25
20
32
4r
27
Pounds
Tobacco ?
W-oo
4.50
13.00
6.50
6.75
5.00
5-50
\o. 00
8.50
4-50
=;. GO
4. 00
5.00
5.00
9-50
7. 00
6. 00
7. 00
8.50
9-33
6. 70
7. 00
7-50
5.00
5.00
10 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Average Table No. 4
—
Continued.
Count3'
Cost to Produce—
500-lb.
Bale of
Cotton ?
Tones
Lenoir
Lincoln
Macon
Madison .
Martin
McDowell
Mecklenburg ._.
Mitchell
Montgomery ._.
Moore
Nash
New Hanover _.
Northampton ._.
Onslow
Orange
Pamlico
Pasquotank
Pender
Perquimans
Person
Pitt
Polk
Randolph
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham __.
Rov\ an
Rutherford
Sampson
Scotland .
Stanly
Stokes
Surry
Swaiu
Trarjsylvania
Tyrrell
Union
Vance
Wake
Warren
Washington
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancey
Average Cost
?24. 57
22.50
32.00
23.00
25.06
32.50
21-33
27.50
31.00
22. 17
40.3a
I
25.00
20. 83
25-50
25.00
21. 72
26.67
25-63
28. 00
24. 00
22.50
24. 20
28. 17
26.67
20. 25
24. 17
27-50
23.00
30.00
22. 00
25.00
26. 19
Bushel
Wheat?
?o. 50
.60
1-33
1.3a
.71
,44
,67
75
72
63
,'6o"
45
,60
,40
50
60
55
54
50
63
51
60
70
11
65
60
64
61
55
70
57
30
48
50
48
53
75
63
48
63
40
55
53
61
Bushel
Corn?
go, 29
.40
40
45
95
38
44
31
40
55
64
55
53
55
35
43
10
40
48
34
40
28
34
35
41
38
38
50
47
50
42
5'
50
32
34
44
30
40
37
33
38
33
43
35
33
35
45
32
,41
Bushel
Oats?
100
Pounds
Tobacco ?
fo. 40
30
33
63
20
34
25
25
38
42
36
43
20
23
25
08
27
30
22
25
28
28
27
25
23
25
40
35
28
25
31
35
28
33
25
20
27
27
25
25
23
28
30
25
25
30
23
.28.
5.00
9-50
6.50
5.00
7-33
2-50
7.17
6. 00
4-50
6.50
8.00
8.00
7.40
5- 50
10.00
6.83
6.67
5- 50
5-50
6.00
5-25
6. 00
6.50
Condition of Farmers. 11
Average Table No. ^—Showing Market Price of Crops.
County.
Alamance
Alexander
Alleghany
Anson
Ashe
Beaufort
Bertie
Bladen
Brunswick _.
Buncombe .__
Burke
Cabarrus
Caldwell
Camden
Carteret
Caswell
Catawba
Chatham
Cherokee ._.
Chowan
Clay
Cleveland .._.
Columbus ._.
Craven
Cumberland
Currituck __.
Dare
Davidson
Davie
Duplin
Durham
Edgecombe
Forsyth
Franklin
Gaston
Gates
Graham
Granville
Greene
Guilford - —
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood __
Henderson .
Hertford __.
Hyde
Iredell
Jackson
Johnston
Jones
* Present Market Price-
Cotton ? Wheat ?
9l
loK.
9
95^
9X
8%
9>^
9
9H
9>^
8%
9'/2
9^
9
9X
9^
9i
9^8
9/8
9
9^8
9t
fo.75
.80
.85
.88
•91
"."So"
I. 00
.80
.80
.72
.81
.90
• 75
.76
.78
95
.70
•91
.88
I. 00
I. GO
.81
ID
9>^
IQ>S
9>^
9/8
9H
93/
8^
9^
9/8
9^
• 71
• 73
.90
.80
.86
• 73
.85
.83
.88
I. 00
.88
.84
• 75
• 85
•83
.87
.86
I. 00
• 75
• 72
•94
.90
Corn? Oats?
$0.63
.64
.69
•63
.74
.60
• 73
I
. 60 I
.62
.63
.65
.67
• 77
•50
.70
•50
.70
.68
• 75
.60
.64
• 71
73
94
.64
• 55
.60
.65
• 65
• 72
.68
• 59
.63
.6u
.67
• 57
.90
• 65
• 71
•63
.63
.63
.65
• 76
.62
• 50
.67
•73
.65
-51
Tobacco ?
55
43
38
40
47
47
38
48
40
46
40
43
38
42
43
35
45
39
40
$5.80
22.50
5-50
7.00
6.50
13.12
8.00
7^25
5^75
"6^75
5-50
6. GO
5^50
8.62
7. GO
7. 12
7. 20
8.75
20. 00
8.83
• Period between June 15th and October ist.
12 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Average Table No. 5
—
Continued.
County.
Lenoir
Lincoln
Macon
Maiiison
Martin
McDowell
Mecklenburg .
Mitchell
Montgoniery _
Moore
Nash
New Hanover
Norlhauiplon_
Onslow
Orange
Pamlico .-
Pasquotank
Pender
Perquimans __
Person
Pitt
Po.k
Randolph
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham _
Rowan
Rutherford
Sampson
Scotland
Stanly
Stokes -
Surry
Swam
Transylvania _
Tyrrell
Union
Vance
Wake
Warren .
Washington ._
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes . ...
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancey
*Pkesent Market Price-
Cotton ?
Average price
9X
9y2
9-/8
9%
9>4
ID
9X
10
9>^
10
10
9i
95^
10
9%
9X
9
9>^
10
9;^
10
9>^
9K
P- 75
.78
•97
• 7«
I. 00
.«5
.76
•9«
.«5
7«
.88
90
7S
80
^0.68
80
77
68
62
55
61
72
73
63
63
60
60
62
69
6a
50
86
48
65
63
64
65
71
72
68
33
70
70
73
66
66
65
83
62
72
70
65
63
72
59
88
71
75
68
65
80
.66
Tobacco ?
go. 45
50
37
43
30
3«
45
38
45
40
43
42
6. 00
6. 25
«.75
8.00
7.00
5-30
5. 20
7. 20
lo. 70
8.00
5.00
5.00
6.85
5.85
6.25
17-50
5-50
8.50
5-50
5-50
9. GO
11.00
4. 00
7.92
* Period between June 15th and October ist.
Condition of Farmers. 13
Average TABtE No. (i-Showing Educational. Moral arid Financial Cofidition.
County.
Kduca-tional
Coiifl'Uon
of
Workins:
People?
Moral
Is it Condition
Improv- j of
iug? Working
I
People ?
poor __
bad .__
poor _.
poor _-
poor _
fair _.,
fair __.
poor _.
poor _.
Alaiii mce good.
Alexander fair _.
Alle-hany fair _.
Anson fair..
Ashe bad.
Beaufort f^ir --
Bertie good__
Blaiien poo;
Brunswick fair
Buncombe
Burke - •
CHharrus
Caldwell
Cauideu
Caneret .
Caswell
Catawba
Cbalhani
Cherokee ! fair .
Chowan I fair
Clav I
fair .._.
Cleveland ;
poor __
Columbus I
bad
Craven ! poor ___
Cumberland --_! poor _ .-
Currituck | fair
Dare {
good_,_
Davidson ]
poor _._
Davie poQr ---
Duplin j
poor _ -
Durham ' poor _.._
Edgecombe : fair
Forsvth ("air
Franklin : fair
Gaston ' poor __.
Gates \
fair
Graham ;
poor_--
GrauviUe ;
fair
Greene ! poor .__
Guilford ; poor...
yes
yes
yes
yes_
good _
good .
(air ..
bad .-
yes ! fair ._
Improv-ing?
Financial
Condition
of
Working
People?
poor _.
fair __.
Halifax
Harnett
Haywood fair —
Hetiderson ' fair .._
Hertford poor _.
Hyde |
poor ..
Iredell i fair ...
Jackson ! poor ..
Johnston ' fair .-.
)es
yes
} es
yes
yes ._
yes
no
yes
yes
no
\ es
no
yes
yes
yes_
yes
no
yes
}'es
yes
yes
yes
ycs
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes.
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no .
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
fair
fair
good
fair
fair
fair
poor
fair
fair
good
good
fair
good
good
fair
good - _.
fair
good
fair
poor
fair .._-
fair
fair
fair
poor
fair
poor _--
fair
fair
fair
fair
poor __.
fair
fair
fair
fair
fair
fair
good __
fair
fair
good __
fair
fair
yes
yes
yes
no
)es
no
no
yes
yes_
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
no
yes_ ._
} es
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no
yes
yes
no
yes
no
no
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
ves
good __
good __
fair
bad ._.
fair
good . _
bad ._.
poor .
fair
poor _.
bad ...
poor _.
fair
fair ._.
poor _-
poor _.
fair ._.
fair ._.
fair ._.
poor _.
poor -
poor _
bad ._.
poor .
poor _
poor _
fair ._.
poor _
poor _
poor _
poor _
fair ._
i fair ._
i poor _
I poor _
i fair ..
poor _
I
bad ._
;
fair ._
fair ._
i fair ._
I
poor _
' fair ._
I
fair ..
fair --
poor _
good _
! fair ._
I fair ._
Improv-ing?
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
) es.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes,
yes,
yes.
yes.
14 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Average Table No. d— Continued.
County.
Jones
Lenoir
Lincoln
Macon
Madison
Martin ._
McDowell
Mecklenburg
Mitchell
Montgomery ,
Moore
Nash
New Hanover
Northanipton
Onslow
Orange
Pamlico
Pasquotank _
Peniler
Perquimans _
Person
Pitt
Polk
Randolph
Richmond
Robeson
Rockingham
Rowan
Rutherford ._
Sampson
Scotland
Stanly
Stoke"s
Surry
Swain
Transylvania
Tyrrell
Union
Vance
Wake
Warren
Washington _
Watauga
Wayne
Wilkes
Wilson
Yadkin
Yancey
Educa-tional
CoiKlilion
of
Working
People?
poor _
good _
if.ir ._
fair __
fnir ._
poor _
poor _
poor _
P'or .
poor _
poor _
fair ._
fair __
fair ._
poor _
poor _
good _
fair __
poor _
poor .
fair __
fair .._
poor _
fair ._
poor _
poor _
poor _
fair __
poor _
fair ._
poor .
poor .
poor .
fair ...
poor -
poor .
poor .
good -
poor .
good .
fair ..
P"or .
poor .
poor .
poor .
poor .
poor .
poor .
Is it
Improv-ing?
yes
3 es
no
yes
yes
yes
no _ _ -
yes
yes
}es
yes
no
yes
yes-yes
yes.
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
\ es
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
)es
yes
no _
5'es
>es
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Moral
Condition
of
Working
People?
fair ._
good .
fair ._
good _
j^ood .
poor _
fair ._
fair ._
fair ._
fair ._
fair __
fair ._
good .
good _
fair ._
fair ._
fair ._
good _
good .
lair __
fair ..
fair .-
fair __
fair ._
good .
good .
poor .
(air -.
good .
good _
poor .
fair ..
fair ._
fair ._
good -
fair ..
good .
good -
fair ..
good .
fair ._
poor .
good
.
fair _.
good .
fair ..
good .
fair _.
Is it
Improv-ing?
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
)es_ ---
> es
yes
yes
yes
>es
yes
> es
yes-no
yes
yes
yes
no
no
no
no
yes
yes
> es
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
no
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
no
no
yes
yes_
yes
yes
yes
Financial
Condition Is it
of Iniprov-
Woiking ing?
People?
poor .
good .
poor .
poor .
fair ..
fair „
poor .
poor .
fair ..
poor .
poor .
bad ..
fair ..
fair _.
poor .
bad -
fair ._
fair ..
poor .
poor .
poor .
bad ..
fair ._
fair ..
fair _.
fair ..
poor .
fair _.
poor .
fair _.
fair ..
poor .
poor .
fair ..
fair ..
poor .
fair ..
fair ..
poor .
