Section 1. The reasons for seeking separate principles for the settlement of the wages of the lowest paid groups.--Section 2. Wage statistics of these groups a matter of familiar knowledge.--Section 3. The definition of the living wage idea. An inescapable element of indefiniteness contained in it.--Section 4. The living wage principle put in the form of applied policy.--Section 5. Should the living wage principle be applied to male labor? The arguments for and against.--Section 6. The theoretical case for the living wage principle. The verdict of past experience favorable to its extension.--Section 7. The dangers which must be guarded against in applying it.--Section 8. It should be administered through machinery which makes possible careful study of facts of each industry. This machinery discussed.--Section 9. The question of the relation to be established between living wage for men and women difficult. Alternatives considered.--Section 10. A plan for the adjustment of the living wage to price changes. The basis of adjustment.--Section 11. The policy of adjustment--already discussed.--Section 12. The hope of the living wage policy. 1.--In the brief survey earlier in this book of the present industrial situation in the United States, it was concluded that the improvement of the economic position of the lowest paid groups of wage earners was one of the chief objects to be borne in mind when striving to work out a policy of wage settlement for industrial peace. In the following chapters a study was made of the causes of the formation and existence of relatively separate groups of wage earners, and of the forces which determine the level of earnings for the various groups. It was observed that the lowest paid groups of wage earners tended to be separated from the more fortunate groups; they have relatively independent economic fortunes. Two reasons exist, therefore, for giving separate treatment to the question of the principles by which the wages of these least favorably placed groups of wage earners should be settled--as part of the policy of wage settlement for industrial peace. Firstly, because their economic position is a matter of special concern; secondly, because the wage incomes of these groups are determined, in part, by forces which do not affect equally, or in the same way, the wages of the other groups. The living wage principle as put forth in this chapter is the principle suggested for use in the settlement of wages for these least favorably placed groups of workers. It is the second of the measures, intended to form a policy of wage settlement for industrial peace.