Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1898 — Breadwinners of the United States. [ARTICLE]

Breadwinners of the United States.

In 1870 there were 12,505,923 persons engaged In supporting themselves anti the remainder of the people—that is to say, 82.43 per cent, of the total population were so engaged. In 1880 the number of breadwinners ma 17,329,099, or 34.07 per cent, of the total population. In 1890 this number had risen to 22,735,001, or 30.31 per cent, of the total population. By ’’breadwinners” Is meant all who are engaged either as ■wage earners or salary receivers, or proprietors of whatever grade or description, and all professional peoplfe—in fact, everyone whp was in any way employed in any gainful pursuit. The figures quoted show that the proportion of the total population thus employed is constantly Increasing. Analyzing the statistics, we find some remarkable results, and In general tluU the number engaged In the lowest walks of business, laborers and the like, Is decreasing in proportion, while those employed In the higher walks are increasing In number relatively to the whole population.