Page:Wages in US 1908-1910.djvu/125

Rh basis for one of the most intensive modern wage studies. The resolution in question, directing the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to report on working conditions at the Bethlehem Steel Works, was followed by a searching investigation and the publication of a special report containing some excellent wage material. The varying length of the working day and the working week led the investigators to state all wages in terms of wages per hour. This method, although it does not furnish a basis for accurate data of yearly earnings, ii best adapted to a consideration of these statistics, hence it will be followed in the tables appearing in the present discussion.

The data collected at South Bethlehem, consisting of a transcript of the pay-roll of 9,184 employees for January, 1910, is stated by wage groups and by occupations. Both series of figures are available for this study.

The wages classified by earnings per hour are more specific and satisfactory than those classified by employments. They are summarized on next page.

An analysis of the table may well be prefaced by the statement that, taking into consideration