THE NATION'S
INDUSTRIAL
PROGRESS

Believing that the advance of business is a subject of vital interest and importance, The Outlook will present under the above heading frequent discussions of subjects of industrial and commercial interest. This department will include paragraphs of timely interest and articles of educational value dealing with the industrial upbuilding of the Nation. Comment and suggestions are invited.

THE HOUSING PROBLEM Within the last three years the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, has acquired sudden fame as a great munitions center, and has attracted a great influx of war workers. How the city is moeting the difficult problem of housing its thousands of new familiec is described in a recent article in the Iron Age."

Rents soared into almost fabulous figures and private capital could not build with sufficient speed to take care of the incoming crowds of workers. The labor turnover problem of the factories became inextricably involved with the housing problem.

The article then describes how this difficult problem has been solved:

"For almost two years the city grew in the haphazard manner that is characteristic of most American communities. About eighteen months ago twelve manufacturers and the three big public service companies -furnishing gas, water, and electricitycombined in an effort to attack the problem in a scientific manner. The Bridgeport Housing Company was formed with a capital of $1,000,000.

"The Bridgeport Housing Company now has as stockholders twenty of the representative industrial and mercantile organizations of the city, in a few cases the stock standing in the name of individuals. It is unique in the opportunity it affords to the smaller business house to have a part in a vital work for the welfare of the whole city; it is unique, too, in the fact that the stockholders have voluntarily limited the dividends to 6 per cent, thereby eliminating any tinge of profiteering; no charge that it is an attempt to exploit labor can brought against it, because it does not try to dictate what occupation a man shall follow nor does it bind him to employment with any of the subscribers to the stock of the company. It aims to make it easy for a workman to own his own home and has no designs to become a landlord trust. . . .

be

"A manager was appointed who began an investigation of the many phases of the problem. An experienced city planner was called in to make a survey of the city. He recommended the purchase of two or three different parcels of land, one of which was bought as the initial site of a housing development. A building committee was formed, comprising a manufacturer, a lawyer, a banker, and the president of the company (a manufacturer), ex officio. One of the first steps of this committee was to employ an architect to plan a large apartmenthouse.

"The first manager having resigned, William H. Ham, a Boston engineer of wide experience, was chosen to succeed him. Under his direction active steps toward actual construction were undertaken. Plans for houses were carefully studied to fit them to the needs of the people to be housed. Experts were employed to aid in the determination of the proper sizes of rooms and to plan for efficient but eco

OLD WAY

The ARCO WAND Vacuum Cleaner is a wonderful help where there are children in the house. Floors and rugs are tidied up in no time before dust, dirt, crumbs, etc., have a chance to be trodden into the fabric. The ARCO WAND cleans thoroughly, without dust.

Cuts waste in cleaning

Every minute counts in cleaning with the ARCO WAND. It is a war-time economy. Instantly ready, and so thorough and sure that it finishes the cleaning in the time it formerly took "to get ready" to do it with dust-cap, apron, dusters and brooms.

A wise investment for present conditions

The ARCO WAND is a most sensible war-time purchase. It will last for years-costs about a penny a day to operate and you can do your own cleaning with the greatest of ease, thus saving time for other useful war activities.

Buy on monthly payments

Talk with your dealer today about the installation of an ARCO WAND machine in your home, apartment or office building-church, club or factory.

SEND FOR COPY OF FREE CATALOG "ARCO WAND"
which explains and illustrates its many labor-saving uses.

Machine is set in basement or side room. A suction pipe runs to each floor. ARCO WAND Vacuum Cleaners, hose and tools, are sold by all Heating and Plumbing Trade.

DROWSY

The new romance by JOHN AMES MITCHELL. A story of love and mechanical triumph by the author of "Amos Judd," "The Pines of Lory," " The Villa Claudia," etc. Net $1.50.

STOKES, Publisher

The Housing Problem (Continued) nomical plumbing and sanitary features. The best minds available were called upon to set the enterprise upon its way toward a logical solution of the intricate problem. A landscape architect lent his aid toward placing the houses in an attractive environment. The manager devoted himself to the task of standardizing the features devised by this expert staff so that purchases of equipment could be made in the wholesale manner that was essential if costs were to be kept down. Soon things began to move forward with the speed that the emergency demanded.

"In February of last year work was begun on the apartment-house and on a model group of buildings in another part of the city. In June the first of the tenants began to move into the apartment-house, and a little later the houses in the other development began to be ready for occupancy."

THE MANUFACTURERS' PART IN SOLVING THE HOUSING PROBLEM

The article in the "Iron Age' from which we have quoted above then proceeds to discuss the advantage to the manufacturer of providing proper housing facilities for his employees and the bearing that this has on the entire labor problem.

