INDUSTRIAL STUDIES.... No. 1.

AGRICULTURE.

In Part IV of the Bureau Report for 1902, under the heading "Sex in Industry," was given the number of males and females employed in the different branches of occupation included in the 13 productive industries of the Commonwealth.

In one of the tables a classification was presented showing, by sex, the number of persons native born of native descent, native born of foreign descent, foreign born, those males of foreign birth who had become naturalized, and those males of foreign birth who had not become naturalized and were considered as aliens.

To present this information for each detail or branch of occupation would have required more space than it was possible to allow in the Report. For this reason, in presenting the industry designated as Agriculture, there was room to give only the specifications referred to for the industry as a whole.

In this first of a series of Industrial Studies, it is proposed to present facts in regard to native and foreign descent and the political condition of immigrants in full detail for each branch of occupation under Agriculture. In succeeding numbers of the Bulletin other industries or branches of occupation will be presented in a similar manner.

As connected with the subject under consideration and having an important influence upon it, attention is called to the article relating to Aliens in Industry published in Labor Bulletin No. 27. In it a classification of occupations was given for each of the countries considered, but not in as full detail as is shown hereinafter.

The column headed "Foreign Born" in the following tables requires some explanation. In the case of males it includes all under 21 years of age, also those naturalized non-voters who had resided in the town in which they were enumerated less than six months or who had lived in the Commonwealth for less than one year. In the case of females, it includes all those of foreign birth, of whatever age, employed in the industry.

The tables supply an opportunity for a somewhat extended and interesting analysis. Of the 36,482 males engaged in agriculture, 26,524, or 72.70 per cent, were native born of native descent; 2,284, or 6.26 per cent, were native born of foreign descent; 4,288, or 11.75 per cent, were of foreign birth but had become naturalized citizens; the aliens numbered 3,181, or 8.72 per cent of the whole number engaged in the industry.

Of the cranberry growers, 107 out of the whole number, 110, were of native birth.

Considering the farmers who depend entirely upon their farms for support, we find 21,814 were of native birth and native descent, or 77.44 per cent of the whole number; 1,472, or 5.23 per cent, were of native birth but of foreign descent; the foreign born naturalized numbered 2,755, or 9.78 per cent; and the aliens 2,024, or 7.18 per cent. Seventythree farmers were also engaged in government service; 417 were also engaged in manufacturing industries; 412 were also engaged in trade; and 104 in transportation.

Of the florists, 438 were of native birth and 266 of foreign birth. Of the florists classified as employers, or those who were engaged in the raising of flowers as a business, 251 were of native birth and 177 of foreign birth.

Of the gardeners, classified as employers, 73 were of native birth and 40 of foreign birth. Of their employés, 776 were of native birth and 1,356 of foreign birth. Of the market gardeners, 594 were of native birth and 187 of foreign birth. The milk farmers of native birth numbered 1,039 and those of foreign birth 237.

There were 247 females reported as engaged in agriculture, of whom 186 were of native birth and native descent, 13 of native birth but of foreign descent, and 48 foreign born. Of the total number, 173 were classed as farmers; there were 15 florists (employers); 24 florists (employés); and 18 milk farmers.

The second section of the presentation relating to agriculture is designated "Care of Animals, etc." The table for males shows that 799 were thus employed, of whom 470 were poultry raisers; of these, 418 were of native birth and 52 of foreign birth. Of the 28 females reported in this section, 27 were poultry raisers, while one was classified as a stock breeder and raiser.

Considering the recapitulation, with percentages, we find that of 37,556 of both sexes engaged in agriculture (including care of animals), 72.64 per cent were of native birth and native descent; 6.35 per cent of native birth and foreign descent; 0.71 per cent, foreign born; 11.56 per cent, foreign born naturalized; and 8.74 per cent, alien. Combining these percentages, we find the native born represent 78.99 per cent and the foreign born 21.01 per cent; or in other words, nearly four-fifths of the persons engaged in agriculture were of native birth.

It should be borne in mind that 33,912 agricultural laborers are not included in the preceding presentation, they having been shown in the Census tables under the head of Laborers, that classification including agricultural laborers, laborers employed in manufacturing establishments, and "Other" or general laborers. Of the 33,912 agricultural laborers, 16,653, or 49.10 per cent, were native born of native descent; 4,613, or 13.60 per cent, native born of foreign descent; 1,925, or 5.68 per cent, foreign born; 2,583, or 7.62 per cent, foreign born naturalized; and 8,138, or 24 per cent, alien. Combining these percentages, we find that 62.70 per cent were of native birth and 37.30 per cent of foreign birth.

INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENTS.

As the plan of agreements between employers and employés governing hours of labor, wages, and working conditions in general is fast becoming an important factor in the labor situation, the Bureau intends to publish such data, as occasion warrants. It is generally conceded that trade agreements, when strictly adhered to, prove of great advantage to employers, inasmuch as uniformity of the cost of labor is secured, thereby putting employers upon an equal footing. Employés are benefited by the equalization of wages and hours in like craft, stated in definite terms. Joint agreements are a preventive of strikes and lockouts, for each provides in some manner for arbitration boards for the adjustment of all

differences arising between employers and employés. It is rare that such agreements are violated by employés going out on strike, and such action is never taken with the authorization of the trades unions.

Our first report upon this subject covers 12 cities and represents 22 trades. In this work, which we consider to be of value to both employers and employés, we ask the co-operation of the trades unions. It will greatly aid us if they will send us copies of agreements as soon as possible after same are made.

The presentation is limited to Massachusetts, the cities following in alphabetical order.

Boston.
CARPENTERS.

Master Carpenters Association and United Carpenters Council.

Declaration of Principles.

In carrying out this agreement the parties hereto agree to sustain the principle that absolute personal independence of the individual to work or not to work, to employ or not to employ, is fundamental and should never be questioned or assailed, for upon that independence the security of our whole social fabric and business prosperity rests, and employers and workmen should be equally interested in its defence and preservation. And inasmuch as the United Carpenters Council is now being recog nized as a proper body to co-operate with in settling all matters of mutual concern between employers and workmen in this trade, it shall be understood that the policy of the Master Carpenters Associa tion shall be to assist the said Council and its constituent Unions to make their bodies as thoroughly representative as possible.

Working Rules.

Hours of Labor. From May 1, 1903, to May 1, 1904, not more than eight hours labor shall be required within the limits of the day, except it be as overtime with payment for same as herein provided, except in shops where the time shall be nine hours.

Working Hours. The working hours to be from 8 A.M. to 12 M., and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M., with one hour for dinner, during the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. During the months of November, December, and January, each employer and his employés shall be free to decide as to the hours of beginning and quitting work, always with the understanding that not more than eight hours shall be required except as overtime as herein provided for.

Night Work. Eight hours to constitute a night's labor. When two gangs are employed, working hours to be from 8 P.M. to 12 M., and from 1 A.M. to 5 A.M.

Overtime. Overtime to be paid for as time and one-half.

Double Time. Work done on Sundays, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Days, to be paid for as double time.

Wages. From this date of agreement to May 1, 1903, the minimum rate of wages to be 35 cents per hour. From May 1, 1903, to May 1, 1904, the minimum rate of wages to be 37% cents per hour.

Pay Day. Wages are to be paid weekly at or before 5 P.M. of the established pay day of each employer.

Waiting Time. If any workman is discharged he shall be entitled to receive his wages at once and failing to so receive them he shall be entitled to payment at regular rate of wages for every working hour of waiting time which he may suffer by default of the employer. If any workman is laid off on account of unfavorable weather, he shall not be entitled to waiting time. If any workman is laid off on account of lack of materials, he shall be entitled to receive pay for every working hour at the regular rate of wages until notified that work must be temporarily suspended, and in that event he shall be entitled, on demand, to receive his wages at once, the same as in case of discharge. Should an office order be issued to a workman in payment of his wages, the workman shall be entitled to additional time sufficient to enable him to reach the office to receive payment.

Business Agent. The Business Agent of the Carpenters Union shall be allowed to visit all jobs during working hours to interview the steward of the job, and for this purpose only. Nothing in this rule shall be construed as giving such Agents any authority to issue orders controlling the work of workmen, or to interfere with the conduct of the work, and any infringement of this rule shall make the Agent so infringing liable to discipline, after investigation.

Foregoing agreement to be in force until May 1,

1904.

The question of shop work being of vital impor. tance to mill-men in Boston and vicinity, thorough consideration will be given to this subject during the year, to the end that comprehensive action may be taken to equalize conditions.

PAINTERS, DECORATORS, AND PAPERHANGERS. Master Painters and Decorators, members of the Master Builders Association, The Master Painters and Decorators Association of Boston and Vicinity, and Union 11 of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers of America.

Hours of Labor. From first Monday in April, 1903, to first Monday of April, 1904. Not more than eight hours labor shall be required in the limits of the day, except it be as overtime, with payment of same as provided for.

Working Hours. The working hours shall be from 8 A.M. to 12 M. and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. or 7.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. (one hour for dinner during Feb.