CO-OPERATION IN THE UNION. 231 



and liberal dividends to the purchasers. The patronage of 

 those not members who are induced to trade by the low 

 prices and quality of goods helps to swell the dividends 

 of the purchasing members. The employes are also pro- 

 vided for in the distribution of profits. Where the enter- 

 prise is organized by the Wheel, Alliance or other organi- 

 zation, provisions should be made in the by-laws to have 

 two-thirds of its stockholders members of the Order. The 

 management can then be kept within the control of that 

 organization and can become a part of the grand system of 

 co-operation which we hope to see at an early day. Great 

 care should be exercised in the selection of a business man- 

 ager. He should be a man in whom the utmost confidence 

 can be placed, and of unquestioned business capacity. He 

 should be particularly qualified for the business which he 

 is expected to take charge of. He should be experienced. 

 The difference between the wages of a first-class business 

 man and one" of indifferent qualifications is a mere baga- 

 telle in the matter. It is better to economize anywhere else 

 than in the wages paid the business manager. His ever 

 watchful eye, his ability, energy and spirit will contribute 

 more than any one thing to the success of the enterprise. 

 He can not be expected to work for less wages than his labor 

 will command in the market. If a man can be obtained 

 that can command a salary of one hundred dollars per 

 month in the market if other mercantile establishments 

 can afford that sum it is evidence of his fitness, and little 

 fear need be entertained on account of the business man- 

 agement of such a man. We are aware of the fact that 

 there are men who are penurious enough to begrudge a 

 man such wages, and will urge that the principles of the 

 Order are opposed to high wages. But it is exactly the 

 reverse. The object of the Order is to establish a price on 

 everything according to its merits and real worth, and inde- 

 pendent of unnatural and unjust manipulation. It is this 



