19 MAY 1894, Page 19

PROFITS OF COAL PITS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE "

SPECTATOR:]

SIR,—In your very kindly notice, in the Spectator of May 5th, of my artiae in the Nineteenth Century, you say, "If a minimum wage can be paid in order to introduce profit- sharing, why is it impossible without the latter device ? " Permit me to point out that I suggest a minimum daily wage, and I define it (p. 812) as "such a daily wage as could be paid under the most depressed condition of trade."

The minimum wage demanded by the agitators for the men is one calculated so as to yield weekly earnings which they consider adequate, even though the pits only work for three days in the week. I think this explanation will satisfy you that I am not guilty of any inconsistency.—I am, Sir, &c.,