MANAGEMENT OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES. 247 



known to all who must vote upon the appointment. It seems 

 probable, therefore, that what follows may be useful to those 

 coming to this experience for tlie first time, in directing tlieir 

 minds to such definite points as are essential to the formation 

 .of correct judgment of personal character. 



liitegrify. — A security company, wlien insuring the fidelity 

 of an employee, must usually rely upon such information as it 

 obtains of the business, and personal history, associations, and 

 habits of the candidate. These items are scrupulously 

 obtained both from the statements of the person in question, 

 and from those with whom he has been associated, whether 

 given as references or not. Bad character is almost certain to 

 carry with it bad repute; or if most carefully concealed, at 

 least suspicion. A man of clean record and good habits and 

 associations, and free from debt, is a first-class risk of a 

 security company, but even such men sometimes go wrong. 

 In addition to tliis the employer will always have the advan- 

 tage of at least some personal acquaintance. One thing must 

 always be inquired into: Is the candidate in debt beyond 

 reasonable expectation of payment? and if so, under what 

 circumstances was the indebtedness contracted, and what 

 arrangements have been made for its extinguishment, either 

 by payment or compromise? Especially is he harassed by 

 unsecured small debts? Indebtedness can not be considered a 

 bar to responsible employment, altliougli freedom from debt is 

 certainly a great recommendation, but no concern can afford 

 a responsible employee who does not pay his bills; and there 

 are unfortunately many attractive and even brilliant men 

 who intend and really believe themselves to be honest, who 

 are in that position. They will not do, for they are not good 

 business men. 



It must never be forgotten that when previously good men 

 go wrong it is almost invariably under the pressure of indebt- 

 edness improvidently incurred. There may be instances of 

 men of good reputation, and free from debt, who violated 

 trusts, but I have never heard of them. Those wlio go wrong 

 are those who live beyond their means. I do not speak of 

 gambling, hard drinking, betting, or stock speculation, because 



