If he voluntarily lives the life of selfdenial in this country that he compulsorily lived in his native land his outlay in money will remain about the same. Even then he will hardly be able to escape gaining something from the superior quality of the good things of life in America. Living Is cheap to the wageworker in Europe only because he does without what In America soon becomes a necessity to himfood In good quantity and quality. presentable clothes among hs aspiring fellow countrymen and their families. and a comfortably furnished home in quarters responding to his awakened desires and freer life. * * * Fine wool and silk stuffs. furs. laces. and kid gloves cost less abroad than in the United States. a fact. however. which bears as lightly in an Inquiry into the conditions of the masses as does the tariff on the masterpieces of art. * * * The main conclusion as to housing is the same as that relating to food : If the immigrant to this country is willing to continue living here at the same level he was obliged to accept In his native land. he can find it for the same money. So far as we have data. the same phenomena of high prices were in evidence in earlier times in the most progressive and civilized countries. In those days increased resources were partly obtained by the spoils of conquered provinces. which in a measure supplied the increased wealth afforded by the industrial and commercial progress of modern times.
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immigrant