very unsatisfactory, the firm returned to their former plan of a small indeterminate bonus to a few of their highest grade employes.
6. A Mercantile Firm, of Boston, Mass., experimented with profit sharing in several forms for nearly ten years. Their conclusion was that few appreciate what was done for them, and that "it is better to pay good salaries to those who earn them, and if there is to be profit sharing, let it be offered to the most capable men, but in lieu of salary.[1]"
7. Keene Brothers, of Lynn, Mass., manufacturers of shoes, adopted a plan of profit sharing in 1885, but did not make public any details. One or two divisions were made; but the personnel of the firm was changed and the plan was abandoned. It had not prevented labor disturbances during the years that dividends were paid.
8. Norton Brothers, of Chicago, manufacturers of sheet metal goods, divided profits for the year 1886. The dividend amounted to about 8 per cent, on wages for the year. The plan was abandoned "because it put on the same level the careless, thoughtless, indifferent workman with the conscientious and intelligent man. We are not prepared to say that it is necessarily a failure under all circumstances, but it failed with us for the reason that a large proportion of our employes have not intelligence enough to comprehend it."
9. The New England Granite Works, of Westerly, R. I., adopted an elaborate plan of profit sharing in 1886, chiefly as a protection against labor difficulties. Lack of good faith was charged by both sides; no bonus was ever paid.
10. The Bucyrus Steam Shovel and Dredge Company, of South Milwaukee, Wis.,[2] divided 25 per cent, of net profits, for the year 1886, among its employes on the basis of wages. For a few following years the bonus was made an indefinite one and then the plan was abandoned as having few advantages.
11. L. H. Williams, Contractor, of New York City, divided profits for the year 1886. Mr. Williams' death, the following year, put an end to the system.
12. The Union Mining Company, of Mt. Savage, Md., decided in 1886 to divide 10 per cent, of net profits among the workmen on the basis of wages earned. Two dividends were paid, but labor difficulties were not prevented, and the plan was abandoned as not having increased the interest of 5 per cent, of the force.
