CONDITIONS AFFECTING INDUSTRIAL LIFE 291 



of thriftlessness and inefficiency, and freedom for many 

 hours a day from all demands of labor is not necessarily 

 conducive to better living. 



We wonder at statements made by competent authorities 

 that four millions of people in this country are dependent 

 upon charity, public or private, and that ten millions more 

 are underfed and handicapped in life because of the condi- 

 tions under which they live. Much can be done to remedy 

 these conditions by means of public enlightenment and 

 far-reaching economic legislation. The individual himself, 

 however, is always responsible for making the most of all 

 opportunities for self -betterment, and for avoiding whatever 

 wastes his time, means, and health 1 . 



x The following are the "Financial Life Records" of one hundred average 

 men who at twenty-five are healthy, vigorous, of good mental and physical 

 capacity, and without means of support other than their own ability and 

 efforts, as shown in data compiled and published by the Savings Bank Sec- 

 tion of the American Bankers Association: 



At the age of 25 35 45 55 65 75 



IOO IOO IOO IOO IOO IOO 



Of the sixty-three dead at seventy-five years of age, sixty left no estate 

 (property of value sufficient for matter of record). Those listed as not self- 

 supporting were more or less dependent upon children, relatives, or charity. 



Records of Surrogate's Courts show that for every 100 men who die the 

 estates of three are $10,000 or above; of fifteen are from $2,000 to $10,000; of 

 eighty-two are of no considerable value. Of every 100 widows eighteen are 

 left in comfortable circumstances; forty-seven are obliged to go out to work 

 for a living; and thirty-five are left dependent, or in want. 



In 1914 in the United States there was spent for tobacco 520 millions of 

 dollars, and for alcoholic beverages 1720 millions of dollars. 



