A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator,' 3 April I869—The New York Times publishes an account of the expenses of living in New York, which scarcely justifies its claim to be considered the most expensive city in the world. The writer calculates that a mechanic, with his wife and three children, cannot live decently on less than 64s. a week in currency, equivalent at the existing exchange to 42s. a week in gold, which seems high; but then he allows 151b. of meat a week, 2s. 6d. for butter, 9s. for rent, and 7s. for clothing, all in gold. We doubt if a mechanic in London who gave himself equal allowances in those respects could live for much less. It appears also, from a table of prices, that the best meat is 14d. a pound currency, and turkey 10d., cheese 11d., sugar 7d., and butter 2s., from all which one- third must be deducted to reduce the figures to gold. With the partial exception of butter, the prices are little higher than in London. It is stated, however, that mechanics, unless they belong to very limited trades, do not earn the necessary 17 dollars a week, and that distress in New York is very great. Taxation and protection together have doubled prices, while wages have not risen above 60 per cent, and there is less work to do.
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