WORKINGS OF THE HARRIS-INGRAM PLAN
A telegram received at Liverpool by Reuben Harris from Marquis Leo
Colonna, who at the Colonel's request went on to Amsterdam, verified the
facts as to Alfonso's death by drowning. Colonel and Mrs. Harris's
journey back to America under leaden and unsympathetic skies was sad
indeed.
George and Gertrude met them on the pier at New York. The next day at
noon, in deep mourning, they received the remains of Lucille from the
yacht "Hallena."
Ten days with Lucille on the pitiless ocean, and unable to exchange
with her a word of love, had sunk deeply the iron of affliction into
the soul of Harry Hall. He often wished that he had never been born. He
dreaded every new sunset, as the darkness that gathered about his
catafalque-yacht whispered to him of cruel fates, of rest in the deep
sea, and of angels' songs. Like the silent vigils of certain watchful
plants, Captain Hall carefully observed his compasses, studied the
weather, and often wished that he too might cross over and rejoin
Lucille.
* * * * *
Ten days went by before Colonel Harris visited the offices of the
Harris-Ingram Steel Co. Then followed several meetings of the directors,
at which it was finally decided to issue the following circular:
Official Notice, No. 27.
Offices of The Harris-Ingram Steel Co.,
400 to 410 Brough Building,
Harrisville, O.--
_To Whom, it may Concern_,--
For the purpose of better promoting the harmonious workings of capital
and labor, The Harris-Ingram Steel Co., Limited, has been organized,
and its scope of co-operation has been planned on the following
basis.
Capital Stock of the Harris-Ingram Steel Company $5,000,000
Total number of shares 500,000
Par value each share $10
The liability of each stockholder is limited to the amount of stock
held. Half of the entire stock of the corporation shall be owned by
so-called "capital," and half by the employees of the company, or
so-called "labor." The stock issued shall represent the actual cash
expended upon the plant, and employed as a working capital. It is the
wish of the management that each employee in the steel company shall
own at least ten shares of the stock, and more, if he so desires.
All the stock bought is to be paid for in cash. A loan at 4% interest,
equal to the par value of the stock, can be made by employees, when
necessary, to purchase a limited amount of the stock. Ten per cent of
the wages of all such employees will be retained as needed, which, with
dividends actually earned by the stock, will be applied on the amounts
due for the purchase of stock and real estate for a home. The new model
town will be known as Harris-Ingram.
Two thousand acres of land near the mills will be properly allotted and
improved by the company for homes for the employees, and practical
architects have been secured. It is further the wish of the steel
company that each employee shall own a good home. The size of each lot
is 50 ft. x 200 ft. and the price per lot is $50 which is in proportion
to the original cost and improvement of the allotment, so that the
employees in advance will thus secure all the profits that result from
any increased value of the lots. This is only just.
A Stock and Building Bureau will be established, and money, at 4%, will
be furnished the employees to build comfortable homes. This bureau
created and officered by the employees will attend to the purchase and
sale of stock, lots, the construction of homes, and the payment for the
same. When for any reason, an employee desires to sever his connection
with the steel company, his stock in the company and his home, if sold,
must first be offered at a fair price to the Stock and Building Bureau.
By this scheme capital and labor will have equal interests in the
Harris-Ingram Steel Co., also an equal voice in the management of the
steel company's welfare. Should capital and labor disagree, then the
matter in dispute, with all the facts, and before any strike on the
part of labor shall occur, shall at once be submitted to arbitration,
and the decision of the arbitrators shall be final.
Signed by
George Ingram,
_President of The Harris-Ingram Steel Co_.
In eight months George Ingram had spent of the five millions at his
disposal three million dollars on the steel plant. A working capital of
$500,000 was deposited in four banks, and the balance of one and a half
millions was invested in call loans, and so held ready to loan in small
amounts at 4%, to aid employees in securing their quota of stock, a lot
and house.