^ood .
poor .
poor .
poor .
fair ..
fair .,
poor .
poor .
fair _.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
no,
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
y es.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
) es.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
Condition of Farmers. 15
I.ETTERS FROM FARMERS.
The following letters are selected from the large number received
for publication
:
LAEORBIRS LEAVING.
AiRLiE, October 5, 1900.
E. R. Lacy, Esq., Lal)or Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Deau Sin:—Being closely confined to my farm, I am not as well posted on
the affairs of my fellow-man as I might be, but I do not really think our
county is what it should be; our people are demoralized, and the negro labor-ers
are leaving here for the North (I think them the best laborers for the
South naturally). Our lands are deteriorating, owing to bad farming, selling
all off the land (cotton seed, etc.) and retaining but little. We should use
less fertilizer (commercial, I mean), plow deeper, harrow more, plant more
peas and clover, use lime and salt. As to railroads, the lumber companies are
continually building and rebuilding their roads, but nothing permanent
Should not these lumber companies pay tax on all standing and other timber
owned by them? For instance, if neighbor A. sells them his standing timber
to be cut within a term of years, the timber is their property, they having
paid money for it. When the timber is removed the land certainly is not as
valuable as at first, and neighbor A. should not be taxed as much for that
land.
Respectfully, Heney N. Clakk.
MOKAL AND BELIGIOUS EDUCATION.
Alexandee, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—Realizing as I do the great importance of the capital and labor
question to this nation, it is exceedingly hard for me to give a satisfactory
solution of the same even to myself. Never while the greed for gain con-tinues
to dominate the human family will we be able to get an equilibrium
between the two. Only a moral and religious education will be able to bring
about the desired results, and from the present indications this is like the cat
in the well which comes up three feet and falls back four.
Respectfully, W. H. Hunteb.
16 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
LABORERS INDIFFERENT.
Angeline, September 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I do not know how to answer you in regard to the wage-earners'
coLdition. The majority of laborers we have in our county are honest, inof-fensive
people, make good farm hands, but indifferent to their own interest
and condition. If they are suppled today they have no thought for the
morrow.
Respectfully, J. S. Rhodes.
NEGRO LABOR GOOD.
Aurora, July 27, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I think we should have school six months. I have no trouble
with labor. I pay them money for their work. The negro, in my opinion, is
the best labor we can get, they work as cheap and can be controlled as well
as any labor I have ever used. There is no strike with them. There are a
few bad ones, but we have learned who they are, and we let them alono.
White labor is not as useful, what you can get is no good; those that are use-ful
have farms of their own. Negroes, as a rule, will spend all they get and not
save anything; whites are saving.
Respectfully, J. B. Whitehurst.
LABOR LIEN LAW SUFFICIENT.
Bald Creek, September 15, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I can not make any suggestion to wage-earners. I think they
are generally paid very well in this county. There is a law called "The
Labor Lien Law," I think that law is sufBcient in this State. I am a farmer,
and have several renters; I hear no complaint from them.
Respectfully, Wilson Hensley.
RAISE FRUIT.
Baldcreek, August 7, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—In my opinion the farming class of people, or a part at least, are
missing a great many opportunities by which they could make money in this
ecunty. The best suggestions I could make to the working class of people,
those who till the soil, is not to try to make their living by cultivating grain
Condition of FAtiMERS. 17
alone, but sow their land in grass and clover and raise more stock, that has
the greatest demand, and spend more time on the fruit trees. Any man who
owns a common farm in this county could spare from three to four acres ot
land for orihard purposes, that, well cared for. would yield a yearly product
of S.500 to $1,000. Making- it doesn't compel a man to spend all his time at
that.
Respectfully. J- -T- Ferguson.
MAKE CONTRACT COMPULSORY.
B'ATTLEBORO, October 15, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The farmers bargain with their laborers in January for the
following year, either for a part of the crop or so much per month payable at
the end of every month. They are furnished houses to live in and garden
and potato land, and wood to burn, in addition to their wages and board. We
want a law to make this contract compulsory. We are not posted as to the
cost of producing wheat and oats, in this county but little planted. When
I say the negro is reliable, I mean that they are good workers, and I think are
the best laborers for our country, otherwise they are unreliable. Hoping the
questions answered herein may be of some information to you, and for the
good of our county,
Yours respectfully, W, W. ViCK.
LABOR NEEDS TRAINING.
Bellair, July 31, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—The wage-earners need training, but owing to the scarcity of
labor during the trucking season in our county such training is impracticable,
for if a hand is so poor as to be discharged some other farmer will generally
employ him. and thus encourage a meai hand. We could not hire a hand to
do hoe work in May and June, for they could get enough work picking truck,
and thus our regular farm work was neglected. If the farmers had an agree-ment
by which labor would have to come to a certain standard to command
certain prices, I think it would be benefited and the farmer would also be in a
better condition.
Very respectfully,
~
Daniel Lane.
18 Tnorth Carolina Labor Statistics.
IMPROVING.
Belwoou. September 3. 1900.
B'. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—All classes of people of this section are improving. The land-holders
live in better houses than their fathers. Many of their houses are
painted and nicely furnished, and they all have gooa stock and improved
farm machinery and tools. They have improved wonderfully in the last ten
or twelve years by energy and economy. The laboring people are better
clothed and fed than their fathers were. What the laboring class needs most
is steady employment and practical economy; if they earn fifty cents a day
they should save part of it for a rainy day. I am acquainted with a man
who supported himself, wife and two children on sixty cents a day for eight
or nine years and saved enough to buy a tract of land worth eight hundred
dollars, and paid for it. His wife and children look as fat as millionaires. I
am in favor of the ten-hour system for factory employees, because ten hours
is long enough to work in-doors constantly at one thing. Twelve hours on
the farm is not as hard on the system as ten in a factory. I think our next
Legislature should pass the ten-hour law and let prices adjust themselves to
the change.
Yours truly, J. G. Higgins.
conditions good.
Berlin, August 6, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Gommissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—One cause of increase of the cost of living has been the very
low prices of farm products and the increase in price of all farm implements,
groceries and goods of most kinds. Lands maintain their fertility fairly welL
and have enhanced in value in consequence of the demand for land by a more
dense population. I regret that the educational condition of many of the
working people is not improving more rapidly, and would be glad to see the
moral and religious condition much improved. Most of the working people
are thoughtless in spending their earnings. I mean such as hire for wages
by the day or by the month. The financial condition of the people has
slightly improved.
Very respectfully, J. Eller.
TURN ATTENTION FROM POLITICS.
Bethel Hill, July 30, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:-—Turn their attention from politics to economy in living. Land
owners should have better houses for their tenants, give them a piece of land
Condition of Farmers. 19
for vegetables without rent, encourage reading sound literature of a moral
character.
Yours truly, S. C. Humphbies.
RAISE MORE GRASS AND PEAS.
Bethel Hill, July 27, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—If we could induce our farmers to raise less tobacco and more
grass and peas, if the land could be improved and prices of tobacco increased,
I think their condition would be a great deal better.
Respectfully, W. A. Woody.
OBGANIZATION NEEDED.
Branchville, September 11, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I think in the first place it would be for the mutual benefit of
the wage-earners and employers to have more system in all kinds of work.
The farm is the foundation on which all industries are built, and it is man-aged
practically without system in a majority of cases. I think all classes
of labor should be organized, and each man graded, and a scale of wages
agreed on. by both the employers and laborer, established so that each man
may receive for his work the amount his work is worth. I have had thirty-five
years in managing laborers, and it has been my experience that while
some hands would get twice as much as they were worth, others were not
getting the value of their labor. I am not in favor of organizing labor for
the purpose of fighting their employers and getting up labor strikes such as wo
read of in the North, but I think such organizations managed by wise and
prudent heads, might be made to the benefit of both employe and employer.
Respectfully, Geo. C. Fisheb.
less idleness.
Bristow. September 27, 1900.
E'. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Covimissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I think the most needful thing for the wage-earners is less idle-ness,
if there is any way to get at them. They have more time for visiting and
20 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
killing time than the best off people of the county. They are continually
complaining hard times, when, I am sure, that the biggest half of them don t
work one-half of the time. It just takes so much to live on, and if they get
big wages they work less. They depend entirely upon the land-owner to keep
them up. They never lay up anything for a rainy day. It is hard for them
to keep money over night, especially colored people. The wages have beer,
above the prices of farm produce. The common laborer could live better if he
would work all of his time than the other class. The employment not being
regular has been on account of high labor; we could not afford to have some
things done at the price.
Very respectfully, W. D. Harry.
NEED BETTER .SYSTEM.
Buck Forest, October 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sib:—This has been an unco^mmon year, and it is hard to make an
estimate on this year's crops; all up-land corn is below half crop, and low bot-
.tom but little better. I hardly know what would help the farmers most in
this county. We need a better system of farming, and to learn some means
by which we can retain the fertility of our lands. Then we lack money to
make improvements on our farms and otherwise. We very much need pro-tection
for sheep from the ravages of dogs. We need to know more about
the various fertilizers and how to use them to the best advantage, it has not
I>aid us much so far.
Respectfully, • William C. Ray.
'"" FACTORIES AiND ilAHKET NEEDED.
. ;• , Buck Forest, August 8. 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—One of the greatest needs of the farmers of this county is pub-lic
works, cotton mills or other machinery, to give employment and to give
us a market; we have the waterpower and good locations for such. There
are many other things that would benefit us. We need more money, longer
schools, better teachers, better roads and a better system of farming. Very
few of us know much about how to cultivate the land to any advantage. We
need instruction on that line, and how to keep up our lands without buying
fertilizer, which does not pay much. There Are many ways and matters in
which your Bureau might benefit and help the farmers of this county if you
could get their attention, but there are very few that will listen to or pay anv
attention to what anyone says, and will continue in their old ways or those of
their ancestors—clear up and wear out and clear up again.
Respectfully, W. C. Ray.
Condition of Farmers. 21
MORE WAGES.
BusHNELL, July 30, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I think wage-earners ought to have more wages than they get.
They might as well have the good of. their work as for them to earn the
money and some office-holder get the good of it.
Respectfully, J. R. L. Colb.
LABOR SCARCE.
Caldwell Institute. October 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Lahor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—As regards hired labor, there is very little done; where the
farmer has any assistance it is tenants or croppers. The farmers are payng
more attention to wheat in this part of the county, in fact, there is consider-able
improvement on this line. Laboring hands are scarce, a great many
families have moved to towns where cotton factories are located.
Yours truly, Joseph W. Terry.
BREAK UP RINGS AND TRUSTS.
Camden Court House. July 7, 1900.
B'. R. l^ACY. Esq.. Laltor Covfimissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:^—There is nothing that will benefit the wage-earner and farmer
except to give him more for his produce and break up the rings and trusts of
the money power.
Respectfully. M. D. Dozier.
need higher prices.
Carr. October 8, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner. Raleigh. N. G.
Dear Sir:—Higher prices for what we raise on the farm would enable us to
pay higher wages, but owing to the low prices of tobacco, corn, wheat, oats,
etc., that we have for sale, and the high prices we have to pay for clothing,
iron, sugar and coffee, oil and other things that we are compelled to have,
make it impossible to pay any more for wages. Land has decreased in valua-
22 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
tion in a few years. Land that sold a year ago for |25 per acre will not
bring today over six or eight dollars per acre. There is not much demand
for land since the price of tobacco has decreased so much.
Respectfully, W. E. Murphy.
CONDITIONS GOOD.
Chip, August 4, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sib: —That class of laborers who do their own work on their own
farms, and are attentive to their business and live economically, are doing
well, the shiftless are that class of unreliable labor that the farmer in the
rural district has to depend upon, who is working more land than his family
can cultivate. Most farmers tenant it out rather than depend upon such
labor. Most negroes and some whites concentrate in and around the city of
New Bern in this county, hence the truckers near the city have plenty of labor.
Very respectfully, W. C. Brewer.
NEED VAGRANT LAW.
Clark, July 28, 1900.
