AMERICAN LABOUR CONDITIONS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I write to suggest that the most important cause of good labour conditions in the United States is their prosperous agriculture, which not only supplies industry with a stream of workers who have been reared in healthy surroundings, but also gives a natural outlet for the energies of the good worker, because cheap land competes against industry for his services.
Our trade unions seek to erect artificial defences against sweatshop conditions ; in America these defences are provided by nature. Until we call more land into common use, the trade union attitude is not, at bottom, unreasonable. Unreason is more likely to be found among those who seek by legislation to compel men to work. The British and Italian Govern- ments have each made a bold demand upon the workman's confidence ; but Italy, to a less degree the British Empire, is faced with a land question which is not so much felt in the United States.
• When we can develop " interchangeability " of labour between England and Canada, wages will find a good level, and restriction of output will become a thing of the past.— I am, Sir, &c., ' E. PEASE. Hindertvell, North Yorkshire.
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