Introduction.

In treating the various industries comparative statements have been given where possible, that ready reference might be made to conditions of the year reported as compared with preceding years.

The report will show the conditions in the main a subject of congratulation; almost every industry reporting improved conditions.

The labor organizations report few idle, and there seems to have been during the year an unusual demand for labor.

When this Bureau was first formed there was a prejudice among many against responding to the queries in the schedules sent out to collate the statistical information needed. By many it was regarded as an unjust inquisition into their private affairs, but experience has shown that, in addition to the fact that such statistical information is needed to meet modern business and social problems, the returns made have been held sacred and confidential, as required by law, and the Bureau has been steadily growing in public favor regardless of class or calling.

The influence of reliable industrial statistics can not be overestimated, and America leads the world in their compilation. Hon. Carroll D. Wright, Commissioner of Labor of the United States, said in a recent report that he was told by a distinguished member of the British Parliament that it was his custom, whenever a question arose concerning labor or trade, to fortify himself with American authorities and make his case from them, as they were most to be depended on and most reliable. The universities throughout this and foreign countries are constantly applying for former reports, the editions of which have been exhausted. The data from these reports is used in the classes of political economy, thus giving the Commonwealth an advertisement well worth consideration.

The work of this Bureau will also be of immense service to the General Assembly as a reference of authority in shaping legislation.

The Bureau has been always hampered in its work by the smallness of the appropriation made it, but has eked the small appropriation with the best judgment at its command.

The figures show a steady and healthy growth in all of the industries of the State, as will be seen by reference to the accompanying tables, which affords a source of congratulation to the people of Virginia.

ARTIFICIAL ICE.

This industry has developed to meet the demands made on it. Fourteen firms reporting, as against nine in 1899.

Two establishments report an increase in wages of 10 per cent., while the wages of the remainder were without change.

The hours of daily labor vary from 8 to 12.

The average number of days worked by the various plants for the year was 227.