B'. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
De,\r Sib:—A good and just vagrant law, well enforced in town and country,
would keep the idle class at work; it would keep the negroes from crowding
into to'.vi'.s and sitting on the streets. I do not think it possible to benefit any
class of people who have no ambition to rise in the world. The negro cares
only for the present and has proved his worthlessness as an accumulator of
property. The laborer in this county has many opportunities to improve his
condition. A large per cent, of the cash paid out goes to the laborer, and if
he would provide work for his wife and children more of his wages could be
invested in fce'"le, monts.
Ref'pect fully. ' Joe Humphrey.
CONDITIONS unfavorable.
Tlemmonsville. August 6, 1900.
B-, R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Com.missioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Deak B]1!:—Speaking of the class of farmers to which I belong, it is evident
that the conditions for success are unfavorable, due, we believe, to a great'
extent, to unjust legislation by the general government. A tariff levied for
Condition of Farmrrs, '2S
proiei^icn places us at the mevry of the manufacturers. The productive
^^ealth of the country is taxed to meet the expenses of the government and
pay interest on the bonds of the man who bears no share of the burden. It is
said, and ii applies to classes, that the country is prosperous. In evidence
that the farmer does not have his share, there are not a dozen farms, not
adjacent to town, in the county of Forsyth, which, if sold at public auction, for
cash, would bring the price at which they are assessed for taxation. The
local conditions that prevail, of course, affect the well-being of the laboring
Classes. Their happiness depends upon the moral and religious status, as
well as upon the financial condition. Here, we need better public roads and
tetter schools for the education of our children.
Respectfully. A. C. Whartox.
YOUNG XEGKOES irXKELIABLE.
Clio, .July 28. 1900.
E. R. L'v(Y. Esq.. Labor Commissioner. Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—The negro is chiefly our wage-earner, and generally the old
slave is relr'able. and when trusted is proud of his position and will do to
please his employer, but the young stoclv of negroes are of a reckless and
vicious rature and don't seem to have any higher aspirations in this life than
to carry a pistol, razor and bottle of liquor; but can work when watched and
kept close. I am fearful they are doomed for bad unless a change.
Respectfully. P. W. Eagle.
OLD negroes reliable.
CoLERAiNE, August 23, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—This being part of the black belt, we have no hired labor except
the negro. The old ones are reliable, the young are not, they drift around
most of the summer working enough to partially clothe themselves, when the
weather gets too cold to sleep out they return to their old haunts to be fed
and lodged by the old ones. On return of warm weather tliey go back to their
old habits. I am unable to suggest any plan by which they may be improved
while we have no compulsory laws, and perhaps it is not best for all to work;
it would mean broken farmers from over production, which means low prices
without correspondingly low wages. Time only will solve this problem.
Respectfully, J. W. Leary.
24 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
CONDITION IMPROVING.
Columbia, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The most of the colored labor here is employed in the timber
busiiness, and the condition of that class is not gaining. The colored man
who sticks to the farm is gaining some. The bulk of white laborers are doing
a farming business upon their own exertions, and as a rule are gaining some.
Our farmers, especially the small farmers, say one or two-horse farms, are
getting better, their lands are increasing in fertility, and their general con-dition
seems to be gradually improving.
Respectfully, T. L. Jones.
NEED TO BE BETTER EDUCATED.
Columbia, August 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—We need our tarmers to be better educated, so they will take
more interest in education and all other public work and business, especially
in the education of their children. We have a free school going on now
near us. and only about three-fourths of the children are going, and that part
don't make an average attendance. Farmers have to haul their products four
to seven miles, and go the same distance to get their mail. We have peti-tioned
to the Postoffice Department to establish a postoffice in our community,
but they don't regard our needs as anything, so they have not granted that
request.
Respectfully, J. G. Brickhouse.
WORK twelve months TO THE YEAR.
Comparts, August 10, 1900.
r.'. Iv. l.Ai Y Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir;—Whenever the farmer is benefited it has to be by his own indus-try
and economy. I notice some farmers in my county are prosperous, always
have plenty, and some to spare. Those farmers are always up with their
work: they do their work at the proper time. I notice other farmers witk
better farms that are always behind, that never work to any advantage; they
are always complaining of hard times; they never seem to study or think
that it is their own fault that they are always behind with their work. Now
is the time for us farmers to turn a new leaf, go to work and stick to it
—
work twelve months in the year and take care of everything you make. My
judgment is that capital will come into the State by ihe thousands. Men that
have money won't be afraid to come to North Carolina and invest it.
Respectfully, R. H. Stephens.
Condition of Farmers. 25
LAZINESS AND DRUNKENNESS KEEP FKOM PROSPEEITY.
Deep Creek, September 15, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—In answering blank I say the financial condition of the work-ing
people is good. I wish to explain this by saying that their opportunity to
make money is good, whether they take care of it is another thing. To illup-trate,
I have two negro tenants on my place, both of whom came here eight
years ago with equal chances. "A" has bought and paid for a good pair of
mules, wagon and buggy, tools, etc. "B" has nothing, and will have to leave
in January because he will not pay his account. The difference is not in their
opportunities, but in their industry, neither was the difference in their educa-tion.
Laziness and drunkenness are the only causes that keep the negroes
from continued prosperity in this part of the country, and from constant
observation I can't see that education lessens either, hence I am opposed .0
education for the colored race, but at the same time have no panacea to offer.
As to compulsory education for whites I think it unnecessary.
Yours respectfully, F. S. Tillman.
negroes making greater effort than whites.
Deep Creek, September 15, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I hardly know whether a suggestion from me would be of any
benefit to you or not. I think if the wage-earners could be led to see their
condition as it is, especially the white laborer, it might have a tendency to
stimulate them to make a greater effort to better their condition. The
negroes are making a greater effort to better their condition than the white
laborers.
Truly, M. W. Gaddy.
need edxtcation.
Dills, October 15, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—Better education would nelp working people. Counties ought
to build school houses and have school taught for six months at least, each
year, eighteen years or less ought to be the limit of scholars. Right here
we have four months school this year, had two months in 1899, and three
months in 1898, just long enough to give children a start.
Respectfully, Otto Kirstein.
26 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
no NOT MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS.
Dunn, August 30, 1900.
B. R. L.Ac;y. Esq.. Labor Comviissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—Among the wage-earners of this section, both on farm and in
the factories, we find a tendency for trading during the month and on pay-day
failing to meet the obligation. Merchants lose confidence in the entire
working class after being stuck this way a few times, thus soon putting this
class of people without any credit at all. If this can be remedied we can
manage labor very much better.
Respectfully, J. R. Godwin.
PRICES GOOD ILLICIT DISTILLERIES BAD.
Durham's Creek, July 30, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The people in my community, I think, are in better shape than
they were this time last year. While the storm destroyed a large per cent of
cotton and corn the prices have been better than of late years. Timber
has been bringirg good prices until recently and all surplus labor has been
employed in that way. I believe illicit distilleries are doing harm to our
people. Ihe distillers are making something but their neighbors are drinking
more than they would were it not so convenient. I believe the only remedy
to rid the country of them is to reduce the revenue to fifty or sixty cents, and
the Government will get as much clear revenue as they get now.
Respectfully, B. B. Ross.
laborers should own homes.
Durham's Creek, September 20, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor ConiviissiOJier, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—In response to your request as to suggestions relative to the
needs of wage-earners. T will say they should be encouraged to have homes
of their own. In most farming communities there are cheap lands where a
few acres can be bought and paid for by any industrious laborer, and a house
can be built cheap. When one owns his home he takes more interest in it,
becomes less vagrant, is more content, is a better citizen.
Yours truly. J. L. Butt.
Condition of Farmers. 2T
TEACH AGBICULTUEE.
Elk Park, September 15, 1900.
B'. ii. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The foregoing answers relate to this immediate vicinity, or
rather the northeastern part of Mitchell County, including Cranberry, Lir-ville.
Toe River and Roaring Creek Townships, and to farm labor alone. The
lumber industries furnish work for many men, and give a good home market
for the products of the farm. The iron interests does not count for much to
this section, because of its unsteadiness and because when at work most of
the labor employed is drawn from a distance. The best need for a farm wage
earner is better agricultural education, trained to more systematic work so as
to work with more intelligence and less brute force and awkwardness. If
children at school were taught the elements of agriculture and to become
more interested in what is to be their life's occupation, it would be worth
much more to th^m and to the country at large, than the present system,
which seems to drift towards dependency, or occupations that are already
crowded by the too many incompetent workers, and the tenure of which is
new, and will continue to become, more and more uncertain as nepotism
prospers.
Yours truly, C. H. Nimson.
NEED GOOD ROADS.
EsTATOE, September 27, 1900.
E'. K. L:.CY, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—We need some public industry to give those who are out of em-ployment
something to do, say the completion of the old 3 C.'s Railroad
through this section, or the grading of our public roads by the State author-ities
and put in good condition, to be paid for out of the State Treasury, but
each county of the State to be taxed to make the roads in its own county,
but the State to have the roads laid off and see that they are made on the
giades. Our roads are in very bad condition; they are not graded as they
should be. The saving in wagon repair, harness, saving of time and the
increase of pounds hauled at each load would, in a few years, repay for the
building of the roads, etc.
Respectfully, J- E. Jimeson.
WAGE-EARNERS IMPROVIDENT.
Forest City, July 26, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The wage-earners as a rule are fellows who have aspirations
above their incomes, and therefore eat more costly food and wear more
expensive clothing and furnish their homes with furniture more expensive
28 North Carolina Labor Statistics
than their wages will admit of, and at the same time allow them to save u]»
any money for their riper years. It does seem that a man without a home,
or at least without any investment making him a nice dividend or income,
ought to overlook the luxuries they now spend their money for, and save
more of their earnings.
Yours very truly, L. W. Lynch.
LABORERS SHOULD ECONOMIZE.
Farmville, September 6, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—In answering your questions I have given answers which apply
to Farmville Township. "Wage-earners need to practice more economy. In
many cases they are wasteful of time and everything else, they spend too
much for whiskey and other things incident thereto. Those who know how
to economize are laying up some property, others are only a week from beg-gary
or starvation.
Respectfully, A. J. Moye.
PROHIBITION.
Goodwill, August 3, 1900.
B. R. I.acy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The greatest blessing, one that would leave all others too far to
think of comparing, would be to put whiskey out of the reach of the wage-earner.
Yours truly, J. G. Fulton.
bad crop year.
Graham. October 8, 1900.
B-. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I answer the questions as best I can. As to the cost of raising
giain, etc., it depends greatly upon the seasons, and the past summer has
been a bad one, corn short, and hurt by the chinch-bugs. Farm labor varies,
some rent and some work by the season of working months in crops. Renters
are sometimes furnished with rations and always have houses, wood, etc.
Respectfully, Lewis H. Holt.
Condition of Farmers. 29
STOP EDUCATING THE NEGRO.
Grimeslanu, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—Stop educating "niggers" will help black labor more than any-thing
else, then give us a whipping-post and increased jurisdiction of J. P.'s.
Respectfully, J- J- Laughinghouse.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS ITNSATISFACTORY.
Gum Neck, August 2, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner. Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—Our people being mostly of the poorer class do not feel able
to hire help and send their children to school, and some have no education.
and are satisfied for their children to have none, these are in the minority.
We have not over three months school a year, and this has to be kept in the
summer months to give our children a chance to finish crops, and as you
know, a child can't learn much in July and August. The majority of our
people would send their children to a private school if they were able. Our
public schools do not give satisfaction.
Respectfully, ^- ^- Hussey.
labor unreliable.
Hall's Ferry, September 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Coynmissioner. Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—What we need most to become successful farmers is labor that
laiidjords can depend upon. There is plenty of labor in the county, but it is
rot reliable. There are very few negroes on the farms in this county; they
ka\e drifted to towns and factories. The tenant system has been in operation
almos. exclusively since 1870. There are many objections to it, and in some
respects; it is a failure. My opinion is that farms are too large. If our farms
ccusibted of one hundred acres, and that well cultivated, we wonld treble our
^ield. As to the needs of wage-earners, education, character, reliability, and
when they have the above and take an interest in their employer's affairs,
Ihey will receive better wages and better treatment.
Very truly yours. C. A. Hall.
