the American laborer had to pay more for the articles entering into his real wages; and to that extent lost the advantage of his higher reward in this country. This is to be seen in the following figures,373 which show, in percentages, whether prices are higher or lower here than in England:
| Classes of Articles. | Higher Percent. | Lower Percent. |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 16 | |
| Provisions, including meat, eggs, butter, and potatoes | 23 | |
| Dry goods (all grades) | 13 | |
| Boots, shoes, and slippers | 62 | |
| Clothing | 45 |
And yet, in spite of the high prices, 31 per cent of the Massachusetts workman's expenditure represents more comfort and better home surroundings than is enjoyed by the English workman. If the American could purchase at English prices, he would have no less than 37 per cent of a surplus for additional enjoyments (after making due allowance for the higher rents paid here than in England). In other words, higher prices cut off the American laborer from reaping all the superiority in comfort which might be expected from knowing that he had an advantage over the English laborer of 77 per cent in the money wages