The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-03-25
FINANCE
RUs IN

By b. c. FORBES.
We all want to get more out Oh
life. don't we? We would rather get
along tremendously than have to
quarrel. We would rather be on
friendly than on unfriendly terms
with those we are thrown in contact
with. al,
This applies to employers as well
as to employees.
WHY ia II that the feeling between
the working class and the employing
class IA kindly in certain places ana
bitter in other places?
This week I visited Philadelphia's
great manufacturing district and
nat the members Of the board OF
trade. Here are some of the things
7 was told concerning the relations
between workers and employers
there and the conditions existing
among the people:
The majority OF the homes-
rather humble homes 1t is true they
are-throughout the working class
section are owned outright by the
workers who live in them.
Building and loan associations
abound all through the district and
are patronized to an extent known
hardly anywhere else In America.
The great majority Of the work
eres are stable, dependable, perman-
ent, continuing with the same COM
~
Labor troubles have always been
phenomenally few.
The central meeting place for the
workers, as well as for the board
of trade and for every business or
ganization, is maintained by the en-
blowers. who welcome the holding OF
trade union meetings there and, In
fact, encourage the workers to meet
in the congenial building, provided,
rather than have them seek meeting
places in poolrooms, cafes, or the
| like.
Newspapers, periodicals, books.
games, classes of all kinds, ETC.. are
provided, and the employers take an
active interest in all the proceed
ings.
A community spirit has been de-
veloped among the employers as
| well as among the residents. nearly
all workers employed In the many
neighboring plants. The employers
get together periodically and talk
over, not only business matters. but
activities calculated to enhance the
well-being OF the local population.
Something of the old relationship
| which used to exist between en-
ployer and their people still exists
| in most Of the local business con-
| Germs. Many of the workers, en-
ployed at the same place for many
| years, are known well by their en-
| ployers, and there has been pre-
| served that feeling Of personal. mu-
tual respect which no longer Is COM
mon in most industrial centers
| where the labor turnover is appall-
ing.
Without thought Of flattering. I
can sincerely say that I have rarely
| seen a finer lot of men than those
| / met at an informal midday lunch
con there. Judging by their looks
| would say that the ratio OF hap
piness among these Philadelphia
| business men. mostly industrialists,
| is greater than in most cities. They
lacked that tense. nervous. hard ex-
| preston which Is all too prevalent
| among the executives Of large indus
| trial works today. / did not talk
| with one who did not manifest inter
est in the community and pride in
| the amicable relationships existing
between employers and employed.
Now, il this busy industrial CEN
| ter. comprising such plants as the
| Stetson hat factories and Cramps,
has been able to develop such condi-
tons, why could not the leaders in
| other industrial centers do the
| same? The conditions now existing
have not been attained without eff
| fort, without sincere. sustained eff
| fort on the part of the local employ
| ers. In other words, 1t has cost time
and money and consideration to
build up this spirit of mutually, Of
good will. of community pride. 1t
| didn't just happen" 1t cost
thought and effort to cause 1t to
happen. Ask any Of these Philadel-
phia employers whether the results
have been worth the price paid, and
l feel sure the reply will be Yes"
| AB CIVILIZATION advances, IL ID De-
coming more and more realized by
decent employers that there is not
much fun in running a business
which Is conducted amidst an at
mosphere of ill-will and distrust and
hostility, an atmosphere where an
employer feels impelled to avoid
rather than to rub shoulders with
his work people. Nor does the
humane employer Of today feel
totally indifferent concerning the
living conditions Of his folks. 1t is
becoming recognized that 1t is not
feasible for an employer to be very
happy II he knows that his workers
are unhappy, dissatisfied, bitter.
II any employer wants to- get
more information, 1 would suggest
that he get in touch with the secre-
tary Of the Kensington Board of
| rr~alo It,tl, lnlNhio