NINE-MONTHS SCHOOL.
Hasty, September 13, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, 2V. C.
Dear Sir:—In my opinion, we should have an appropriation that would run
the public schools about nine months each year.
Yours truly, Alex Jones.
30 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
GRIT AND KiSTOWLEDGE.
Hayesville, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—Education in every industry is what the wage-earner mostly
needs to arm himself to fight the battles of life for himself and family. Men
who can turn their willing hands to any kind of job are always in demand, a.t
good wages, but a dull, contrary man who drags at his work and does nothing
well, and is always complaining, is employed only as a last chance. Wherever
there is grit and knowledge combined you will find a successful man.
Respectfully. j. s. Carter.
UNBEXIABLE LABOR.
Henderson. October 6, 1900.
B'. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—All the best hands have gone North. I fear there will be a very
serious loss in the cotton crop, owing to the farmers not being able to get it
3)ioked. There are a plenty of hands, but they had rather loaf about than to
work.
Respectfully. R. A. Paschall.
incompetent colored teachers.
Hopewell, August 15, 1900.
B, R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The negro is the best laborer for the South, provided we could
control him. The old-time slavery negro is passing away, and the young
negro with a little smattering of education is worthless. It is not education
that ruins him, but the want of the proper kind of education. Their teachers
are not competent, therefore we need not expect any great things of the
pupils. They should be taught that labor is honorable, that industry and
economy are essential to their welfare^ and the welfare of the country, that
honesty, in its broadest sense, to-wit, in labor and in all his dealings with
his fellow-man should be his highest aim. Their teachers, instead of trying
to give them a thorough education, will require them to memorize some witty
sayings for a speech, and teach them to sing, of which they are very apt
scholars. I think our State and County Superintendents of Education should
look well to the qualification of the teachers. Please excuse them of their
witty sayings and song singing.
Respectfully, J. A. Wilson.
Condition of Farmers. 31
NEED TO ECONOMIZE.
Jamestown, July 26, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sii::—Well, as to working people, there is so much whiskey and so
much money spent foolishly, that it is disheartening. It is not the want of
money that keeps them poor, it is the want of knowing how to save a little
money each month until there is enough to buy a home.
Respectfully, J- S. Ragsdale.
PROSPECT FOR BETTER TIMES.
Jefferson, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—We, of Ashe County, feel proud of our section because of the
prospect of better times for the farmers and the laboring class. We have a
line prospect for a railway in Ashe County in the near future. Our mineral
and timber wealth is great, our labor is more in demand, and if we can only
have better schools, with a line of railway and a market at home for our
products, we will be the most prosperous people in North Carolina.
Very truly, Raleigh Neal.
STOCK LAW AND DISPENSARY.
Jesup, August 1, 1900.
B R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—If prices of the products of labor continue as good in the
future as they have been for the last year or so. the conditions of wage-earners
will improve greatly without doubt, wages will increase in proportion
to the increased prices and the laborer will be far more able to provide him-self
and his family with the necessities and comforts of life. This has been
the case in the year just passed. I think that the reports of the Bureau of
Labor should be made to cover every industry in our State, and they should
be made in a thorough and accurate manner; besides the comprehensive
report covering all industries, short reports should be published containing
full information along special lines and these reports ought to be distributed
among all the laborers in these special industries. This would stimiulate in-terest
and familiarize wage-earners with economical conditions throughout
the State and thus the educational value would be great, and great improve-ment
would naturally follow. Agricultural laborers, both white and colored,
should be encouraged to establish themselves permanently and not be moving
32 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
about constantly from place co place. Our next Legislature would do great
good if it wouid give us a stock law throughout the State, and also a dispen-sary
system for liquors throughout the State; but no, the politicians will very
likely be afraid to move and we'll have to wait longer.
Respectfully, , W. J. Wadsworth.
PAY LIVING WAGES.
Knotts Island, July 30, 1900.
B. R. L.ACY. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—I think there should be a law to make every man pay living
wages, some men if they can get a man under a bond will make him work for
little or nothing, and I think there should be a law to make every man pay
alike.
Respectfully, . . J. W. Bowden.
HAD TO STOP RAISING TOBACCO.
Manson, October 6, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dkak Sir:—I wish I could answer your questions with more satisfaction.
I live in a section where we have been raisii;,-: tobacco for market, but the
price of tobacco has continued to decline until we '^ad to change to cotton. I
am seventy-five years old. and have been living on my farm here forty-five
years. Since the war we have had labor in abundance, such as it was. Since
tobacco got so low very many of the able-bodied young negro men have left
the farms and migrated to the northern cities and towns. A good many leave
their families after Christmas and return in the fall, this leaves us dependent
for negro labor on the women and children. The advance in cotton has
been very beneficial to us. both white and colored. The drought was very
severe in this section, and all crops short.
Yours respectfully. W. W. White.
farmers DISCOURAGED.
Matthews, September 2.5, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—Eighteen and ninety-nine and 1900 are and have been trying
times on our people. This county, Mecklenburg, has suffered severely fro.'ii
drought both years, cotton crops less than one-half, corn very little better.
Crop] ers and tenants with every other class of our farmers are discouraged.
The poorer class of whites are seeking employment in the factories.
Very kindly. J. W. Hood.
Condition of Farmers.
PHOIIIBITION AXn GOOD liOADS.
Maus Hill. July 27, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Gomviissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dk.m! Sti;: —If the next Legislature would have backbone enough to pass a
law for my county (Madison) that would prohibit the manufacture and sale
of intoxicating liquor within the said county, with necessary penalties to
enforce the same, it would do more than anything else to better the condition
of wage-earners. A better system of making better public roads, thereby
cheapening transportation of products out and groceries and other necessary
supplies back. These things accomplished, other obstacles would gradually
disappear. You will observe that my report makes it cost all that wheat is
worth to raise it: this is true under present methods. Under a better system
of farming, which is coming, wheat-growing would be very profitable. My
report is not given as accurate, but only approximately so, as the great per
cent, of our population own their own land and renters and wage-earners are
the exception, and not the rule.
Respectfully. J. R- Sams.
HI(iH^:R P1UCE8 A>'D BETTER WAGES. - ,
i
Maud, July 29, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissiover. Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—In my opinion, the greatest need of the wage-earner to-day is
higher wages, and that would necessitate higher prices for farm products.
The farmers are payirg as much for labor as they can afford at present
prices. Anyone should know that a man with a family can not save any
money on $10.00 per month when he has to board and clothe his family out of
that amount. Higher prices for farm products means higher prices for tho
laborer.
Yours, W. N. Elder.
LEASE SYSTEM RUINOUS.
Maxton, July 29. 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—One of the great drawbacks and one that is likely to work the
ruin of this country, is the lease system. The landlord leases out his farm
for a term of years and moves into some little one-horse town; the conse-quence
is the large farms are being skinned, the "cream skimmed off." and the
farm returned as "poor as Job's turkey." I know of several farms thus
treated that a few years ago were fine fertile lands, but to-day will hardly
sprout corn peas. What we need is small farms, crops well diversified and
plenty of good stock, raised and kept on the farm. Farming instead of the
ruinous plan of all cotton system.
Respectfully, W. J. Currie.
3i North Carolina Labor Statistics.
INTEREST OF EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYE THE SAME.
Maxton, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—If the wage-earner could be taught that his employer's interest
was his own he would doubtless give better service and benefit himself at
the same time. The main object with most of them is to do the least they can
in an allotted time, in other words "beat on" their employer all they can.
The right kind of education would probably remedy this.
Yours truly, E. F. McRae.
BETTER WAGES.
Mayesville, October 13. 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I think wage-earners should be given better wages so as to
meet the demands of the many necessary things of life, and, therefore,
"reate a better desire to purchase homes and be more useful citizens.
Respectfully, E. W. Kinsey.
prices better.
Menola, August 1. 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Comynissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—A few remarks I would make on the above answers to printed
questions. Prices of produce are decidedly better than twelve months ago.
upon the whole, but labor is not quite so plentiful. A good many have left
and gone North in the last eight months and more than usual have gone off
on public works of one sort or another, consequently it makes the cost jf
production more. You will find my answers to cost of production not full,
as I only calculated the cost of labor and omitted the cost of team and feed.
Respectfully, ' E. T. Snipes.
NEED TRANSPORTATION.
MiDDLETOWN, AugUSt 1. 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—We have fine lands for corn, cotton and oats, and a lot of fine
trucking land, and if we had quicker transportation so that we could raise
truck and get it in market, we would have more demand for labor all the year
round.
Yours. J. M. H.\LL.
Condition of Farmers. 35
SLIPSHOD LABOR SYSTEM.
Mills Spring, October 1, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Labor Gomviissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—I have hurriedly answered your questions as best I could with-out
giving it more thought. As to our labor system, it is mostly carried on
in a slipshod kind of way. Hands are hired to begin work first of March
usually and continue until fifteenth of July, or when crop is laid by, then they
are turned loose until fodder is ready to pull and everything done in a care-less
and slovenly way. The principal part of the farming lands are culti-vated
by white and colored tenants, about equally divided; they are furnished
house, wood and water free, with truck patch and garden and pasture for one
ox and horse or mule furnished by landlord, who gets one-half to three-fifths
of corn and one-half cotton. If tenant furnishes stock he pays one-third
cotton and one-half corn on uplands and two-thirds on bottom after first bill
is paid out of crop. Labor hands are not paid very much.
Truly, J. D. Carpenter.
FEARS anarchy.
MoNCURE, July 26, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—The financial condition is improving, owing to the high price
of cotton. The morality is very good, but I think the right of political dis-honesty
so publicly advocated and encouraged by partisan legislation will
revolutionize the whole moral law so that our coming youth will justify their
desire to do wrong by consoling themselves with "the end justifies the means."
This idea is drawn from the policy of each political party, and if not checked
by the conservative men in all parties will throw the next generation into
anarchy.
Very respectfully yours, j. E. Bryan.
ECONOMIZE.
MoRRisviLLE, August 9, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Gommissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—Could you but induce men to stick to their work and economize
a little as they go along, theirs would indeed be a happy lot. TTieir profits
are sure as compared with those of the employer. This fact tends to make
them more extravagant.
Respectfully, E. W. Brawley.
30 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
POOR CROPS.
Mountain Island, September 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Go'ni'missioner, Raleigh. N. G.
Dear Sir:—In replying to your request as to my opinion regarding the
wage-earners, will say that it will take a few good crops, almost three failures
in succession is bad indeed. The ordinary renter will soon be a thing of the
past if our seasons continue as they have the last three years. It is distress-ing
to know that they work year in and year out with no more at the end ot:
the year than they started with. A few good crops in this section will help
out things wonderfully. Whilst it is an admitted fact that our labor is get-ting
more and more worthless and has a tendency to hurt the laborers, yet I
think if times were better so the land-owner could give him a better chance it
would help him along. A man completely ground down and hungry can't
work to much advantage and his inorality and general principles are affected
by it.
Yours very respectfully, . R. L. Abeknethy.
CONDITIONS GOOD.
Mt. Airy, July 27, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The wage-earners of this county ar« in better condition than
I ever knew, can get regular work at good wages, and their necessities cheap.
Mortgages have been generally cancelled against the farmer, and he is in a
good, healthy condition at present.
Respectfully, J. L. Worth.
PAID ACC'ORDIiNa TO QUALITY.
Mt. Gile.\d. August 1, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Guvimissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—I have filled out blank as best I could. What I have said as to
prices of farm labor is according to quality, reliable white men command the
highest wages, colored the lowest. You ask me to suggest relative to needs
of wage-earners. Well. I will be short and plain on that. I think the Con-stitutional
Amendment will be the very thing most of them need, for I think
laborers will be more reliable and command higher prices. That one thing
I think would be the very best thing I could suggest.
Respectfully. .1. C. McAt'lay.
Condition of Farmers. 37
NEED THOROUGH INSTKUCTION.
Mt. Gh^ead, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Lahor Comviissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—In regard to the working people, they are not taught whea
young to stick to anything until they succeed and to do their work perfect,
therefore they will not work regular. They have not learned to do their
work well; they do not plan with any judgment. You will find men that
have been working stock forty years that can not harness a horse now witli
any intelligence.
