Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-01-02
NEW SCHEME IN THE NEW YEAR

The announcement by the United
States Steel trust of division OF profits
with It's employees, full particulars Of
which have been given In this paper,
has revived the old discussion Of the
subject OF profit-sharing. The PROPOSE
tlon Of the steel corporation Is some
what novel, Employees are to be per-
mitted to subscribe for stock therein
at given figure, to an extent proper
tionate with their annual salaries,
which are graded into several classes.
one condition imposed as to their ac-
tual ownership and possession Of stock,
is continuous service to the company
for i've years; II they voluntarily leave
its employment before that time
though they share in the dividends de-
clared while they remain, they viii not
receive the stock certificates
The purpose of the arrangement
which is somewhat elaborate but clear
enough on close examination, is eyi'
IDENTIFY to secure stable work and pre-.
vent strikes. II the scheme succeeds 1t
win not only give added interest to
workmen In serving the company, but
strengthen the confidence OF all inves-
tors in the combine. Every laborer will
naturally strive to do his best for
concern the success OF which will be to
his own profit, and heavy stockholders
will feel security In the assurance mat
labor troubles will not be likely to dis
turb the business.
The plan proposed seems TO be well
tiigested. Its workings viii be watched
by all large industrial companies A
real union of interests between capital
and labor Is the one thing needful In
the business world Anything that will
promote that union must prove bene-
fetal. While there is violent antagon-
ism between the two elements that
ought to fraternize, there win be dig
order. distrust and friction that must
be disastrous to both,
Investment by employees In the capl-
tai used in the business carried on
gives fair opportunity to share In its
profits. The endeayors that have been
made In the past 10 share the net IN
come of an enterprise with the workers,
have not been generally successful. II
looks to a reasonable mind that those
who share In the profits Of any ven
ture, should also share In its losses II 1t
does not pay. That kind of interest IN
any concern does not strike the average
workingman us very attractive But
why should one years profits be shared
by the employe, and the next years
losses, II any, fall solely on the em-
ployer2
Projects OF this kind should be viewed
from all sides before steps are taken
10 carry them into effect, The princl-
pies OF Justice and equity should be up
held in all Of them, even IL sentiment
does not enter into the business. But
before that harmony of effort prevails
that is desirable between employers and
employees, there must BE- common IN
terest Chat win draw them together
ana stimulate both for mutual benefit
After all, It will be found that some
thing more is needed than settlement
of the mere questions Of fair wages and
reasonable hours for work. the hearts
of both classes must be touched with
that feeling Of humanity that makes
all mankind akin and inspires the soul
TO know and do what Is right The
plan proposed by the great Steel com
bine looks like step In much needed
direction, and the new year opens with
a bright prospect for that corporation,
which may prove a light to the whole
business world that VIII lead towards
"a consummation most deyoutly to be
wished.