, 1885-03-07

aAaAN
Paris is the city of new things in science,
social economies and fashions. One OF Its re-
cent novelties Is an experiment by several CO.
operative trades unions which will DO of in
terest the world over. The municipal council
of Paris contracts directly with the unions
for the various public works Of the city. A
certain wealthy Frenchman, NJ. Rnmpal, had
long believed that mechanics trades unions
might be actually turned into great co-opera-
tive stock companies. thus becoming at once
employer and employed. But there were
difficulties in the way Of starting. Want OF
means was the greatest. NJ Rampal deter
mined to at least let them have money
to try the experiment after he was dead
A short time ago, accordingly, he took leave
Of this world in proper French style, and
made by will a gift Of his whole fortune to
the city of Paris. The fortune was to be
loaned at interest to the trades unions, to
turn them into vast cooperative companies,
and enable them to transact business on their
own account. The municipal council Lie not
want the bother Of the thing; besides, they
did not believe in the scheme anyhow. But
these were the conditions Of the will-no ex-
pertinent, no gift-and they were obliged TO
comply. A committee Of the council was APP
pointed 10 take charge Of the funds and carry
out the testator's instructions.
aAAAA1f AhA VII ~ ~ Aas
were lent to nine different mechanics trades
union associations. Among them were
societies Of carpenters, stone-cutters, painters
and plumbers. With this money the organ
izations were able to give security in getting
contracts, also 70 buy their material for cash.
The money WIS loaned at three per cent.
interest
A reportsof the experimenting committee
has recently been made public. From this
trades unions everywhere may judge what
they can or cannot do II they have a fair
chance. The first society, an association Of
carpenters, received a loan of $4,000. Since
that time its capital has increased nearly
1900, and now amount to about $50, 900,
II is in a very prosperous condition. So Is
society No. :, which received a loan OF like
amount Its present capital Is now over
$4,000, showing likewise an increase OF nearly
1900 since the mopey was borrowed The
second society used fhe money to get supplies
for cash. By 50 doing IL was able 20 get a
discount of credit prices OF nine per cent. n
year, thus being an actuul gamer Of six per
cent. through borrowing
In two associations out Of the nine the re-
suit was disastrous, and through the failure
OF these two the. fund has lost 81 400. But on
the other hand, the other seven societies nave
met all their obligations, and realized a profit
for themselves amounting altogether to about
$4,000. Among average capitalists who
start in business, II no more than two out Of
every nine make a failure 1t may be consid-
cred that they do well.
The conclusion is plain enough. Why
should not trades unions enlarge at once
their scope and their ideas, themselves take
contracts on the cooperative system and be-
come employers, and settle the question as be-
tween capital and laborl The stupidity and
greed Of average human nature Is perhaps
the only reason. In Paris 1t has been found
that the work done by these cooperative
trades unions is OF excellent quality-better
than that turned out by private contractors.