Respectfully, L. P. Byrd.
LABOR SATISFIED.
Mt. Olive. July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The cost of making cotton evidently exceeds its market value,
especially in this part of the county where the land is adapted to truck farm-ing.
I am confident that it would pay our people to raise more meat, corn and
feed for stock and have fewer dogs, although we have not much room to
grumble. Most all the farms in this part of the county are self-sustaining.
The laborer is well paid for his labor and seems to be satisfied with his con-dition.
Respectfully, W. D. Lane.
DEVELOP RESOURCES.
Newdale, September 26, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Lahor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir;—The developing of the timber and mineral resources of this
mountain section of the State would give a greater diversity of industry and
improve wages.
Respectfully. W. M. Simmons.
can not spare children from work.
Newport, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—1 would favor a six-months' school, at least, per year, if the peo-ple
were able to support it, but as a general thing the farmers, in particular,
can not spare their children more than three or four months to the year, and
besides they are hardly able unless there could be some provisions made for
more schools.
Respectfully, Rufus Garnek.
North Carolina Labor Statistics.
NEGKOES IMPROVIDENT.
NiMROD, September 25, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Gommissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The hired farm laborers in our county are almost all negroes,
and most of the farms are worked on the share system, the employer furnish-ing
everything except the labor and giving from a third to a half of the crop.
When the employe has a family he generally prefers this plan. As to cost of
raising crops, it depends largely on the land and the farmer. I have never
employed anything except negro labor. The most of them are improvident and
do not provide in summer for the winter. They will not work, as a rule, for
themselves, but will carry out orders from a boss man fairly well.
Yours truly. .John McDowell.
LONGER SCHOOL TERMS AND BETTER TEACHERS.
NixoNTON, August 1, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Covimissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I know we need longer school terms and by that means we can
procure better teachers at smaller salaries. For Instance, I have been a
school committeeman for several years, and have adopted an eight-months'
term in my school district; we get about half enough money out of the pub-lic
fund and make up the balance out o: cur patrons in the school district.
In this way I have secured young ladies who are graduates in first-class
schools to instruct our children. My oldest daughter now is advanced well,
studying the higher branches, such as Latin, etc. I find we have gotten most
excellent work done by this means. It is a great misfortune to couple the
school system in neighborhood politics. I have experienced that to my sor-row.
Respectfully, J. S. Morris.
CONDITIONS IMPROVING.
Ogretta, July 28, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—In regard to farms and farmers, I think the tendency is to
make farming more intensive rather than extensive; improve the land, make
more on less, more forage and less grain ; rotate the crops, clover, peas, fol-lowed
by grain and other grasses for pastures; improve the stock, better
cattle, hogs and sheep and fewer in number. Farming on a proper scale with
the proper improvement will tend to bring this result. People are improving
all along these lines and methods.
Respectfully, J. T. L. Hartness.
Condition of Farmers. 39
LABORERS SHOULD OWN HOMES.
Ora, August 20, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—I am unable to tell you what will benefit the wage-earners. If
they conld purchase a small piece of land for a home and work that they
would be better satisfied and better citizens, but that seems impossible, for by
tlie time they pay interest on home, feed their families, pay doctors' bills, etc..
nothing is paid on the home; and if he is fortunate enough to make a pay-ment
or two the time slips out and he loses all. Every person is restless,
caused by politicians. Education is forever talked on political campaigns, I
think too much. Why some of the white and most of the blacks think now,
or say they do, that everyone will be highly educated, and that schools will
bo more numerous, and thedr children will be clothed and fed, and books
furnished, and no expense to them at all. This hurts everything. Every
negro thinks every child he has will be made a lawyer, doctor, preacher,
school teacher, merchant or something ot the kind. I think it the duty of the
State to furnish means enough to learn the children of the State to read
and write and arithmetic and geography or give them the chance of so much,
and if they won't accept, the burden is on themselves.
Respectfully, » ^- Crumpler, Sr.
ElU'CATIONAL CONDITIOJV IMPROVING.
Ormondsville, August 15, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—A few years ago when cotton was worth only four and a half to
tve cents, land had no value hardly, but to-day on account of cotton being
worth double in price, I think land is worth more. I am one of the school
dirfctor? for Greene County, and am in pos;t:o:i to know that the educational
condition of the people is getting better all the time. We gave four months
for both races and built several new school houses. I have no record whereby
I am enabled to tell exactly the cost of cotton, corn, tobacco or oats, but I
think I am not far off the track.
Respectfully. W. A. Darden.
FARMERS NOT PROSPEROUS.
Patterson Springs, October -5, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:-In regard to wage-earners, will say that I can not throv>- much
light on this subject. All wage-earners that are in the employ of corporations
and syndicates are doing fairly well. First, those classes are protected by
M North Carolina Labor Statistics.
trusts and legislation, therefore enabling the employers to pay better prices
for labor, which farmers can not and live, as they have no protection by legis-lation
or trust; so we can not compete prices with other competitors, thus
leaving our farms without laborers. Our fine country is going down, all
scientific farmers are seeking other employment than that where they
have to compete with the whole world without protection, our valuable lands
are being sold to negroes for cotton paid in installments yearly until paid,
and our lands are gradually drifting off into the hands of this miserable,
trifling race, which will not and can not maintain its present fertility. It
strikes me when the fertility of our lands has been exhausted we are one
and all below the mark of prosperity. It is an evident fact when the farmer
prospers all prosper, therefore something must be done for the farmer before
wage-earners can receive better Avages.
Yours very respectfully, W. A. Wesson.
i^O SYSTEM.
Pkku. August 26, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Lahor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. G.
Deae Sik;—If laborers would use more energy and be more reliable, it
would be better for them. There is no system of labor established here.
Yours, J. M. L. McCrackex.
NO SYSTEM.
PiKijwAY, September 28. 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—In regard to the needs of the wage-earners, would say that
more work, more education, would tend to better conditions. However, we
will never have any system of labor until turpentine is a thing of the past.
Respectfully. .j. F. Butler.
LABOR SHOULD BE PAID IN CASH.
Roberdel, August 13, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear SiR:^There should be a law to compel public works to pay their hands
cash for labor. While they claim, to pay all the way from fifty cents to a dol-lar
they compel their hands to go to their commissary for their pay, and
there charge cr compel their laborers to pay two prices, and thus get their
labor for less money than the farm hand gets for his work. There ought to
Condition of Farmers. 4:1
be a law enacted upon working hours for women and children in mills. I
think there should be a law against loafers, making it a misdemeanor for a
man to put his children in a mill and he himself lie in the shade and sleep,
and hire some negro who ought to be on the farm to cut his wood and
work his garden. These few suggestions may be used as far as profitable.
Yours fraternally, W. F. Byrd.
LABOR SHOULD BE PAID IN CASH.
Roberts, August 14, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—As to wage-earners, their positions are so diversified, I should
be unable to answer in every particular. The man that hires should be com-pelled
to pay the laborer his wages in money. It is generally paid in this
country in goods or farm produce at the highest prices, while the same
amount in money would buy more. I think the wage-earner would be bene-fited
if all companies or corporations should be compelled to pay the laborer
his wages when he has done his work, and not withhold it one month, as is
done in some sections, much to the damage of the laborer. We need a general
education law and a general reformation in politics, morals and religion.
We need to come to the old and true landmarks, and every man help to build
up his neighbor, every county the State, every State the Nation, and
unless we do we may expect disaster and ruin to follow. God save the State
and Nation.
Respectfully, W. J. Roberts.
MORE free schools.
Rocky Hock, September 12, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—We need more free schools for white people, their taxes to go
to educate their children and negro taxes to educate theirs. We are tired of
educating negroes to "sass" us.
Yours truly, R- N. Privott.
USE ECONOMY.
Rocky Mount. July 30, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—It is very easy to suggest what is best for the working people,
and yet at the same time we know that they will not adopt the suggestion.
If the working people would only use simple economy and let the bar-rooms
alone that would at once give all needed relief, in my opinion.
Respectfully yours. R- H. Ricks.
42 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
STICK TO WORK.
RosEBORO, July 30, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—If the wage-earners would take care oi their v.ages arc! stick
to their wage-earning and not bother with politics, in ten years ninety-five per
cent of there can have farms of their own. 1 suggest we have this done.
Respectfully,
_ M. M. Hall.
t;niform wages.
ScuppERNONG, September 12, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner. Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sti::—There should be a i::::o:m system, such as combination with
the farms, to have uniform wages paid. For example, the upper section of
my county thirty cents, the middle section forty cents and the lower end
thirty-five for picking cotton.
Respectfully, T. J. BASisriGHx.
\ GOOD RECORD.
ScuppERNONG, September 15. 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sti::—Having spent sixty-three summers and been on the farm fifty-eight
years and in the war of the 60's and am yet here, I respond to your
inquiry. The need of wage-earners, first, simple, honest laws, justly admin-istered.
Second, more education in the common branches, with more knowl-edge
of hygiene. Third, more enterprise, more manufacturing, less specula-tion
and more confidence. As to the stock law, where the lands are mostly
fenced, the "no-fence law" is good, whpro the 'a-'ds in the woods is good range
and nine-tenths in the woods it would not be good. My own experience on
these matters would convince any sane man. but I can not fully give it here.
A few remarks might not be amiss. I was set free by my father February,
18.58, worked a farm on shares, then taught school and educated myself,
went into the war and came out with nothing and very poor, went to work
on rented lands, bought woods, ditched and cleared it. made money and
bought more land, married and raised children far from any school, paid
taxes to school the children of others and schooled my own in my own pri-vate
school-house, then gave two of them a course in an academy, and now
have two small ones yet with me at home and am teaching them myself one
hour per day, and I pay over thirty dollars taxes yearly. Am unable to
take heavy exercise: have given to my children four good farms, hold sixteen
Condition of Farmers, 43
real estate mortgages and three more farms. Have lost many a dollar by
men's dishonesty; never contracted a debt as much as fifty cents which i
have not paid and do not owe fifty cents. Have been a Justice of the Peace
twenty-five years since 1865, been a member of the Legislature one time,
1888 and 1889, and took the census one time in 1890, and it was offered to me
this time. Never speculated, never cheated, "ask my neighbors." Have
always paid something to churches and other causes, do not smoke, chew or
use tobacco, use very little liquor, make good wine, and have held many an
honest election. Never had a pistol, no man credits me on his book, or calls
me a liar without a fight, and if you want to see me come to my house on
my farm in Scuppernong Township, Washington County, N. C.
Respectfully, J- ^- Snell.
NEGROES THRIFTLESS.
Seaboard, October 4, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear Sir:—In relation to the needs of wage-earners, I hardly know what
could be done to benefit them. The labor of this county consists of the negro.
I know but one thing that would benefit him, and that is to take care of his
wages, and this they seem not to value any longer than they can get to some
place to spend it.
Yours very truly, W. E. Harris.
NEED PUBLIC WORKS.
Seedwell, August 13, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—In my judgment, if a system of public works could be estab-lished
in this section it would benefit the laboring classes, it would give the
surplus labor employment and get them out of the way of rarm labor. Tlie
farmers would be benefited because it would give them a home market for
their products.
Very truly yours, Z. V. Watson.
laborers need stability.
Sparta, August 11, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir : —Alleghany is a grass and stock county, and at this season of
the year, while farmers are cutting their meadows, there is a demand for
hands, almost more than can be reasonably supplied. My opinion is that
stability would be to the wage-earner's interest. When he finds him a good
man to work for he should stick to him and do everything in his power ,o
44 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
benefit his employer, by so doing he would gain confidence in him that would
be to his financial interest. I think the Amendment, if ratified, and not con-sidered
unconstitutional, will advance education more than any compulsory
school law that could be passed. It is hard to make men send their children
to school, but the Amendment will encourage them to do so.
Yours, W. I. Harp.
don't raise enough grain.
