New Britain herald., 1919-07-15
PATERSON EMPLOYER HAS HIS OWN SYSTEM
Other Manufacturers Anxious to
 Learn His Ways

3 pile of letters from manufacturers all over the United States. hundreds or them, all asking him for inforna- tion as to the success of the "indus- trial democracy plan in operation in his silk mill in Paterson, N. J.. B. Ed mund David explained in .,his office here today the advantages of the sys- tenn and the difficulties of installing IL in the average factory.
 There is no doubt" said Mir. Da- vld, that tho plan, which is based upon the idea of constitutional gov ernment, creates a better basis of understanding between management and worker than is possible under the old system.
 Tt is the means of settling every question of wages, hours, and work ing conditions that may arise and, through the constant, close, personal contact between employer and em- ploye, facilitates such settlements to a considerable degree. It tends 10 the elimination of wasteful methods and nlinimizes friction. It stimulates the workers interest in his work and, best of all, it puts the human touch into the relations between employer and employe, the one thing more es- sential to industrial peace than all others com l0ined.
 T have never known of an indus trial subject that appealed to popular imagination so much as this does. This idea will spread because every manufacturer who is alive to the times is looking for some system that will ease up a situation that has rapidly been growing from bad to oT and labor. But let no one think the plan is easy or that it is one-sided. It is purely a. give and take and a live and let live idea.
 If a manufacturer goes into it ex- pecting to make it pay financially or if he expects immediate returns he will be disappointed. Such an at- titude would foredoom him to fail ure. We have discovered that it is a slow process of education for both sides-rnanagers and workers.
 Tract, diplomacy, ingenuity and a
 desire to see absolute justice done are requisites for the success of de mocracy in industry Problems are constantly arising that require gen. tie handling, chiefly because of mis- understanding It virtually uncovers all of the elements that make for pos sible dissatisfa ction and thus be- comes kind of safety valve so that, instead of workers nursing grudges or grievances they come to the light to be rem ,died or rem loved
 Tt is an expensive undertaking if one merely regards it from the stand point of dollars and cents It means that the firm adopting it is bound to pay tho top notch wages for that in J ,,1 a superintendent of personnel and that the aspirations and desires of your workers must receive as con- stant attention as the production of your plant. Meetings of workers, on the company's time, cost money, too. The workers in my Paterson mill are now the most contented lot I ever had.
 The governme ment of the mill, as now in operation, is practically along the lines of the government of the United States and rests with three bodies chosen by the company executive, the foreman and the workers and known as the cabinet, the senate and the house of representatives" continued Mr. David.
 TWO strong features of the system are a very active committee called the committee on suggestions, ap- l pointed by the house. and a board of appeals. The latter l was formulated under a resolution which provides that complaints and matters of dispute shall be referred to the board of appeals, composed of 1 the presidents and five other mem bers ! of the senate and house. If the de- 1 cision is unsatisfactory to either side 1 appeal may be taken to the cabinet 1 which consists of the executive off, 1 cers of the company.
 Prizes are offered for suggestions ! for the betterment of the service or 1 benefit of the workers or the com 1; pany and from ten to twenty-five sug- l gestions are received weekly. Fifty 1 per cent of them receive awards. Thus l industrial dem ocracy is utilizing the l brains of the employe."
 MT. David expressed the hope that, 1 if it were conclusively proved that l the plan is feasible. it's adoption should be promoted by congressional 1 or government recognition.