A LITTLE MORE ON THE CONSERVATIVES' "GOLDEN AGE"

In 1912, Congress created the Commission on Industrial Relations and its final report in 1915 provided a glimpse into the economic realities of a time many conservatives think of as a virtual Utopia.  Here are a few highlights:

Elaborate studies of the cost of living made in all parts of the country at the same time have shown that the very least that a family of five persons can live upon in anything approaching decency is $700.

 First, with regard to the adult workmen, the fathers and potential fathers, from whose earnings, according to the "American standard," the support of the family is supposed to be derived.

Between one-fourth and one-third of the male workers 18 years of age and over, in factories and mines, earn less than $10 per week; from two-thirds to three-fourths earn less than $15, and only about one-tenth earn more than $20 a week. This does not take into consideration lost working time for any cause.

As a result of these wage distributions, it's no wonder that wealth distribution was so unequal:

The "Rich", 2 per cent of the people, own 60 per cent of the wealth.

The "Middle Class", 33 per cent of the people, own 35 per cent of the wealth.

The "Poor", 65 per cent of the people, own 5 per cent of the wealth.