Spruce Pine, September 13, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—I would make three suggestions about farming. First, the
people don't sow wheat enough. Second, the farmers don't sow enough grass
seed. The farmers seem to be i.^dustrious enough, but lack the knowledge of
sowing grass seed and wheat aiu] rye.
Respectfully. Calvin Wood.
WORK FOR TNTETIEST OF EMPLOYER.
Statesville, August 9, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Gomtnlssioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—As to the needs of the wage-earners on the farm, it is for theia
to be more punctual in discharge of their duties and study and work for the
interests of their employers, so that they could become efficient and reliable,
and thereby obtain better wages.
Yours, W. M. DuLiN.
the LAB0REI5 AND SMALL FARMER MAKE NOTHING.
Stewart, October 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—One of my suggestions for the wage-earners is for the law to
curtail the merchant's per cent on goods and chattels, cut them down from
their high position to twelve per cent on actual cost to them, and make it a
misdemeanor to go over that per cent. The labor is not balanced right wi:h
all other callings and professions. The farmer finds it pretty hard to make
both ends meet on his own land with hired labor, the laborer has nothing at
the end, neither has the farmer, the profit goes to the merchant. This applies
to the small tarmer. The large farmer gets rations from the merchant to
issue to his labor at actual cost so as to get orders from the farmer and make
it out of one that has to trade it. Most all labor is paid with an order to
a store.
Respectfully, C. C. Patterson.
Condition of Farmers. ^o
IMPKUVE PUBLIC ROADS.
Stony Ridge, August 1, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Deak Sir:—As to wage-earners, I do not see that any legislation in their
behalf would be of any benefit without a corresponding injury to another
class, the farmers or producers. Only a very few are making more than ex-penses.
To improve the public roads of this State and some means to keep
them so needs the attention of the legislators more than any other one subject
that I know of.
Respectfully, N. A. Wolff.
LABOR BADLY TREATED.
Sutton, October 10, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—Will say that the most of the laboring class are very ignorant
and the wiser class will hire them for so much, and when pay time comes,
"I have not the money, you will have to take an order," or "I will get what
you need when I go to town," or "You will have to take some old clothes,"
or something besides money, or "You will have to leave, you don't suit me,"
and they deduct so much out for lost time until the laborer gets careless, and
the next man he goes to he expects him to treat him the same way. Like
things are now, it don't give the honest landlord any chance, or the smart
laborer any chance, but I don't see how to mend it.
Respectfully, W. H. Whxiams.
rent system impoverishes land.
T'owNSViLLE, October 6, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—There is some scarcity of labor for cooks and house servants,
though there are enough here for that purpose or any other if they wouid
only work. The negro women have almost quit work of all kinds. I think
there are but very few farmers but what are already too closely worked in the
clean cultivated crops, and consequently the land is becoming closer and
poorer; but cultivating more of the stubble crops, such as small grain,
grasses, peas, etc., it would require less labor and keep the land in better con-dition.
I think the prices of labor will be advanced some if cotton keeps at
present price. The present system of renting land in the South will impover-ish
any land in the world.
Respectfully, B. 0. Taylor.
46 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
NEED FACTORIES.
Trap Hill, July 31, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Comviissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—We need more manufactories of different kinds in our midst, so
as to give regular employment to laborers. We have a variety of good timber
in this county. It should be manufactured here, but instead of that being
done it is shipped off in the rough, consequently we don't get the profit out
of our timber that we ought to, and it don't give our laboring men regular
employment, therefore they are leavirg here and going to other States, where
they can get better wages and regular employment.
Respectfully, J. S. Holbrook.
LABOR WORTH WHAT IT WILL BRING.
Vashti, October 8, 1900.
B. R. Lacy. Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh. N. C.
Dear SiR:^In regard to wage-earners. I am not well up on it, as there ar«
not many around. When a man wa^^ts to work for wages he usually goes t©
some public works, as they can get better wages than the farmer can afford
to pay. Webster, in his blue-back spelling book, says: "A piece of cloth, if
good, is worth what it will bring." 1 think all the wage-earner needs is to de
good work.
Respectfully, J. A. McLain.
OPPOSES discriminating laws.
Washington, July 29, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—The condition of skilled laborers is fairly good and their wages
are relatively much better than the wages of farmers and other common
laborers. The only way, so far as I can see, to improve their condition im
to teach them that their interest lies in using all their Influence, by vote or
otherwise, against laws that discriminate in favor of certain classes and pur-suits.
The national protective tariff is the heaviest of all the burdens im-posed
on the farmer and the farm laborer. It is not possible for general pros-perity
to exist among those engaged in agricultural pursuits under the
Dingley tariff now in force.
Very respectfully, R. W. Wharton.
Condition of Farmers. 4T'
LABOR UNRELIABLE.
Waxhaw. August 2, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Vommissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—If we could get wage hands to work more regular they would
fare a great deal better, as cheap as provisions are. If provisions were
higher they would do better, for they get fifty cents lOr one day's work and
one doLar T.'ill ieed them one week, and the negro will work one or two days
and tJien lie up the balance of the week.
Respectfully, , S. J. Richardson.
NEED constant EMPLOYMENT.
Weaverville, July 27, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—What our laboring people need to maKe them more prosperous
is more constant employment at good compensation, however that may be
brought about.
Respectfully, • T. H. Weaver.
reduce hours or labor.
Wilmington, August 1, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner. Raleigh, K. C.
Dear Sir:—The only remedy I can see for the wage-earners, or the wealthy
either, is the reduction of the hours of labor. Within the last few years there
l^as been a vast quantity of labor-saving machinery, both agricultural and
mechanical. One does the work of from five to ten men. thus throwing out.
or making tramps of a vast number of people. This could be remedied by
reducing the hours and keeping all at work to produce the same. We also
need legislation on rates of interest, should be reduced far below present
rates, so the poorer class would be able to borrow and not pay all to capital.
Railroads should be owned by the State, or restricted in their operation and
made to serve the people better.
Respectfully, E. G. Barnitz.
WAGES TOO HIGH.
Wllliams, August 30, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—I think that with the labor at present prices no farmer can
sell the crop a hireling can make and pay him off and leave him anything like
a reasonable per cent on the money invested.
Yours respectfully, John Long.
48 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
HUSBAND EARNINGS.
Willow, September 22, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq., Labor Commissioner, Raleigh, N. G.
Dear Sir:—If the wage-earners could be induced to make better time and
teach them to husband their earnings I think it would benefit them very much.
Very respectfully. J. F. Bond.
CONDITION IMPROVED.
Yellow Creek, August 3, 1900.
B. R. Lacy, Esq.. Labor Commissioner. Raleigh, N. C.
Dear Sir:—Owing to the opening up of mines and the lumber business
here, I think the condition of wage-earners has much improved. Hands get
reasonaoly good wages and most of them steady employment.
Yours, 0. P. Williams.
ChAPTER 11.
TRADES.
The tables in this chapter are compiled from blanks received
from representative men in the different trades and gives the con
ditions existing among about 30,000 mechanics throughout the
State. These tables are arranged by subjects which will enable the
reader to more thoroughly study the conditions of the wage earners.
There is improvement all along the line, due largely to the wave of
organization that is sweeping over the State, and the prospect for
the future greatly improved condition of the mechanic was never
brighter.
A brief synopsis of the tables in this chapter shows the follow,
ing:
Thirty-four per cent report increase of wages, eleven per cent a
decrease, fifty-three per cent no change, and two per cent make no
report.
Fifty-five per cent are paid weekly, twelve per cent bi weekly,
nineteen per cent monthly, one per cent daily, one per cent irregular,
and twelve per cent make no report.
Eightv per cent favor weekly payment, eleven per cent monthly,
two per cent bi weekly, and seven per cent make no report.
Eighty-three per cent are paid cash in full, sixteen per cent part
cash, and one per cent make no report.
Fifty seven per cent make full time, thirty eight per cent part
time, and five per cent make no report.
Forty-four per cent work overtime, forty-eight per cent do not
work overtime, and eight per cent make no report.
Seventy-six per cent report cost of living increased, five per cent
decreased, sixteen per cent no change, and two per cent make no
report.
Thirty-six per cent report policy of employers toward employes
50 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
good, seventeen per cent fair, twenty per cent unfavorable, and
twenty-seven per cent make no report.
Eighty-five per cent adults and eighty-three per cent of appren
tices read and write.
Highest average wages per day $2.26, lowest 96 cents.
Average number hours per day lOJ, favor average day of 9J
hours.
Eighty-seven per cent favor establishing number hours per day
by law, ten per cent oppose it, and three per cent make no report.
Average age apprentice should enter trade seventeen, sixty nine
per cent favor fixing age apprentice should enter trade by law,
twenty-three per cent oppose it, and eight percent make no report.
Average proportion of apprentices to journeymen one to four.
Sixty-seven per cent favor indentured apprenticeship, twelve per
cent oppose it, and twenty one per cent make no report. Average
time apprentice should serve three and one-half years.
Seventy five per cent report an improvement in education, twenty-three
per cent no improvement, and three percent make no report.
Sixty-two per cent report improvement in morals, thirty per cent
no improvement, and eight per cent make no report.
Thirty-five per cent report financial condition fair, thirty one per
cent good, twenty-five per cent poor, and nine per cent make no
report.
Sixty per cent report financial condition improving, forty per cent
no improvement.
Ninety-five per cent favor compulsory education, five per cent
oppose it.
The letters published in this chapter give the views of the wage-earners
on their conditions and what will best improve them. These
letters will be found of peculiar interest to those interested in the
labor question.
The letters on the subject of compulsory education written by
mechanics are published in chapter on compulsory education.
Condition of Trades. 51
Tabi^e No. I.- Showing Highest and Lowest Wages, Etc.
Has
Tiade
Member
\/A bor
Union ?
Highest
Wages
per Day ?
Lowest
Wages
per Day ?
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreased ?
Labor-saving
Machinery
Increased
Wages ?
Barber no increased
. .do -
no.
Do _ no_ |2.00
1.50
no.
Black'^nmh . no_j $1. GO decreased no.
Dr. no 1-25 75 increased yes.
I' . -. -- .. no._ I. 50 • 75 ____do no.
Do 2. 00 .75 no no.
Do no •75
1.25
1-75
1.50
.40
r. GO
no no.
Do no no . _. _ no.
Do
Do
no
no
• 75
.60
no
increased
no.
no.
Do 2. GO '•50
1^25
I. 00
no - no.
Do no
no
2. 00
2.50
no _ . _ .. no.
Do increased ves.
Do no 2. 50 I. GG -.-do no.
Do no 1.50 .__.do no.
Do no 1-25
1.50
I. 90
I. 00 no . no.
Do no I. GO no . no.
Do no I. GO increased no.
Do no
no
2. GO
2. 00
•75
• 75
no . no.
Do increased no.
Do no no _ no.
Do no 1.50 I. GO increased no.
Do no 2. 00 I. GO do no.
Do no
no
2. 00
2.50
I. GG
• 75
no
Do no _ _ no.
Do no no.
Do no 1.50
I. CO
I. OG no . no.
Do no decreased ves.
Do no
no
I. 00
I. 50
increased
Do I. GG no .
Do no T,. GO •50
Do no 1.50 •50 no no.
Bookkeeper no- increased
no . . .
no.
Do no_ 3.00
1.50
I. OG no.
Brickmason "O •75 decreased no.
Do no 4. 00 I^25 increased
Do no 2. 50 I. OG ._..lo no.
Do no 3.00 2. GO .__.do _. no.
Do no 3. GO I.5G .....io
Do no 3-50 I. GO _-__.lo_. .__.
Do I'O 4. GO I. GG (il) no.
Do yc-s I. GO •35 do n<\
Do no 1.50 I. GO decreased no.
Do no 3.00 •50 increased no.
Do 1 o 3.OG • 75 do no.
Do , no 1.75 I. GO uo no.
52 North Cakolina Labor Statistics.
Table No. i.—Continued.
Trade.
