In Russia we have the case of the so called allotment system on a large scale. The influence of this system was picturesquely elucidated by John Stuart Mill when he stated that “it makes the people grow their own poor rates.”[72] Exactly the same is observed in Russia.
The greater part of the work in agriculture, as well as in industry, is performed by farmers.[73] With them the earnings from outside labor are to cover only a part of their expenses, which cannot be provided for by farming. It is obvious that wages alone must fall below the usual standard of life.[74]
We have seen how, in the course of the evolution from farmer to wage worker, the tenant first becomes farm laborer. Accordingly it is natural to find farm labor prevailing among the local occupations of the peasants:
| Agriculture. Per cent. | Trades. Per cent. | |
|---|---|---|
| Ranenburg | 69 | 31 |
| Dankoff | 72 | 28 |
The transitional stage between husbandman and help is occupied by the householder who alternates his own farming with working on the landlord’s estate. In either case the workman comes with his own horse and implement.[75]
The relation between employer and employee is, with a very few exceptions,[76] one of money economy.
Owing to the circumstances above discussed, the farmer is ever in quest of ready money. In his quality of “peasant proprietor” he enjoys “the blessing of credit,” that is to say, he is always in debt to the landlord. Unquestionably, the favor is not granted for the sake of pure neighborliness. Money is advanced in fall time, or in winter, in reward for farm work to be performed next summer, and sometimes in a year or two.[77] The noble descendant of Rurik[78] gains the benefit of 50 per cent. yearly upon an average on the reduced rate of hire.
Low pay for piece work beats down the workman proper, who has to depend entirely upon his employment. The wages for day-labor may serve as an illustration:
BOARD FURNISHED BY THE EMPLOYER.
| Male. | Female. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum. | Maximum. | Minimum. | Maximum. | |
| In winter | 0.18 | 0.25 | 0.12 | 0.15 |
| In spring and fall | 0.25 | 0.35 | .. | .. |
| In summer | 0.35 | 0.70 | 0.20 | 0.45 |