Evening star., 1917-09-30
Farmers Mutual
Fire Insurance.

the country, ana nave an opportunity TO
perform still greater service, according
to officials Of the Department of Agri-
culture. Nearly 1000 such companies
exist in the United States and carry q
total amount Of insurance exceeding
IS. .250, 900. 900 on property worth nearly
81, ,00o, 100000. This is moro than two
fifths of the value of all tho insurable
farm property in the forty-eight states.
The saving in the cost Of insurance
to farmers brought about through
these farmers mutual companies is very
large, but definite figures Of the aggre-
gate saving are not available. The
average cost per 800 of insurance for
all the farmers mutuals in 1914. how
ever, was only Is cents. and 1t is esti-
mated that in a number Of states whore
farmers mutual insurance Is most
highly developed the average cost of
insurance for all such companies in the
state has fallen well below one-half the
commercial rates.
So far, it is pointed out by officials
of the department. the efforts of the
farmers mutuals to achieve efficiency
have been directed chiefly to reduo-
ton of expenses Of operation. 1t 10
possible, however, still further to de-
crease the charges to be met by a con-
certed campaign to reduce fires. More
careful inspection should be practiced
and risks should be classified so as to
place a premium on safe construction
and the adequate care OF buildings.
Ono of the important effects which
the success achieved by the farmers
mutual fire insurance companies has
had on country life. in the belief Of
rural organization specialists of the de-
farmers to attempt other cooperative
enterprises
An interesting survival OF apprentice
ship instruction, embodying modern
methods of classroom
Apprenticeship work. is found in the
vocational schools and
Anstluctlon. classes which many in
dustrial and commercial establishments
now maintain within their walls and at
their own expense for the vocational
training of their employees. An exam
ination Of this matter has recently been
made by officials Of the Department Of
Labor. The experts believe that this
form of teaching. intended primarily
for increase of efficiency in some par
ticular line OF work. Is based on correct
principles Of education. and II done well
has general educational value.
Vocational training, as a part of the
great movement for Industrial better
mont. is now widely recognized as an
advantageous measure for both the
worker and the industry. but 1t Is not
many years since such applied educa-
tion was looked upon with disfavor by
employers and employees alike.
One OF the most interesting schools
OF which a study was made was In Bos-
ton. That this pioneer school has sue
ceeded so we'll Is due. in the. opinion Of
those who have looked into 1t. to many
factors. chief among them being the
cooperation of the stores of that city.
This has been gained largely by an en-
deavor to deal fairly with both employ
ers and employees and by the compelling
argument of the increased efficiency of
trained salespeople. Another factor. 1t
is understood. has been the growth in
esprit de corps within the stores them
selves. a sentiment which has been fos-
tered by the training Of sales people to
intelligent service rather than to arbi-
trary obedience to rules. Yet another
is the earnest desire of progressive
the health. happiness. intelligence and
consequent power of their employees.
The subjects included in the course of
study are those which careful analysis
OF the selling problem has revealed as
most needed by sales people in their
daily work. The underlying purpose in
the selection of subjects to be taught
which were outlined by good business
men are as follows: First. to instill a
regard for system and to cultivate
habits of attention to detail: second, to
instruct in subjects which increase
knowledge of the stock to be sold !:
third. to teach tho essentials of the
science of selling. and to develop in
the individual power for self-training !;
fourth. to teach right thinking toward
selling as a profession, to stimulate a
sense of responsibility, and to influence
toward high ideals of thought and ac-
ton.
Although the immediate aim in all the
work is the occupational need, the ulti-
mate aim is personal DEVELOPMENT Of