Bricktnasoii
Do
Do
Do
Do
Cabinet-iiinker
Do
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Car inspector
Carpenter
Do
Do
Do
I)<>
Do
Do
Do
i:<)
Do
Do
D )
DCS
Do
D'----
D >
Do ___
D>---
D-i
Do
Do.___
Do
Do.__-
Do--_-
Do-—
Do
Do
I)0-_--
Do-_-_
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do .__-
Member
Labor
Union ?
no.
no_
no-no.
no.
Highest
Wages
per Day ?
no -
no-.
no_.
yes
no..
yes
.
no.
v.o
.
no_.
no_,
no ..
no_.
no..
no_.
no_.
no_.
ves
yes
no..
no_.
no_.
no_.
no..
no..
no..
uo_.
no__
no__
no ..
no.,
no.,
ro..
io._
no.,
no.,
no.,
ves _
} es _
no..
?i. 75
1.50
3.00
4- 50
2. 50
1. ( C)
I- ,s^
2. 78
1. GO
1.50
1-25
2.50
2. 25
4. 00
1. CO
2. CO
2. CO
2. 50
2. 50
1.50
1. Of^
2. CO
3. CO
3.00
2. CO
2. 0(
I-5<
1-5'
i-5>
2. q;
2. Of
3-5f
3-0
2. o
2. O'
1-5
I- 5'
2. 00
1-5'
1-5'
2.5'
1. 25
4. 0(
2. OC
2. 25
1.75
Lowest
Wages
per Day ?
^O. 60
.60
• 75
I. 00
.65
I. 00
.60
• 75
•50
.60
1.50
•75
• 75
•25
I. 00
1-25
I. 00
1-25
65
.60
I. 00
1-25
I. 00
• 75
I. 00
•50
.60
.60
I. 00
^•25
I. 00
I. 00
I. 00
• 75
. 60
• 50
I. 00
1. 00
2. GO
.60
•30
I. 00
1^25
.60
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreased ?
no
decreased
._._do
increased
.___do
no
nil
no
increast-il
.___do ._._-_.
no
no
n(j
nf)
increased
no --
decreased _..
no
ro_-
no
no
no
increased
.___do
no
no
increase<t
._..do .
.._.dM
no
no
increast d
no
iiicreasi d
no
increased
....do
decreased
no
no
no
n<«
no .
increased
.__.do
no
Has ;3
Labor- .
Saving
Machinery
Increased
Wages ?
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yep.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
Condition of Trades. 53
Table No. i.— Continued.
Trade.
Member
Labor
Union ?
Carpenter no.
Do no._.
Do ;
'iO_.
Do \
'io_.
Do ^ es.
Do i no..
Do i
lio..
Do yes.
Do ' ves.
Do I
yes.
Do no..
Do no_.
Do no..
Do no..
Do ... no..
Do I iio_.
Do 1 no...
Do...__
Do._-.
Do____
Do....
Do^__.
Do
Do.__.
Do
Do.._.
Do_._.
Do
Do
Do.__.
Do.__
Do.-..-
Do.._.
Do.___
Do._..
Do.__.
Do.__.
Do.__.
Do....
Do._-
Do.__
no.
no._
no._
iio._
no
no__
nO-_
ao._
yes.
no_.
no.,
no.,
no..
no..
uo._
no.,
no.,
no.,
no.,
no.,
no.,
ves.
Carriage maker no.
Do 1 no.
Carriage trimmer j no.
Clerk no.
Do no.
Highest
Wages
per Day?
gl.OO
2.50
1.50
I. CO
1-75
2.50
1. 40
2. 20
1.80
2. 00
2.50
2.50
2. 00
1-75
2. 00
1.25
1-75
I- 50
1-25
2. 00
5.00
1-50
2. 00
1.50
1.50
1.50
2. 00
1-50
2. 00
2. GO
3. 00
^1-25
1.25
[.50
1.50
2.50
2. GO
3. 00
\.5o
2.50
2. 00
1.50
2.00
2.50
Lowest
Wages
per Day?
2.50
65
60
60
75
80
80
00
75
00
75
50
75
60
75
GO
60
GO
75
75
75
75
75
75
.=;o
75
5G
75
65
75
75
25
00
6g
75
75
GO
OG
75
75
75
75
• 45
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreased?
decreased
increased
decreased
increased
..._.do
decreased ...
no
increased
.__.do
no
increased
.__.do
no
no
no
decreased
.__.do
___.do
no
no
no
increased
no
increased
no
no
Has
Labor-saving
Machinery
Increased
Wages?
decreased _
no
no
increased ..
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
increased..
....do
no
6g
I
increased
50 I no
• 75
no
decreased
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
54: North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Tabi^e No. \.—Continued.
Trade.
Clerk-.
Do
Do.
Do.
Conductor
Contractor
Cooper
Cotton Mill—
Beamer
Do
Do
Carder
Do
Card grinder
Dyer
Do
Do
Finisher
Inspector
Ivoom-fixer ..
Do
Do
Do ._.__.
Do ._.
Do
Do
Operative
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Overseer
Do
Member
Labor
Union ?
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no_.
no.
yes
.
yes.
no...
yes
.
no.,
no.,
yes
.
no_.
no_.
yes ,
yes .
}'es .
no_.
no_.
no.,
no.,
no.,
no..
no_,
yes
.
yes .
no.,
no.,
no.,
no.,
no.,
no..
no._
no..
Spinner ! no
Do
Do
Do
Superintendent ._
Do
Weaver
Do
no.
no.
no.
no.,
no.,
yes.
no..
Highest
Wages
per Day?
|i.50
1.50
1.50
2. 00
4.70
2. 25
1.30
I. 40
1-35
75
2. 00
3-50
3. GO
4-50
I. 00
• 75
1-25
1-75
1.50
1-75
1.50
1-25
1.50
I. 00
1-25
1.50
2. 00
1.50
3-50
.70
5.00
Lowest
Wages
per Day?
2. 00
1.65
1.50
1-75
5.00
2.75
?o. 75
•35
•50
.40
2.25
1-25
1.25
1^25
60
• 75
• 75
I. GO
.60
• 75
I. 00
^•25
1-25
•75
I. GO
.80
•50
•72
r^25
•75
. 20
•75
.40
^•5o
1-35
75
1. GO
2. GO
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreased ?
increased
.-.do -_..
.—.do .__.
no
increabed
—do
increased
decreased _.
no
increased
.—.do .—
_
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
decreased
no
no
110
no
increased .
...do .___
.-.do
.___do
.._.do
no
no
no
increased _
no
decreased
no
Has
Labor-saving
Machinery
Increa.ved-
Wages ?
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
Condition of Trades. 56
Table No i.—Continued.
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreased?
Has
Labor-
Saving
Machinery
Increased
Wages ?
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
56 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Table No I.
—
Continued.
1
1
Has
Member Highest Lowest Have Wages Labor-
Trade. Labor Wages Wages Increased Union? per Day? per Day? or Decreased Machinery ?
Wages ?
Machinist no |2.75 |i-75 increased yes.
Do no 2.25 .90 .—do no.
Do . yes
no
2.65
6.00
1.50
1-35
no . no.
Do decreased no.
Do no 3.00
5.00
2.50
6. 00
I. 50 no yes.
Do no no.
no
no
no __
Do .... no . no.
Do -. 2. 00 no no.
Do no 2. 00 • 75 no no.
Do no 1.50 I. 00 increased yes.
Do.___ no 5- 00 •75 ....do no.
Do no 2.00 I. GO —.do
Miller no I. 00 •25 no no.
Do no 2.50 • 75 no no.
Do. .- .. .. . yes . _ I. GO .40 no . . no.
Do. _ no increased
Mill (saw). no 7.00 no • 25 no.
Do no 8.00 • 25 increased yes.
Do no
no
6. 00
2.50
2.50
I. GG
no no.
Millwright no
Do_ . no- no no
Moulder 2.75 2. OG increased no.
Newspaper
Painter
no
no
no :._.
3.00
1.50
I. 00
I. OG
1-25
•50
no no.
no .
Do decreased no.
Do no 2. 00 I. 00 increased yes.
Do no 1.25 •50 decreased no.
Do no 1.50 50 no no.
Do : no 1.50 • 75 decreased no.
Do no 1.50 75 increased
Do
;
no ,. ... 2. 25 • 75 no . . no.
Do no 1 1.50 .40 decreased no.
Do 1 no 2.50 • 50 no -- no.
Do 1 no 2.50 • 75 no no.
Do no 1-25 I. GG increased yes.
Do no 2.50 •50 no yes.
Do : no 3-50 • 75 increased yes.
Pilot no 1.25 .60 decreased .
.
no.
Plasterer yes 3- 50 3. GO increased no.
Do 1 yes 3.00 2. GO no no.
Do 1 no 3.00 3.00 increased
Condition of Trades.
Table No. i.—Continued.
Trade.
Plumber
Do„
Do._
Printer
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Member
Labor
Union ?
yes _
yes.
no...
no _ -
yes
.
no..
no._
no.,
yes _
yes
.
yes.
xes.
\es .
no_.
no_.
no .,
no_.
Do yes .
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
yes
.
yes
.
yes
I yes
no..
Saw Filer no.
Sawyer
Do-
Do.
Do-no..
no_.
uo_.
)-es
.
Section Master no
Shoemaker no.
Do no.
Station Agent no.
Stone-cutter no.
Do no.
Tailor ! no.
Teacher no.
Telegrapher no_
Tinner no.
Highest
Wages
per Day?
W-oo
3.00
4. 00
I. 17
2.75
1. 20
1-75
1.66%
2.50
2.80
2. 00
2.50
2. 25
Lowest
Wages
per Day ?
2. GO
I.72j^
4- 16%
4.16%
4-16%
4.16%
I. GO
5.00
4. 00
1-25
I. 00
1. 00
1-55
I. 00
3.00
4. GO
2. 00
5.00
\2. 00
1.50
1.50
50
2. 00
I. GO
1.50
1.50
I. 00
1.50
1.50
• 75
2-33>^
2- 33 '-^
• 75
2.50
I. 00
• 50
.60
1^25
• 75
1^25
1.50
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreased ?
increased -.
.._.do
no
increased
-
no
decreased
increased-uo
no .
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
increased,
no
increased.
no
no
no
Has
Labor-saving
Machinery
Increased
Wages ?
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
\ es.
no.
no.
no
no
decreas
in ere
a
.__.d , .
decreased
.._.do
no
no
increased ..
I. GO no
1. 65 increased.
L__-do _._.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
58 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Table No. i.—Continued.
Trade
Member
Labor
Union ?
Highest
Wages
per Day?
Lowest
Wages
per Day?
Have Wages
Increased
or Decreabed?
Has
Labor-saving
Machinery
Incrt-ased
Wages?
Tinner . _ . . no
no
no
no
no
yts
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
|4. GO
^25
1^25
I. GO
1-25
2.50
1.50
I. 60
1.50
1.50
I. OG
1. 00
2. 00
2. 00
$0. 6g
.60
.60
•35
.40
.40
•50
•35
1.50
I. GO
•90
I. GO
•50
I. GO
no __ no.
Tobacco-worker
Do
Do
Do
decreased
-__.do
no
no
no.
no.
yes.
no.
Do
Wagon-maker
Do
increased
no
no
no.
no.
no.
D ) no -
Do no no.
Wheelwright _-
Do
Do
increased
no
no .
no.
no.
no.
Do no . _. yes.
Condition of Trades. 59
Table No. 2.—Showing Wages per Day, How and When Paid.
Trade.
Barber
Do
Blacksmith
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
D>. -
Do
Do month
How do You
Work?
commission
week
day
job.
day
..do
._do
-do
..do
..do
Wages
per Day ?
1-25
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
1 contract. —1 job
day
.__._.do
.___ ..do
.....do
__do
job
day
week
month _.
job
.-do
..do
day
week
day
1-75
1. 00
1-75
2. GO
2. 25
Paid
Weekly or
Monthly?
Favor
Weekly or
Monthly
Payment?
weekly weekly...
.___do ' do --_.
daily
weekly
monthly _. weekly
weekly do -
irregular _. do _
weekly do .
monthly do .
weekly j do
monthly
daily
weekly ._.
1.50
I. 00
1-25
1.50
I. 00
bi weekly .
