Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1898-04-03

and Sc. 9ot. IS in deposits for rejected ap'
plicants; and sS,1e0.65 credited on en-
dowment fund.
Mr.. DoIge's theory has been that II
EMPLOYERS would set aside each year an
amount equal to only one per cent. OF
their wage rolls, it would more than
pay the entire expenses of pension
system. His experience has more than
verified this belief. Since 1874. inclusive,
this one per cent. plan has resulted IN
total distribution TO pension account
Gncluding interest atsix per cent. com
pounded each Year, of $34,024.4S. Only
SIP, 1856 has been paid out; so that
tie interest on the surplus now almost
covers the annual pensions payments.
During 1897, pension payments amount
ed to $1,495; interest on surplus fund.-
$1,229.06.
This experiment of Mr.. DoIge's has a
vital bearing ON the labor problem to-
day. There ought to bea national sys-
tenn of insurance against disability and
old age, automatic in its operation, and
Mr.. Dodge has demonstrated that the
thing is feasible without imposing anv
appreciate burden upon employers.
Already manufacturers pay i've to ten
per cent. for wear and tear of plant,
etc. Applying to all alike, competitors
would remain in the same situation to-
ward each other as before; and on the
nottingham side the benefits OF
such pensions would not be lost by
mere change of employment. Mr..
Dolge's method is free from the pater-
nalistic features Of the German system;
it simply makes pensions part of the
wages system. It in no way lessons
personal independence or discourages
thrift; on the contrary, the knowledge
that old age is provided for increases
a mans sense of freedom, and enables
him to direct his thrift and saving to
more immediate and benefcent pur-
poses, like home building or education
of his children. This system simply re-
moves the dreadful bugbear of possible
helplessness in emergency, and of old
age pauperism. What this would mean
to our millions of wage-earners, who
are unable to insure themselves except
by severe stinting all through the years
when their need Of money is greatest,
can well be imagined.
Mr.. Dodge firmly believes in the ma
tionalization of such system. In his
annual address to his employees, two
years ago, ne said:
"Yhe Endorsements which I have re-
ceived encourage me in the belief that
eventually this idea, which has been
born and practically demonstrated here
in Dolgeyille, will greatly assist in clos
ing the chasm which now exists be-
tween capital and labor, and, as soon
as we accomplish that, we will be the
foremost nation of the world indus
trially, commercially and politically"
This system ought to be taken up,
studied and pushed by labor unions,
the press, public men and political par
ties. Worl1ingmen everywhere are dis
contented and believe their cause is
opposed by capital and neglected by
the public. Unless this impression is
changed we may have an industrial
revolution. To take up and carry
through labor insurance and pension
system is one way of showing that So
eiety has genuine interest in the labor
problem and in its just and liberal So
luton. Here, then. is live issue an
ready for the political party that is wise
enough to take itup.
II HAYES ROBBINS.