Page 92 - clra62_0019-(GIPE)

86 ECONOMIC INQUIRIES AND STUDIES
The assumption so oft~n made, that the residuum is
increasing relatively, is one which requires proof, and
I have never seen any attempt at proof, while there are
some broad facts, such as the diminution of serious
crime and of pauperism, against it.
The question of the way in which the net value of
an increase of money wages may be affected by the
necessity of living in a more exhausting, or in some
way more expensive, climate, or by the specially ex-
hausting character of a highly paid occupation, such as
puddling, is one of the same kind. There is clearly a
point in the matter for consideration and discussion. I
am disposed to believe, for instance, that the exhaust-
ing climate of the United States, compelling the con-
sUITlption of more food to enable the same work to be
done, is a distinct drawback to the American working
man as compared with his competitor in Western
Europe, and especially in Great Britain. I am not sure
but that living in the South of England, owing to
climate, is more expensive than in the North and in
Scotland. The point has hardly been expressly con-
sidered, the working man practically having been right
to go where he gets the highest money wage, but it is
one that may become of increasing practical interest
now that charges for conveyance are so low throughout
the, world as to make it quite unnecessary for men to
live near the places where their food and raw materials
are produced. I shall be well content for the present
if the remarks here made induce some working men to
elaborate it from their practical experiences. Of course,
in any discussion it would also have to be considered
that the greater expense of living may not be a pure
drawback. The ability to consume and produce more,
to bear exhausting climate or occupation, in fact, may
be a good thing, and bring its own compensation, al-
though the net gain, taking matters strictly, may hardly
be appreciable.

The next head of complaint is the increase in the