....do -'...
weekly
monthly
weekly.
monthly
weekly..
monthly
weekly..
..__do _._
.___do ...
....do ...
monthly _.
weekly
._..do .
do -.
Bookkeeper month
Do _.do ...
monthly
I. 66^^ weekly .
Brickmason day
Do contract.
1.50
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
week
.
day ..
..do ..
--do ..
..do ..
50
00
00
50
Do week.
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
day
-do
..do
I. 00
1.50
2.75
weekly __
.__.do
.__.do
....do
.__.do
bi-weekly
day
._do
._do
weekly
....do _
...-do .
.__.do .
.__.do _
.. _.do .
weekly
....do'....
...-do -._.
...-do --__
.__.do .__.
.__-do .-__
._-do .-_.
weekly
weekly
.__-do
.__.do
...-do
.__-do
.__-do
-_._do
monthly ..
weekly
....do'.—
.
._-do .—-
.__.do
....do
....do
....do
Paid
Cash in
Full ?
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
no.
yes.
>es.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
"60 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
TabIvE No. 2.
—
Continued.
Trade.
Brickmason
Do
How do You
Work?
day
._do
Wages
per Day?
Cabinet-maker day
Do „do .__
Do month
Do - ilay
Do do .__
Do do -__
Car inspector month
Carpenter day
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
-do
contract.
day
.do
-do
-do
-do
-do .-
-do
-do
Do -jionth
Do ._ ; day
Do - j_-do
Do week
Do
Do
Do -__.
Do
Do
Do
Do --.-
Do ,_.-
Do
Do
Do ..-
job-day
-do
Do _.
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do -__
Do
Do
day
contract
job
day _
!--do ---._-
i._do
--do
--do . --.
i--do
--do
--do
-do
,-do
t-.do
i-do .--- -._.
L-do
'do
L_do
B-oo
2. GO
•75
1.50
2.78
.80
r-25
1-25
'.50
2. 25
1.50
2. GO
1-25
2. 00
1.50
•H5
2. GG
2.50
2. GO
1.50
I. GO
1-25
Paid
Weekly or
Monthly ?
weekly
___-do
on demand
weekly
monthly
bi-weekly _
weekly
bi-weekly
Favor
Weekly or
Monthly
Payment?
weekly
.__-do
Paid
Cash in
Full?
weeklv-
-_-do'..
do _.
-__-do _.
-__-do _.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
monthly __ monthly i yes.
weekly I weekly.
_
do do - __
2. 00
1.50
weekly
._-do
.—do
- -do
monthly -.
weekly
__-do —do
monthly ..
weekly __
___do
.__-dG
__-do
-_-do
__-do
_-do
---do
weekly
.
—do _.
.—do _.
..._-do ..
._-_d) _.
.__-do _.
.__-do
.--do
.--do
.--do
.--do
.--do
-- do
.-..-do
.--do
.---do
\> eekly-_
. 25 weekly monthly
.50 do weekly _
. OG
I
do do
.50 do do
.50 [ do do
. t:o
I
do do
.50 -_ .-do do
.75 I do [ monthly
.00
I
do weekly--
.00 bi-weekly do
. GG weekly do
2. GO monthly.- do
2.00 weekly I do
3.00 ! do ' do
r-25 .do ' KionthU'
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
Condition of Trades. 61;
TabIvE No. 2.
—
Continued.
Trade. How do You
Work?
Wages
per Day ?
Paid
Weekly or
Monthly ?
Favor
Weekly or
Monthly
Payment?
Paid
Cash in
Full?
Carpenter dav $1.50 weekly __ weekly no.
Do _. . _ _. _.d.. ._.. I. GO .__.do . .do - . yes.
D(^ ... - - . _.d<. I- 25 . _.do - -do ves.
Do „d<. 1.50 .__.do do yes.
Do -__. __dn 1-25 .__.do -_.-do ycs.
Do ._d.. 1.85 monthlx -- monthly __ yes.
Do .-.._...... __d.. 55 ._._do weekly yes.
Do -- __d.. 1.65 weekly ...-do yes.
Do ._do 1.50 bi-weekl , . „_-do ves.
Do __d . I. GO weekly ._. -._.do yes.
Do __d>. 1.50 -__.do --__ ....do ves.
Do _. do _ 1-75
I- 50
do _ _ - .do yes.
D.. _.do .....do do no.
Do d.. 1-25
r.50
monthly _.. ....do
D.. _.d.. -...do yes.
D.. Wtf k weekly yes.
Do - day no.
d.
I. 00
I. GO
I. GO
weekly
-..do
-..-do --.._
Do . . _ _ weeklv
.__.do'.-__
yes.
Do __do no.
Do __d" 1-25 bi-weekl V _ ves.
Do -du 1-25 weeklv weekly yes.
Do • 1.50 do ...-do yes.
Do dav 1.50 -..do yes.
Do -.d.. 2. 00 bi week'i> _ .__.do yes.
Do .,_ _ do .__ 1-25
1-25
vveeklv „ -
.___do'
.__-ilo
____do
yes.
Do __do ycs.
Do _ . .__. do 1.50
r.50
do do yes.
Do __do ---- .__. -___do ._..do yes.
Do . contract - - do - - _._.do
.__.do
ves.
D » dav I. 00 -.-.do \es.
D > -do r-35 bi-vveek]\ _ .__.do }es.
Do (io yes.
Do dav yes. _ I. 25 weeklv ....do ....
Do do I. 00
1-75
.___do
.__-do
. do .
....-do
-___do
-...do ..,__-
.___do
\ es.
D . __do ves.
Carriage maker yes.
Do dav .__-do yes.
Carriage trimmer _ day 2.50 bi-wtekly . ____do ..... yes.
Clerk _ . monthly __
weeklv
.—do
Do .___. vk-eek -- 2.50 -.__do yes.
Do .- . day '•25 .—do monthly __ yes.
Do month monthlv __ -_._do yes.
Do .-do I. i6-/i .___do _.. .. weekly no.
Conductor trip 4-35 -...do monthly .. yes..
82 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Table No. 2.
—
Continued.
Trade. How do You
Work?
Wages
per Day ?
I1.50
1-35
1.36
75
2. GO
• 75
1.50
3. 00
2. 00
I. 00
•75
1-25
1.40
1^50
1.50
1.50
^•25
T.25
1.50
.90
T. GO
1-25
Paid
Weekly or
Monthly?
Favor
Weeklv or
Mi)nihly
Paymeul?
Paid
Ca-h in
hull?
Cooper
Cotton Mill—
Beamer
Do -__
piece
day
--do _ . .
weekly
—do
do
monthly _.
weekly _
bi-weekly .
weekly
-__do'..__.
-__do
monthly -_
weekly —do
.__.do
bi-weekly _ —.do —.do —do
monthly __
. -do .
weekly
--do - —do .—
—--do do —
.
bi-weekly _
weeklv —do'_— --do
monthly _.
...-do
weeklv —do'
.—do
weekl\-
.--do
-do
yes.
no.
\ es.
Do
Carder
Do
Card grinder
Dyer
Do
--do
-do
-do
--do
--do
—do
yes.
\ es.
yes.
yes.
yes.
\e«.
Do
Finisher
Inspector
Loom-fixer
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do _ _.,
-do
--do
--'1o
-do
-do
__flo
-do
-do
--do
--<^0
. do
ye*-,
yes.
yes.
yes.
ve=.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
Operative • weekly
_-_-do'
do
-do
do
do _ -
ves.
Do
Do - _
do _ .
-do
do
_-do
yes.
yes.
Do
Do .^-
bi weekly _
weeklv
monthly __
bi-weekly _ —do
..__do
weeklv
bi-weekly _
monthlv __
bi- weeklv _
_-_-do -!__
do
—''0
.-.do
.—do
bi-weekly _
weekl v
b'-wfekly
weekly
.__.do
monthly __
weekly
bi-weekly _
weeklv
.— do
-_ -do .. _
ye«.
yes.
Do
Do
Do
Do
Overseer
Do
Spinner
Do
Do
Do -
-do
piece
dav --.
--do
--do
--do
-do _ .
--do
-d.)
piece
1.50
1. .SO
1-75
.70
2. 00
T. 50
T.25
ves.
yes.
y.s.
yes.
yes.
yes.
y.-«.
yes.
y. s.
ves.
Superintendent _
Do
Weaver
Do
Do
D3 -
day
do
2. 25 weekly
do .
yes.
ves.
piece
day
piece
-do . .
.90
1-25
do - -do_. _ \es.
monthlv
--do _-_-
--do
mo-itbly __
weeklv —do
.— d>
—do
-.<1o . . -
no.
yt-s.
Do
Decorator -
Druggist
Engineer
--do
day
month
.90
2.50
weekly —do --.
monthlv --
\ es.
no.
yes.
-do —do no.
Condition of Trades. 63
Table No. 2.
—
Continued.
Trade. How do You
Work?
Wages
per Day ?
Paid
Weekly or
Monthly?
Favor
Weekly or
Monthly
Payment?
Paid
Ca-'h in
Full?
Engineer . day to. 7=; weekly -__
. do
weekly _
do
ves
Do - - . _- -do t 3. GO
trip 4. 25
day ! 2. 00
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
yes.
yes
yes.
Do
Do . . . _ _
monthly _,
i 'i-weeklj' _
iiiOQthly __
._.do
weekly -
.__.do
bi-weekly _
monthly _.
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do . _ . .
month
-do
week
day
do
1-50
1.25
I. 00
weekly
.-_-do
.__.do
.___do
.._.do
Do monthly . .
Do . weekl}' ve.<?
Do ^ -- do
Do
Fireman
Do
Foreman
Glazier
Harness maker.
day
.do .___
__do
-do
-do __.
__do
1-25
1.25
I. 00
3.00
1.25
I. 00
weekly
_.__do
-.._-do
-__-do
.._.do -.._.
....do
.__.do
.._.do
...-do
....do
- .do .
no.
no.
no.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
yes.
Do weekly do
Do ._.
House mover
Jeweler ._
day
week
do .
1-25
5.00
._„do
contract
weekl}'
....do -„_.
-...do
do -
Do ._ do ._ 2. GO do do .
Do ._..
Do .
job ....do -._..
do
Lather
Leiler car; u-r
Machinist
,
(lay
month
day
2. GO
2.35
-2 nn
weekly
monthly __
daily
monthly __
weekly __.
._..do
-__.do. -
monthly _.
do
-...do
-...do
...do
monthh __
Do
Do
Do
year ,
hour
day I- no
monthly _^ yes.
weekly _ yes.
Do ._
Do
hour
dav . .
2.50
1.50
2. 50
1-55
2. OQ
5. 00
do 3'es.
monthly \ps
Do
Do .__ __.
Do ..
Do
-_do
month _
d?y -
-do .
weekly .
monthly -
.._.do
no.
\ es.
no.
yes.
Do ..._
D. -_-
Do ..__
weekly
ti.onlh 1.-
day
3.00
1-25
monthly _.
do
yes.
weekly ; yes.
64 North Carolina Labor Statistics.
Table No. 2.
—
Continued.
Trade. How do You
Work?
Wages
per Day ?
Paid
Weekly or
Monthly ?
Favor
Weekly or
Monthly
Payment?
Paid
Cash in
Full?
Machinist
Do -
day
month
week
day
__do
__do .
I1.50
2.25
2. 00
I. 00
I. 00
I. 00
weekly
bi-weekly _
weekly _--
-___do
weekly
weekly __-
.__.do
-.__do
.���do
._..do
-__.do
yes.
yes.
Do no.
Miller .
Do
Do .
yes.
no.
yep.
yes.
yes.
yes.
no.
Do year
Miller (saw) .-
Do month
monthly __
.do
monthly _
do _. .
Do _.do 2.50
2.50
2. 00
3-50
-__.do -... weekly __-
Millwright - -do .
Do - _
day
do .__ .-
yes.
monthly __ no.
weekly
.__-do --__.
Moulder do --__do_-._. yes.
Newspaper
Painter
week do - -do .. . yes.
day yes.
__do
__do _.
contract
r.50
I. 00