In twelve months, the $2,500,000 stock of the company, allotted to
labor, had been subscribed for by the employees, over a thousand pretty
cottages, costing from $1,000 to $2,500 each, were built or in process of
construction, and nearly three thousand lots had been bought by the
workmen.
A Co-operative Supply Bureau was organized and managed in the interests
of the workmen, to furnish food, clothing, and all the necessary comforts
of life at about cost prices. The profits of the bureau, if any, were to
be divided annually among purchasers, in proportion to purchases made.
Women in Harris-Ingram voted on several matters the same as the men.
Saloons, all forms of gambling, and corruption in politics were
tabooed. Sewerage was scientifically treated by the use of chemicals
and machinery. Storm water only was sent to the lake. The valuable
portions of the sewerage were utilized on adjacent vegetable farms. At
Harris-Ingram electrical energy supplied water free for streets, lawns,
and gardens, and filtered water was delivered free for family purposes.
All the public buildings and homes were heated and lighted by
electricity.
A Transportation Bureau was organized to manage the electric railways in
the interests of the people, and the fare was reduced to two cents.
Everybody rode, and the receipts were astonishingly large and quite
sufficient to meet expenses and leave a profit, which went into the town
treasury. Thus the people received large benefits from the electric
railway, conduits for wires, gas privileges, and other franchises.
Electricity also propelled the pleasure launches and fishing boats. The
smoke nuisance was a vexatious trouble of the past. Life for the laborer
and his family ceased to be a burden. Eight hours were given to
conscientious labor, eight hours to physical, mental, and moral
improvements, and eight hours to rest.
By the Harris beneficences all the employees became personally interested
in the profitable workings of the steel plant. The profits of the
business also were greatly increased by the valuable inventions of
the Ingrams.
The money advanced to the employees was rapidly returned through the
company's treasurer to Colonel Harris, and by him, and later by his
heirs, was again invested in other lines of practical benevolence.
The act which gave Colonel Harris most comfort was his righting the great
wrong done James Ingram, his early joint-partner, and father of George,
his son-in-law. Colonel Harris held $2,500,000 of the steel company's
stock. He disposed of this stock as follows:--
To George and Gertrude, each $250,000 or $500,000
To James Ingram, early partner 1,000,000
Retaining for himself only 1,000,000
----------
Total $2,500,000
Since his return Reuben Harris had aged rapidly, his hair having
whitened, caused probably by the loss of his only son and lovely
daughter. His joy on account of the success of the Co-operative Steel
Mills could not banish his intense grief. He had performed his life work,
and the cares and burdens of the new enterprise he had placed upon George
Ingram in whom he had full confidence. He had seen much in his travels
abroad; and now he had learned a most valuable lesson, taught by the
Savior himself, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
At the close of a long summer day, as the golden sun dropped into blue
Lake Erie, the life of Reuben Harris passed from sight. It was a strange
coincidence that the papers Monday morning should contain parallel
obituary notices of both Reuben Harris and James Ingram. Together
they had labored earnestly for humanity, each in his own way, and now
reconciled, together they entered,--
"The undiscovered country from whose bourne
No traveller returns."
The four thousand employees, in a body, attended the double funeral. Each
man had been the recipient of tangible assistance from both Harris and
Ingram, and each laborer felt that he had lost a personal friend. It was
a touching scene as the four regiments of employees, each wearing
evidence of mourning on his arm, filed past the two open caskets. Each
employee left a rose on the caskets till both were hidden from sight. The
thousands of roses were more eloquent than marble or bronze. During the
week, the employees each contributed the wages of two days for bronze
statues of their late employers.
George and Gertrude felt keenly the loss of their fathers. They also
become conscious of increased responsibilities, but each had courage, and
good cheer was imparted if either faltered or stood beneath gray skies.
Their home life was delightful. Each possessed the art of controlling
trifles; thus troubles were minimized and joys were magnified.
