Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1885-08-20
The Management of Hired Men.

In my experience in farm management,
have devoted much thought and study in
trying to discover way to procure reliable
help when needed without giving for COM
pensation all the profits of the farm. In
looking at the question from both sides
from the side of the farmer himself and from
the side of the hired man-it must be adj
mitted that both parties are deserving of
censure, that both the boss and his hired
man are often wrong. In other words,
farmers and their hired men work too often
against rather than for each others interests.
The best management of large farms de-
mands that men shall be employed as
laborers. Ny experience leads me to be-
lieve that in the management of these labor
ers depends largely the question Of profit
and loss on the farm.
Ordinarily farmers demand too much Of
their hired men for the wages paid. The
bright, wide awake farm hand will object to
working from sun to sun for a low compen-
sation, that does not compare favorably
with the amount of work performed, and es-
pecially so when his general treatment is
harsh and unkind. am inclined to argue
this question in defence of the hired man.
not only because know that the average
farm hand has rather a hard lot in life and
perhaps deserves sympathy because of his
unfortunate capacity, but because believe
it is policy for ever, farmer employing la
5orers 10 ,rea, them as men and not slaves.
II is true tina, too many Of the hired men Of
our country are lacking in moral principle
and good Judgment, yet admitting this it is
the poorest policy to treat them unkindly.
| despise he man who. having occasion to
employ man TO assist him in his farm
work. feels so much superior 10 his SER
want as to consider anything good enough
for the hired man, while he himself is en-
titled to the best the farm can afford. Such
a farmer does not know enough TO succeed
even # he deserved success. He is lacking
in thu upper elements and would not make
even good hired man because of his
incapacity.
1t may be laid down as rule that the
farmer who is constantly having trouble
with his hired help is unsuccessful in busi-
ness as compared with his nelghbor who is
liked ny the laborng community. or at least
BY those who work for him. The larger
part Of the trouble which the farmers have
with their hired men is the fault Of them
selves.
Farmers, YOU will find by practice that it
j. not only agreeable but that j; is policy TO
keep on the riEt, side Of your hired man.
Treat him well SO long as he is in yeur en-
ploy and if he does not deserve good treat
ment. or respond to it, 10 not keep him. y
good hired nan vii. appreciate good usage
ana kind favors ana pay for them by the
extra amount and better quality Of his
services. The same good hired man VIII
resent abuse The man who will allow
himself 10 be treated like brute i prob
ably deserving Of such treatment. It j.
courtesy 10 treat all men deoen'iy 10 the
case ofyoor hired man. it is also policy and
economy. II your man works faithfully and
well in your behalf try to appreciate it. BE
liberal With him, no; only at the table, but
give him occasionally spare day for amuse-
meni aud recreation Any intelligent hired
man Will work harder and perform his
labor better when he feels that his employers
appreciate vel doins.-Nec England
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