152
In the same manner the cost of English looms is also lessthan those of the Continent; though comparisons are here moredifficult than in spinning, because the width and the variation ofthe goods to be produced have a great influence on the cost ofthe weaving as well as main-power machinery. Thus, for instance,before the Enqucte Commission the particulars regarding the costof a shed per loom varied between 666 marks (printers’ calico)and 1,500 marks (plain twill arid fancy calico). In England theestablishment costs per power-loom go down to 350 marks andless. In Burnley the average cost per power-loom for buildingsand engine amounts to £13; for the other machinery from £5 to£6 ; together, therefore, £18 to £19.
Advantages similar to those in the establishment costsare pos-sessed by England in the matter uf the working costs of the cottonindustry. The same applies, according to the usual division, tointerest, cost of raw materials, wages, and the so-called generalexpenses. To these the profits are to be added, which must beincluded in the selling prices quite as much as the amounts justmentioned. Here also the same thing applies as above for theestablishment costs. Also 1 the expenses of working have beenreduced, for the whole of the heads mentioned, in the course of thecentury, not however to the same extent, but rather more in thedegree that, the moment Nature retreats from Labour and Capital,in the same degree grows the superiority of England above itscompetitors.
In the first instance the so-called general expenses of workingcome into consideration. England has also here an advantage asfar as it concerns products of centralised industry, which areproduced dearer on the Continent and are subject in many casesto duties—oil, tallow', sizing ingredients, cards, bobbins, papertubes, shuttles, tying-up cord, etc. On the whole, however, theadvantage-of England in this respect is comparatively the least;for instance, the cheaper price of coal is connected with a muchgreater waste in burning materials (6).
■ With respect to the raw material there is also a permanentcheapening to be observed—one reason being in consequence ofthe increased planting of cotton and the growdng competition ofthe producing countries. But chiefly is it to be ascribed to the
6. Compare Jannasch, p. 36.