Later twins, a boy and girl, entered their home, and the mother said, "If
you call our son George Ingram, Jr., I shall call our daughter Gertrude
Ingram, Jr.," and so there lived under the same roof George I. and George
II., Gertrude I. And Gertrude II.
Gertrude proved a model wife and mother. The mystery of woman's love and
purity is no longer a secret when we watch the mother in touch with
innocent children. Gertrude gave home duties prominence over all others,
with the blessed result that George found more attractions in his own
home than in clubs or in the homes of his friends.
To do daily some little favor for his wife, as in lover days, gave him
much pleasure. Every night George came home with a new book, rare
flowers, or fruit, the first of the season, or some novel plaything for
his "Two G's" as he often called the little twins. Gertrude occasionally
rebuked her husband for spending the money foolishly, as she said, but
then remembrance of his family when down town gratified her. Wives miss
and long for appreciation more than for better dress or money. If, on
return to tea, the bread is good, the thoughtful husband speaks of it. If
the table-cloth is white or if the arrangement of the meal is artistic,
he speaks of it. A single word of honest approval makes the wife happy.
Sometimes Gertrude wondered why the marriage ceremony so often untied
lovers' knots, and why after marriage love and esteem did not increase.
She never forgot the advice of an old lady, too poor to make her a
wedding present, who told her that if she wished to be happy in marriage
she must always keep two bears in her home, bear and forbear.
George and his wife were human, and not unlike other people. Now and then
George would say to his intimate friends. "The Ingrams like most New
Englanders did not come over in the Mayflower as the passenger list was
full, neither do the Ingrams belong to that very large number of families
who feel the necessity of saying, 'We have never had an unkind word
in our home.' Gertrude and I both have strong wills, and we often differ
in opinions, but as often we agree to disagree. In this manner we avoid
sunken rocks that might wreck our ship."
One day, Irene, George's youngest sister, asked Gertrude for a painting
of herself and of George. "Too expensive, Irene," replied Gertrude,
"couldn't think of it for a moment."
"No, Gertrude, I want only a tiny picture of your thumb and George's."
"What in the world do you want of our thumbs?"
"Because, Gertrude, George tells me privately that he has you completely
under his thumb, and you always act as if you thought you had George
under your thumb."
Gertrude and George were strong and helpful, both educated, unselfish
and ambitious; why should they not succeed? Gertrude had learned that
good and great people are also sometimes selfish. When a little girl,
she was present with her father who was invited to take dinner with a
distinguished divine. The good doctor of divinity did the carving, and
adroitly managed to keep for his own plate the tenderest piece of steak.
Colonel Harris observed the fact, and enjoying a joke, casually observed,
"Doctor, how well you carve!" The good man saw his breach of hospitality
and blushed, remarking, "Colonel, you must forgive me for I believe I was
born with a delicate stomach."
Business cares were locked up in the office desk down town, and Gertrude
forgot home annoyances as soon as George was seen coming up the lawn, and
she and the twins ran to meet "papa." He always brought home the latest
literary and scientific magazines and journals, while the reviews of
America and London kept the family up-to-date on the latest books and
leading topics. George's vacations were sometimes taken with his own
employees, all of whom in the heated months, had two weeks off, some
camping along the shores of the lake, others taking boat excursions to
neighboring groves, or enjoying the outdoor band concerts which were
furnished every other evening on the public park.
What concerned his employees, concerned him. When any of his workmen
were injured or sick, the company at once sent a surgeon or physician.
Rightly, he thought it more important that an employee should be kept
in good working order than even his best piece of machinery.
George Ingram was once heard to say that eleven letters covered a large
part of his religion, and that he wished he could write across the blue
dome in letters of gold the word "Helpfulness." To assist an unfortunate
individual permanently to help himself, is preaching a gospel that
betters the world.
