PREFACE Governmental regulation of rates of wages is a topic of increasing importance. There is a great deal of literature on the subject, much of which is rather bewildering to the student. An attempt has been made here to give a fairly complete historical résumé, and the logical deductions arising therefrom with full references to authorities. Acknowledgments are due to the kindly and valuable counsel given by Professors William A. Schaper, Jeremiah S. Young and Cephas D. Allin, of the Department of Political Science in the University of Minnesota. TABLE OF CONTENTS Bibliography Laws Cited Cases Cited Chapter I. Historical Development of Public Regulation of the Rate of Wages..... In England In Australasia In the United States. Chapter II. The Constitutional Aspect of Minimum Wage Legislation in the United States. The Police Power.. Health and Safety Morals .... Protection against Oppression The Police Power and the Fourteenth Amendment.. Class Legislation Delegation of Legislative Power to the Commission.... Chapter III. The Test of Experience.. Practicability Effects on Industry 9 II 12 13 14 19 21 23 23 24 31 35 35 36 38 40 43 46 46 47 49 53 56 Effects on Wages Effects on Efficiency and on Industrial Peace.. Chapter IV. A Résumé.... Appendix. An Analysis of Modern Minimum Wage Legislation. Foreign Legislation. New Zealand: The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitra tion Act. 1894-1901... New South Wales Victoria: Special Boards Act, 1896. Great Britain: Trade Boards Act, 1909.. Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act, 1912... 57 ୫ ୪୪୫୫୫ |