824 



EEPOEI — 1887. 



the home trade as well, of which in another way the increase in the imports of 

 foreign manufactures, already referred to in another connection, is really a sign, as 

 it implies the growth of miscellaneous wants among the consumers. 



The census figures as to occupations tend, I believe, to confirm this ohser- 

 vation as to the special growth of miscellaneous industries, hut the discussion of 

 the figures would require more preparation than 1 have had time for, and perhaps 

 more space than can well be spared. 



As to the growth of incorporeal function.=, which is another fact significant of 

 the supposed change in the direction of the emploj-ments of the people, I propose 

 to appeal to the testimony of the census figures. I need refer on this head only 

 to the paper read some time ago to the Statistical Society by Mr. Booth. Among 

 those classes of population whose numbers in England and Wales in the last ten 

 years have shown a disproportionate growth are the following : — 



Numhers and Percentage of SfIf-siij)j)ortinff Poj)ulaUon employed. 



Following the indication of these figures, whatever qualification they may be 

 subject to, we are apparently justified in saying that an increasing part of the 

 population has been latelj' applied to the creation of incorporeal products. Their 

 employment is industrial all the same. The products are consumed as they are 

 produced, but the production is none the less real. If a nation chooses to produce 

 more largely in this form as it becomes more prosperous, so that there is less 

 development than was formerly the case in what were known as staple industries, 

 it need not be becoming poorer for that reason ; all that is happening is that its 

 wealth and income are taking a different shape. 



It is quite conceivable, then, and is in truth not improbahle, that a check to 

 the former rate of material growth in certain directions may have taken place of 

 late years without any corresponding check to the rate of material growth 

 generally, which would seem to be inconsistent with such facts as the growth of 

 population, diminution of pauperism, increase of houses, and the like. The truth 

 would seem to be that with the growth of staple industries, such as cotton, wool, 

 coal, and iron, up to a point, there being reasons for the remarkably quick develop- 

 ment of each for many years up to 1876, there comes a growth of new wants, the 

 satisfaction of which drafts a portion of the national energy in new directions. 

 Just hecause certain staples developed themselves greatly between 1855 and 1875 

 the time was likely to arrive when they would grow not quite so fast. For the 

 same reason the rapid increase for a certain period in the consumption per head 

 of articles like sugar and tea was likely to be followed by a less rapid increase, 

 the wants of consumers taking a new direction. Probably owing to the more and 

 more miscellaneous character of modern industry, it will become more and more 

 difficult to follow its development by dealinsr with staple articles only, while 

 changes in aggregate values are untrustworthy as indications of real changes 

 owing to changes in prices. Already there seems to he no doubt the staple articles 

 are no longer a sufficient indication. 



A supplementary explanation may be added which helps to explain another 

 difficulty in the matter by which people are puzzled. I can imagine them saying 



