Demand and supply determine wages.
I must once more repeat the familiar axiom, that the price of labour, like that of every other commodity, must mainly depend upon the relation between supply and demand. The wages of skilled workmen have risen, because skilled workmen are scarce. How shall we increase their number, and improve their skill? My answer is, by bringing recruits into our industrial army from a class of society, which has hitherto exhibited too strong a prejudice against manual labour. The same aversion to handicraft of every kind exists in the United States and Canada. In America a skilled workman earns 30 dollars, a clerk only 15 dollars a week; and, while it is almost as difficult for a clerk to obtain a situation in New York as in London, a skilled workman can always command employment. It is unnecessary to dwell on the evils that must ensue from a disproportionate increase in the non-productive classes of the community. Lord Bacon has truly said, that a population is not to be reckoned only by numbers, for a smaller number that spend more and earn less do wear out a greater number that live lower and get more. My father’s advice was often sought by parents anxious for the future of their sons. His counsel always was, that a young man, whose destiny it must be to make his way, unaided, through the world, should begin by learning a trade. It is a laudable ambition in a parent to endeavour to raise his family to a better station in life. He cannot bestow on his children too high an education. But a wise man will be on his guard, lest the enjoyment of such advantages should render those occupations distasteful, which afford the most secure and ample livelihood to those whose lot it is to labour. When justly appreciated, the condition of the skilled artisan should be as much esteemed as that of any other class of the community. He whose life is passed in performing such needed services for his fellow-men, whatever his special calling, holds an honorable station, and social dignity will ever be most effectually maintained by those who are the least dependent upon the favours of others.