On  the  other  hand,  the  families  of  the  tens  of  thou-
sands of  public-utility  employes  have  much  at  slake
upon  the  granting  of  increased  wages.  Their  income
has  not  kept  pace  with  living  costs ;  neither  has  &at
of  the  companies.  In  many  instances,  rate  increases
must  precede  wage  increases.  Furthermore,  milHonsof
persons  ab-solutely  dependent  on  quick,  safe,  efficient
transportation  have  much  at  stake,  conditioned  on
competent  employes  in  adequate  number  and  the  ad^
quate  upkeep  in  safe  operating  condition.  Increases
in  wages  are  in  many  instances  necessary  to  this  end.
