Bonus Grumblers

In the great Endicott-Johnson shoe factories near Binghamton, N. Y., many an employe of late has glowered over his work, has grumbled in locker rooms. About a fourth of the employes felt that they were not getting sufficient bonus. Too little of the company's profits were going to the workers. The other three-fourths, contented, mocked at the grumblers.

Irked, irate, President George P. Johnson last week gave the disaffected employes a thoroughgoing reprimand: "The profit sharing is not necessarily a permanent plan. . . . To those that are dissatisfied with the results of last year's business I recommend a prompt resignation. . . . I wish such would quit. I am sincere in this wish. . . ." The vigor as much as the common sense of the words gave the grumblers a change of heart. Practically all went back to their work cheerfully.

This accomplished, Mr. Johnson turned about and, over his shoulder as it were, like a fond father done scolding obstreperous sons, announced that he was giving his employes a golf course where, for trivial fees, they could disport themselves after working hours. Said he: "If golf is good for the tired businessman it is good for the tired factory worker, and there is no reason why the factory worker should not have his share of the good things of life."