The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-25
PIutocratic PaternnIi.m.

An article by Victor H. olmsted or
The Betterment of Industrial Conditions
has just been published by the Department,
| of Labor. The author sums up the va
rious measures for the improvement of the
condition of workingmen as follows:
'1.-Club organizations in which employees are
handed together for social. educational recrea.
tive and other purposes incident TO such associz-
| tions.
''2.-The encouragement of physical culture by
means of glmnasiuans. calisthcnics, baseball, BIZ
| cycle, and similar clubs.
| ''3-rbe improvement OF intellectual conditions
by OF free lectures, Libraries. kindergarten
| and educational classes.
1.-The increasing OF industrial efficiency
| through industrial schools and manual training
| classes
OF Sunday schools and general religious work.
''6.-Tne cultivation Of musical taste and ability
by means of concerts and musical entertainments
for employees, and the encouragement oi musical
clubs and organizations among them.
THE promotion of improved social condi-
iors by means OF social gatherings, summer out
ings, meeting places, and game rooms for TN
pioyts, banquets, dances. etc.
''s-The shariTE OF profits with employees
"s-The promotion of employees PERSONAL inter-
est in the successful conduct Of the busineS, by
encouraging; and assisting them 10 purchase shares
IN il, thus, in effect, taking them into partner
ship.
.'le-The Improvements Of domestic conditions
BY means vi improved dwellings, instruction in
sewing, cooking and housekeeping, and in land
scape ard kitchen gardening and the exterior and
interior decoration Of homes
..l1.--The care for employees health and COM
fort Icy means OF bathing facilities, dining and
lunch rooms, the furnishing Of hot lunches TO
female employees. and BY improved sanitary
.truc,ion and appliances.
''l2.-1hc care OF sick and disabled employees
aud their families BY means OF nee insurance, free
medical attendance, hospital facilities, and by
the encouragement Of beneficial organizations.
.'13.--The cultivation Of thrift through savings
hank facilities building associations, or proyident
organizations, and By the giving Of prizes for val
liable suggestions 0. employees ami rewards for
faithful service OF the manifestation Of zeal and
interest in their employment.
little rendering Of financial aid to employees
in eases of hardship or distress"
This is truly an edifying list of coed
deeds. but there are some things in 1t
which set one thinking. If employers do
all these things 1t is surely a proof of
good feeling and conscientiousness on their
part, but there is another side to the
matter.
Here we have among the duties of en-
ployers. not only the providing of proper
quarters for their employees to work in.
which is certainly their business-the
profit sharing system-which may OF may
not be their business. and which. 1t may
be stated on general principles. Is good
only SO long as it is profitable to 10th
parties-but the care of sick and disabled
employees and their families. and the es-
tablishment of industrial schools. clubs.
savings banks, and Sunday schools. Now,
the question before the public is: Are