THE WIXE-MAKEKS' COKPOKATIOX. 525 



ers will depend upon the assurance of reasonable reward to 

 those competent to manage cooperative enterprises. Until 

 lately there has been no career open to capable men engaging 

 in cooperation, on any large scale, except one of disappoint- 

 ment and annoyance. Capable men can secure for themselves 

 and their families more comfort and greater respect in com- 

 petitive than in cooperative work, and consequently seek com- 

 petitive business. Young enthusiasts may embrace it until 

 their illusions are dispelled, and elderly men nsay dabble in it 

 m the hope to round out their lives witli some useful work, 

 l>at the vigorous men of affairs will, except in exceptional 

 cases, let it alone. The feeling is that the farmers are now 

 paying very heavily for the distribution of their products, as 

 shown by the general prosperity of those engaged in that busi- 

 ness on a large scale. No such compensation as is now paid is 

 expected, but reasonable compensation and a prospect of a 

 permanent career is expected. It is not considered that the 

 farmers are unable to pay, or that there is occasion to invoke, 

 in their belialf, that higher spirit of altruism which is claimed 

 and inspired by the misfortunes of those who have only their 

 labor to sell. In default of this willingness to pay reasonably, 

 and above all things to sustain heartily, bright young men are 

 more desirous to connect themselves with the cooperation of 

 capitalists. I presume this will be found to be the case in 

 farming communities elsewhere in America. The great Trusts 

 of the world are administered by the most capable men, and 

 their rewards are magnificent. The popular antagonism to the 

 Trust is almost never directed to the personal management, 

 who, according to their personal qualities, enjoy not only the 

 comforts attainable by a large income, but the respect and the 

 deference of those with whom the}^ come in personal contact. 

 Few who could be responsible servants of a cooperative 

 society of capitalists would be inclined to accept the service 

 of a cooperative society of farmers. But farmers can get 

 service of this grade whenever they are ready to reward it with 

 moderate money payment and a large measure of honor. 



This condition can only be brought about as to cooperative 

 enterprises of producers when large masses of men realize that 



