THE CRISIS IN CO-OPERATION.
[To THE EDITOR 01 TIM "131201■102:1
Sit,—Permit me to correct some other inaccuracies. It is not prudent to accept as tree all one reads or hears ; it is not -the regular habit of Judge Hughes. We do not employ many snore than one-half the men he states, but we have that number -of workpeople. Our " wage-list " was made applicable "all round " prior to the strike, and not in consequence thereof. The wage paid by the Wholesale Society has always been in excess -of the amount demanded from other firms for making the same -class of work at the village referred to. No work has been given out to anybody, anywhere by us, for the purpose of "playing -off one set of workmen against the other." We have no diffi- culty in obtaining the very best of operatives; we should have if they were improperly treated, as there are over two hundred -other shoe manufactories in Leicester. The experiment of pay- ing "bonus to labour" was put into operation before the Whole. sale Society commenced production, and it was intended to apply solely to those engaged in distribution. The decision to die- -continue the experiment was agreed to by 150 to 78, and taken on the general question. See Go-operative News' report, July Srd, 1875, p. 352.
The goods manufactured by the Wholesale Society are for the proprietors' own wear chiefly, mostly belonging to the -" industrial classes" who compose the Distributive Societies. Working men, like others, buy in the cheapest market. Shoe- makers search after the cheapest clothes ; it is not unreasonable if tailors endeavour to obtain cheap boots,—by cheapness, I mean, -the best value they can get for their money. If the Retail Society to which they may belong does not meet their wants, -they transfer their custom elsewhere. It would be presumptuous on my part to attempt to discuss co-operative ethics with such a brilliant scholar and accomplished writer as Judge Hughes, if I were so inclined. It has been my privilege to read most of his writings, which have afforded me great pleasure, much instruction, and not a little inspiration. Being engaged in working out the eo-operative principle, I may have paid too much attention to -its practical side; but seeing that one of the responsibilities -undertaken by me is to prevent losses, I think I may justly claim some extenuation. I am closely connected with three undertakings constructed on the lines advocated with such 'honesty and eloquence by Mr. Hughes ; a few years' experience and good management will prove its feasibility. his premature at present to express an opinion. My views on federalism versus iudividualiem have been so often stated, that I abstain from
trepetition.—I am, Sir, &C., jOHN BUTCHER, Manager. The Co.operatire Wholesale Society, Limited, West-End Shoe. Works, Leicester, ,Tune 20th.
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