The community of Harris-Ingram had little or no poverty. Everybody had
money in the savings bank, or accumulations going into pretty homes, and
mill stock, and all respected law and order, hence few if any policemen
were ever seen on the streets. Everybody was well dressed, courteous, and
daily growing more intelligent. Taxes were light, and general
improvements were economically and promptly made.
Both George and Gertrude believed that the tendency of the age was
towards more practical education for the people. London publishes
millions of penny books, penny histories and biographies, penny
arithmetics, astronomies and dictionaries, and penny books to teach good
behavior, honor, and patriotism. In London and elsewhere, the people were
organizing workmen's clubs, colleges, and institute unions, for mutual
improvement, and glimpses were already caught of Morris's "Earthly
Paradise that is to be."
"Then a man shall work and bethink him, and rejoice in the deeds of his
hand,
Nor yet come home in the even too faint and weary to stand.
Men in that time a-coming shall work and have no fear
For to-morrow's lack of earning and the hungry-wolf a-near.
Oh, strange, new, wonderful justice! But for whom shall we gather the
gain?
For ourselves and for each of our fellows, and no hand shall labor in
vain."
Free night schools over the country, for the child of eight to the man of
eighty, will go a long way in solving the troublesome socialistic
problem.
George was familiar with the generous gifts and deeds of the Pratts of
Baltimore, and of Brooklyn, of Carnegie, of Lorillard & Co., of Warner
Brothers of Connecticut, and of the Messrs. Tangye of Birmingham,
England. The latter firm provides for its thousands of workmen a library,
evening classes, and twice a week, while the employees are at dinner in a
great hall, a twenty minutes crisp talk by capable persons on some live
topic.
George Ingram organized an Educational Bureau for the improvement of his
employees and others by evening schools and public entertainments. As
requisite for the success of such a bureau as he planned, he published
the conditions as follows:--
1. Several study rooms and good teachers.
2. A large and cheerful hall, church or opera house for lectures, that
the prices may be low, the audience must be large.
3. A capable committee or manager, enthusiasm, good temper, fertility
of resource and sympathy with the people. Common sense coupled with
determined perseverance works wonders.
4. Variety and quality in the entertainment, with no wearying pauses
between the parts. The movement must be swift and sure.
5. Punctuality and business-like thoroughness in the management. Begin
and end on the minute. Give exactly what you promise; or, if that be
impossible, what will be recognized as a full equivalent. Ideas, not
words, old or new on every helpful subject in the universe, spoken or
illustrated. Music that rests or inspires, and is understood.
6. Sell 5,000 season tickets at $1.00 in advance to secure a guarantee
fund; this is sound business, as success is then assured, and it will
not depend upon the weather.
7. Have prominent citizens preside at each entertainment, but pledge
them to crisp introduction. High grade entertainments wisely managed,
prove themselves of benign influence, and an agency more potent than
many laws in the preservation of peace and the reform of public morals.
When Colonel Harris's will was probated, two-thirds of the balance of
his fortune was left in trust with Mrs. Harris, George, and Gertrude,
to be used for the public welfare, as they deemed wisest. The trustees
used $100,000 to build for the Workmen's Club a large and attractive
Central Hall, that had steep double galleries, and five thousand opera
chairs.
Several necessary committees were organized and George Ingram's gospel of
Helpfulness found another practical expression. The Educational Bureau
was not a gratuity in any of its departments, as small fees were charged
in all the evening classes, which were crowded with old and young. For
twenty consecutive Saturday evenings in the winter season, a four-fold
intellectual treat was furnished at $1.00 for tickets for the entire
course.
By 7:30 o'clock in the evening the Central Hall was packed to the walls,
no reserved seats were sold, and the rule was observed "First come, first
served," which brought promptly the audience. Season ticket-holders had
the exclusive right to the hall till 7:25 o'clock, when a limited number
of single admission tickets were sold. A large force of polite ushers
assisted in seating the people, and in keeping order. At 7:30 all the
entrance doors were closed, so that late comers never disturbed the
audience.
