410
EXPOSITION AT VIENNA.
Among other points which were had in consideration, and ou which an endeavor was made to obtain some information, was that of wages of mechanics in Europe, and in connection with this topic the prices at which their manufactures are sold. This last topic will have the more importance for us if, as is to be hoped, we shall before long, through the influence of the Centennial or otherwise, begin to regain the exporting business which we had before the war of the rebellion.
The following are the rates of wages ascertained in Austria and in other parts of Europe. In Austria the wages were reported to be as follows, the amounts reduced to American currency, at a premium of ten per cent:—
Engineers and mechanics per day,.§1 35
Cabinet-makers and joiners, . . . . . . . 1 05
Plumbers,. 48
Laborers,. 40
Farm laborers per year, board, lodging etc., included, . . 27 00
Hours of labor per week, sixty to sixty-five. In the year, including Sundays, seventy-six holidays.
Cost of living in the large towns per year : Board, $200 ; Lodgings, $53 ; Clothing, $32.
In Vienna the wages in a large locomotive-works were given: Ordinary mechanics, $1.32 ; Best mechanics, $1.80.
The following were the fates of wages in different European countries, as gathered from workmen at the various stands. It is reduced, as above, to present values in American currency :—
England, skilled men in engine and machine-shops (nine
hours),.$1 68
France, skilled men (ten hours),.1 05
Belgium (ten hours),. 94
Switzerland (ten hours),.125
Italy,.\ ' ... 1 14
Sweden and Norway (eleven hours),.1 19
Germany,.1 30
Bohemia (eleven hours)..1 00
Hungary (eleven hours),. -156
Note. —See Artisan Reports (British) to Vienna Expositions. Manchester: 1873. Pages 44-199.