There are still other modifications of the principle, some of which are more distinctively co-operative. One of these has been very successfully tried for several years by the N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Company, of St. Louis, of which a brief account may be of interest. Their experience has been very significant. For eight years after paying annually six per cent dividends to the invested capital, they divided an average of eight per cent dividends on wages also. Employees are also allowed to become shareholders in the company. During the financial depression of the summer of 1893, the employees willingly worked full time on three-quarters pay, for the double purpose of husbanding resources and joining in the probable loss of that exceptional year. The amount deducted from wages was to be made up out of future profits, and the capital shares, in any finally ascertained loss, in the same ratio as the wages. This is genuine co-operation, but theorists will please note that the legitimate competitive element is still present in the relations of the company with neighboring companies in the same line of production. Under such a plan employees become real partners, and their interest in the success of the company is greatly deepened.

Another plan, sometimes practicable, is to impartially merge a business into a stock company and allow employees to acquire shares at a normal valuation.

We advise all large employers, whether or not subject to "labor troubles," to thoroughly test some one of these devices for a consolidation of interests. They are in full accord with both social and economic law and promise well. PROFIT SHARING embodies the spirit that will furnish the key to labor problems.

Its denunciation by niggardly and short-sighted employers, on one hand, or selfish professional agitators on the other, cannot shake it, for it is founded on justice and humanity. Unselfishness should be the motive of the

employer, but even from the lower stand-point to share profits is to increase them.

The employer should take a deep interest in the dissemination of correct principles in morals, temperance, and hygiene among his workmen, and by his influence and aid further all practical movements for their improvement. Opportunities for this vary much in different places and conditions, but there is room for a great and general advance in these particulars. Large employers whose establishments are in small factory towns, have it especially in their power to accomplish much for the good of their help, without any sacrifice of independence on the part of the workmen. Perhaps the most notable experiment of this kind that has been tried in the United States is in the town of Pullman, near Chicago. As the Pullman Company owned the land from the start, they were able to exercise more perfect control than would often be possible; but still, their plan might be approximated in many cases, and with great benefit. Though several thousand men are employed, no places for the sale of liquors are allowed. This alone secures, in general, a superior class of workmen. The houses for the occupation of the employees are built with careful regard for sanitary excellence, and in addition, are models in their tasteful and modest architectural effect. The water, gas, and sewer systems are of the most approved kind, and owned by the company. A public library, schools, churches, and a suitable place of amusement, receive such aid and oversight from the company as will insure their maintenance and efficiency. The rentals of the workmen's homes are moderate, being only sufficient to pay a fair interest on their cost, and other facilities are furnished for economy and comfort in living. While the workmen pay for everything they have, thus preserving their independence, they are able to get the best at low rates. The Pullman experiment has been very successful, and is worthy of imitation.

Many employers mistake their own interests, and add to their difficulties, by an unnecessary severity toward their employees, and the exercise of an overbearing and tyrannical temper. Such a spirit is a formidable obstacle to

success.

What are known as "lock-outs" are sometimes resorted to, to force concessions from employees. They are unnatural, and in many cases cruel in their effects; and, except in rare instances to counteract wholesale dictation, they are reprehensible. When used for the purpose of artificially putting down the price of labor, they are to be condemned from a moral point of view; and they also bring their own legitimate punishment, as a violation of Natural Law. Any kind of combination among employers, having in view a compulsory reduction of wages, or harder conditions, is unwise, because it arouses an antagonistic spirit among employees, and is unprofitable also in its after effects. Only in exceptional cases, to resist wholesale tyranny on the part of labor unions, on the principle of combating one evil with another, can there be any excuse for combinations among employers.

What is called black-listing is also a weapon that should be used with extreme care, if at all, because it is very liable to abuse. If it were always confined to bad employees, so proved, it might have redeeming, and perhaps wholesome features. It is, however, so often employed to gratify personal prejudice, that its legitimate use is extremely restricted.

The natural elements tending powerfully towards success to an employer of labor are the development of an esprit de corps among his help, and the secure possession of their respect and good-will. An ideal establishment is one where employer and employee are each proud of their connection with the other. Such a combination means the highest wages, and at the same time the best and most economical production.

EMPLOYEES: THEIR OBLIGATIONS AND

PRIVILEGES.

"No man is born into the world whose work
Is not born with him. There is always work,
And tools to work withal, for those who will;
And blessed are the horny hands of toil."

JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL.

"The brave man carves out his fortune, and every man is the son of his own works."

CERVANTES.

"The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion."

BURKE.

"Be satisfied with success in even the smallest matter, and think that even such a result is no trifle."

MARCUS AURELIUS.

"Never esteem anything as of advantage to thee that shall make thee break thy word or lose thy self-respect."

IBID.

แ

"Men my brothers, men the workers, ever reaping something new.'

TENNYSON.

"The sleep of a laboring man is sweet."

ECCLESIASTES.