New-York tribune., 1922-12-29
EmployeesTake
Up $i,OOO,OOO
Dix Business
''Bunch of Two-YearOlds,
That's U.s. New Manager
Ayers; Calls Ex-Owner
"One Man in a Billion"
Trade Reaction Divided
Founder Of Firm Credits
Move to Dead Wife; Sal'
ary Now so Cents a Year

A breathless and perplexed group Of
employees occupied the ofiees Of the
H. A. Dix Corporation. 100 West Four
teenth Street, yesterday. They were
all trying 70 get used 70 the idea Of
potential wealth suddenly thrust upon
them In the shape Of n 100000 a year
business TO own and run by them
selves.
Tho whirl OF excitement took In
every one from the junior stcnoRra-
phor, who was telephoninR all her
friends and cxhausting her stock Of
Adjectives, 20 Fred y. Frank, secretary
and general manager Of the nov corpV-
ration. Mr. Dix, a benign, white
haired figure Of scvcnty-three, and his
son Marx, who Is ronouneing large
profits AZ forty-four. moved among
them. visihly pleased with the effect
their Christmas gift had on their en-
ployees. They will stay with the COM
pany at n nominal salary Of 90 cents
4 year. Their combined yearly salaries
for some time past have amounted TO
100000.
Imagine a bunch Of children two
years Old having a birthday party
that's US" said Mr.. Frank. speaking
Tor himself and the rest Of the STAFF.
we think Mr. Dix one man In a bill
lion and We ought 20 know for we're
an old timers with this firm. This plan
Of his is really the fulhllment Of an
ideal. II u we're taken up by more
business men we would come nearer 20
having real democracy
"speakinR for all OF US ] know that
the policies and principles Of this frm
will be exactly as before. We boys
feel even more responsible than we
aid In the past because We have got
20 sec that this plan works out sue
cessfully. We are determined that II
shall succeed
There were mixed reactions In the
trade world 20 Mr. DiNR altruism.
some business friends and rivals called
up or visited him 90 convey their good
wishes, others we're frankly pessimis-
lie over the outlook. Mr. Dix, however,
is serene IN his assurance, denying he
is n Socialist or chat his action has
any political significance.
He gives much Of the credit 20 his
wife. who died three years ago. She
wanted him 10 get rid Of his money
while he lived, instead Of leaving bene-
factions In his will II was In this
spirit that she made him open up a
hospital In Millville, y. j., the small
town where his house dress and uni
form business had its beginning.
He was well-to-do when he came
from Russia, az the age Of forty-two.
over there he had a thriving drygoods
business. When he settled in Mill
willie he got n small family OF twelve
mill hands around him, and as they
worked together on uniforms his wife
would bring them all tea and arrange
little birthday parties and surprises.
His business grew, and soon he put
trademark on his uniforms. Then
be was forced 10 expand his quarters,
and in 1907 he moved here. he has
factories now In Millvihe. Nineland
and Somerville, n. j. or the 400 EN-
ployees who will become part owners
In the business the great majority are
women.
Mr. Dix made IL clear he is not Civ
ing the hrm away. He IL selling Il %
his employees on easy terms. Those
who have been with him for three
years will automatically participate in
common stock Class a IN sums ranging
from $500 20 5000 a year Salaries
will not be affected in any way; in
crsRses will be put through regardless
Of the profits.
Every year. after dividends, income
tax, etc, have been paid, 50 per cent