The Washington times., 1914-01-03
COAL PASSERS WERE
ALWAYS CHANGING

i
in our boiler room the condition
was even more pronounced. There
We had two men known as coal
passers, each working twelve
hours. They were to fire the boil
ers, clean out and wheel away the
ashes. This was very hot. labori-
Gus work and, although we paid
good wages, almost every week we
were compelled to get a new man
for the job. When we EMPLOYED
three men, each for eight hours,
we had no more trouble. The men
were satisfied with their work and
remained with US as good. loyal
wOrkmen who were contented and
pleased with their condition.
In our plant We have adopted
shorter hours all through. In the
office, even, We have at least one
hour shorter work day than most
manufacturing plants, and in addi-
ton close the office on Saturdays
at 3 p. m. the year round.
Therefore, l feel that from our
experience, although we pay our
men the same wage for eight hours
work that We formerly paid for
twelve, and in few instances have
found 1t necessary to employ extra
men. 1 feel sure that in the quality
of output and steadiness of rum
been a profitable investment to our
firm.
Looking at the eight-hour dav
from the standpoint of the men
themselves, there are, we might say,
three points to consider-their health,
their happiness and their morals.
In the first two of these | feel alb
Soldtely sure they gain. In the third
however, ! have been compelled to
defend our position on a number of
occasions, having frequently been
asked: How do men spend their lei
sure hours? Do they go home to
their families to take their children
out for a walk or to help around
the home, or work in the flower
garden or yard. or to read and, study.
or do they go to the saloon p play
cards and spend their money?
Frankly. | do not know. The older
men. | feel sure. do gain by the short
day in health, happiness and NOR
ais. Eut as to the young men l must
admit the question is not so easy to
answer. Realizing the seriousness
to these young men Of the proper
use of tIeiT leisure hours. We pro-
vided a recreation room. with good
reading matter, pianOla, BLIZZARD table
and other games, and they very
often come before the work hour. or
linger after to enjoy these pleasures.
lin conclusion, 1t muSt be con-
Ceded. however, that IL an, one is
ambitious and wishes TO make a real
success of his life he will not con-
fine himself to working only eight
hours. As we look arounI US at
the men of affairs who have made
"a place" for themselves. they,
without exception, in their early
lives worked much more than eight
hours per day. or ten hOuUs either.
and probably do still.
But all men are not alike. and all
have not the same talents or ambi-
tiOns, therefore. ] feel sure that
the time is not far d!Stans when
every CITY and town will have con
tinuation schools, where not only
boys and girls, but young men and
young women can carry on. under
competent instruction. various kinds
Of work or play to brOadel and de
Velop their character, and where
they will be fitted to- go into higher
positions OF responsibility and use
fulness.
Thus I feel that as employers it
is our duty. by establishing shorter
hours. to give the opportunity and
then it will he the duty OF the pub
lie to provide such facilities that
this spare time shall he used for
the betterment and uplift of all Of
our people