1 6 KANSAS UNIVERSITY QUARTERLY. 



social scientist to measure with exactness the permanent results of 

 his experiment. It requires, therefore, a careful estimate of the 

 ends sought for, a clear understanding of the nature of the forces 

 and material dealt with, a wise management of the experiment and 

 great wisdom to determine whether the results obtained after all 

 are anything more than changed conditions rather than permanent 

 advance. 



The solution of the labor problem has had more formal attempts 

 by actual experiment than any other form of the modern social 

 problem. As a part of the social problem it seeks to adjust eco- 

 nomic relations between employer and employee. It involves some- 

 thing more than the proper and just apportionment of the net pro- 

 ducts of industry. It seeks to insure contentment, happiness and 

 progress. If the distribution of a certain amount of goods in pro- 

 portion to service rendered in production was the only object 

 sought, the question would be readily solved. But when it involves 

 the idea of happiness and contentment, the harmony of social rela- 

 tions must be considered, and then it is that the problem becomes 

 more difificult, for law has failed to force out of man a spirit of dis- 

 content. There must be a readjustment of conditions which time 

 alone can perfect. If the idea of progress is insisted upon, then the 

 individual and the community must move forward with power, 

 increase in knowledge, in skill and intellectual growth which in- 

 volves also a progressive happiness to accompany this, in short it 

 means a constant harmonious progressive activity, which is indeed 

 difficult to obtain. 



A few experiments in the attempt to improve the condition of the 

 laboring classes will be given, the data of which have been obtained 

 through original research of the writer. In these it will be seen 

 that the foregoing principles have been partially observed. The 

 first one presented will be that of Mr. Pullman, the founder of the 

 famous town of Pullman, and the owner of the Pullman patents. 

 The object of the experiment is best set forth in the founder's own 

 words: 



"The object of building Pullman was the establishment of a 

 great manufacturing business on the most substantial basis possi- 

 ble, recognizing as we did and do now that the working people are 

 the most important element which enters into the successful opera- 

 tion of any manufacturing enterprise. 



"We decided to build in close proximity to the shops homes for 

 the working men of such character and surroundings as would 

 prove so attractive as to cause the best class of mechanics to seek 

 that place for employn^ent in preference to" others. We also de- 



