Page 101 - clra62_0019-(GIPE)

GROSS AND NET GAIN OF RISING WAGES 95
This head of complaint. however, demands very
little remark. The statement of complaint is. in truth.
one of the best evidences of progress. Of course there
has been a rise in the scale of living. Such a rise was
quite certain to come with an improvement in the
earnings of workmen. The fact that it has come, is
itself one of the proofs of improvement. No doubt
there is a continued absence of a free surplus. I sus-
pect, however, that at no time have many people. in
this ~ountry at least, had philosophy enough to be
thrifty and careful, and to do without some things that
appear to be necessary for their sphere in life, so as to
have what is meant by a surplus. Its absence is cer-
tainly no proof that the condition of those who make
the complaint has not improved. The scale of living
has risen, and this rise, beyond all question. imposes a
strain upon many workmen which only the greatest
care and philosophy can mitigate. It invol yes of neces-
sity severer toil on the part of the bread-winner, with
no apparent surplus for himself.
It is apparent. however, that to some extent what is
called a rise in the scale of living is, in reality, an im-
provement in the mode of living. which is absolutely
necessitated by the work itself. without which, in fact,
the work could not be done. Where moral qualities
are to be displayed. and great vigour, punctuality, and
energy are required, they are not to be expected except
from workmen of a certain class, whose scale of living
has, in fact, risen to the standard necessary, and whose
.. medium II and II atmosphere," of which the condition
of wife and children or relations is a part, is altogether
different from what it was. Before human beings can
display the qualities and exert the energies required.
they must have certain tastes and wants to gratify, or
there would be no motive to exhibit those qualities and
energies. Hence a rise in the scale of living is only
another mode of describing the improvement in the
character of the workman. which is essential to the
performance of the work to be done.