PREFACE WE are not likely to deal with wages questions in the best way if we have no grasp of the general theory of the subject. If we are groping in the dark we shall not estimate aright the probable amount of effects from given causes, perhaps not even their direction. The matter deserves attention even from the general public, for few are unconcerned with it directly or indirectly. To diminish the haziness of view which is the dominant characteristic of discussions concerning wages a closer study of the topic than is generally vouchsafed is required. Perhaps the most striking contemporary instance of this necessity is the controversy on the Eight Hours' Question. But many smaller problems are constantly 102098 |