The musical prelude, or orchestra concert of thirty minutes closed at
7:30 with a grand chorus by the audience standing; following this,
precisely at 7:30 was the half-hour lecture-prelude on some scientific
or practical subject. Among the topics treated were "Wrongs of
Workingmen, and How to Right Them," "The Terminal Glacier," "Sewerage and
Ventilation," "The Pyramids," "Wonders of the House we Live in,"
"Architecture Illustrated," etc.
From 8:00 to 8:15 followed the popular Singing School, in which five
thousand persons heartily joined, aided by an enthusiastic precentor, and
orchestra, in singing national hymns and other music. During the singing
school everybody stood, and with windows lowered, fresh air and music
swept through the hall and the hearts of the audience.
From 8:15 to 9:30 was given the principal attraction of the evening, a
popular lecture, dramatic reading, debate on some burning question, or a
professional concert. The entertainments always closed promptly at 9:30,
as many electric cars were in waiting. During the season, free lectures
on "The Art of Cooking," "How to Dress," "The Care of Children,"
"Housekeeping in General," "The Culture of Flowers," etc., etc., were
given at 3 P.M. in the great hall to the wives and friends of all the
ticket holders.
The circulation of useful literature was another important feature of the
Educational Bureau work. At each entertainment five thousand little books
of forty pages each, a wagon-load, were given to the owners of course
tickets, as they entered the hall. These pamphlets included "A Short
History of France," or "History of the United States," "Story of the
Steam Engine," "A Brief History of Science," an "Essay on Early Man,"
"Great Artists," "Secrets of Success," etc. Each little book contained
the evening's programme, the words and music of at least two national
hymns, and "Owl Talks," a single page of crisp thoughts, to whet one's
wits. At the close of each season the twenty pamphlets, continuously
paged, were bound for fifty cents in two volumes with covers of red
cloth. Thus the people got much for little, and they were benefited and
pleased with their bargain. Encores and the discourtesy of stamping the
feet and leaving the hall before the performance was concluded were
abolished. Palms and fragrant flowers were always on the platform.
Everybody listened attentively to the kindly words of teacher, orator,
or poet; new impulses were received, and all rejoiced in the supply and
satisfaction of their deepest and best wants. Feelings of a common
brotherhood made hearts happier and lives better.
Workmen went home sober with their week's earnings in their pockets, as
there were no saloons in the town, a bright book to read, and a home of
their own for shelter and rest. Thus also an improved citizenship was
obtained and the nation was made stronger.
George Ingram thought that all our cities should have large, cheerful
halls, people's forums, where clear and simple truths on important
questions should be taught. He believed that it would prove an antidote
to various forms of anarchy and communism, which under the aegis of
liberty are being advocated in our cities.
The trustees of the Harris estate set aside $250,000, to be known as "The
Reuben Harris Fund," to assist in providing regular courses of free
public lectures upon the most important branches of natural and moral
science, also free instruction to mechanics and artisans in drawing, and
in practical designing, in patterns for prints, silks, paper hangings,
carpets, furniture, etc. Free courses of lectures were given to advanced
students in art, also lectures in physics, geology, botany, physiology,
and the like for teachers, and the public.
Gertrude felt that the perpetuity and usefulness of such a fund or
monument dedicated to her father would outrival the pyramids. She greatly
encouraged among the wives of the workmen the growth of kindergartens for
children, and the cultivation of flowers, in and out of their homes,
offering valuable prizes at annual flower shows. Harrisville voted to
annex the village of Harris-Ingram, hoping that the gospel of helpfulness
that had worked such wonders might leaven their whole city.
George Ingram was now forty years of age. His great ability and practical
good sense had arrested the attention and admiration of not only his own
employees, but of the citizens of Harrisville, who demanded that he
should be chosen mayor of the city.