"When a city grows at the rapid pace of Bridgeport because of an industrial boom, it draws to its factories a large percentage of so-called floaters. There is a steady stream of men and women coming and going if industrial conditions or housing conditions are faulty. The labor turnover thus becomes the urgent problem of employers. Married men of mature age with children in the schools form but a small minority of the floating element. It is the young single men or the young married men who flock to cities like Bridgeport in response to the inducements of high wages and steady employment. In such periods of high wage returns the number of marriages shows a great increase. It is these young people of the honeymoon period that Bridgeport is most anxious to attach permanently to the city's working force. It is this need that has brought about the combination of manufacturers, public service companies, and bankers which is trying to attack and solve this problem with all the assistance that the new forces of housing experts can offer. They are trying to bring to the study of proper housing the same scientific principles that have made their businesses profitable.

"A little more than ten years ago the movement to let light into the factories began to gain force. Gradually factory walls have become largely glass. Good sanitary fixtures, locker-rooms, shower baths, restauraunts, rest-rooms for women workers, welfare work of all kinds, gradually became a fixed and essential part of the factory programme. Safety and hospital work came into prominence. Factory conditions and plant environment grew into higher standards. It mattered not whether the employer undertook this from philanthropic or economic motives, it was soon discovered that it had a striking economic effect. Particularly did it reduce the labor turnover and the lost time of employees. The cost of labor turnover began to be studied, and as a result of this the new professions of employment manager and welfare manager came into being. These studies began to reach out into the home environment of the worker, and a new subject of economic

The Manufacturers' Part in Solving the Housing Problem (Continued)

interest was brought out into the light. Out of this came the housing movement.

"The manufacturer's interest in the problem lies in its effect upon his labor turnover. A considerable part of this turnover now is due to unsatisfactory home conditions, the uneconomical living in a house too large or in a portion of a house too small for full equipment. Pride in home has almost dropped out of city life, but it is an important part of the social life of the country to-day and in the Americanization of foreign workers and the stabilization of factory labor. The city which builds the most attractively and furnishes the most economical home will reflect in the factory the greatest reduction in labor turnover. It is distinctly a manufacturers' problem.

"Individual manufacturers here and there have attacked this problem with vigor. In Bridgeport the manufacturers have banded together in a community effort. No part of the development under way is for the exclusive benefit of any one industrial plant. The tenant may work where he will. In agreeing that the time has come for the development of housing in an industrial center on a more comprehensive scale, the stockholders of the Bridgeport Housing Company are attempting to develop the home units in sizes that will fit all stages of family life.... They are trying to establish a standard of homes that will help to limit the activities of the unscrupulous financier or contractor who builds the 'skin' houses that bring financial woe to many a workman and produce the fire and social risks of this type of house. Most readers can bring to mind some cities where this type of building makes a blot upon the landscape and constitutes a menace to the city's welfare."

We are in a changing period of history and are facing a tremendous readjustment of the relations between capital and labor. Far-seeing manufacturers now realize that it is of primary importance to provide for the comfort, welfare, and happiness of their employees in order that they may successfully meet the great competition which exists in the world's demand for labor.

A further discussion of the housing problem will appear in next week's issue in this section

A CORRECTION

In a recent article which appeared in this section entitled "Modern Roofing Methods" there was a short discussion of the various types of flat roofs. It has been brought to our attention that certain statements regarding the relative durability and fireresisting qualities of tar and gravel roofing and built-up asbestos roofing were not in accord with the latest authoritative reports on this subject.

The most recent official reports by the Association of American Architects show that for factories of the flat-roof type (pitch not over three inches to the foot) no distinction can be made between tar and gravel roofing and built-up asbestos roofing as to durability and weather protection. Built-up asbestos roofing can also be used on roofs with an incline of not more than six inches to the foot; while the prepared asbestos roofing is suitable for any pitcheven being used for siding.

The 1917 report of the National Board of Fire Underwriters gives both of these roofing materials a high ranking as fire preventives a highly important function of the modern roof.

NOW READY

Ernest Poole's New Novel

HIS SECOND WIFE

By the author of "The Harbor," "His Family," etc.

Another brilliant story of American life—a highly original and dranatic novel combining freshness of treatment with depth of feeling and sincerity.

THE MARTIAL ADVENTURES FOE-FARRELL
OF HENRY AND ME

William Allen White's New Book
"A jolly book . . . truly one of the
best that has yet come down war's
grim pike."-N. Y. Post. (Now Third
Ed.) Ill. $1.50.

FIRST THE BLADE

Clemence Dane's New Novel

A charming, beautifully written story of two young people and the problem of their love. $1.50.

IN THE FOURTH YEAR

H. G. Wells' New Book

A review of the war and the great forces at work in the allied countries to establish a new order. Ready in June.

$1.50

Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's (“Q”) New Novel

A highly original story worked out with consummate skill and artistic subtletyfull of dramatic action. $1.50.

"THE DARK PEOPLE"; RUSSIA'S CRISIS

Ernest Poole's New Book

"The most important book about Russia that has appeared since the Revolution." Ill. $1.50.

THE END OF THE WAR

Walter E. Weyl's New Book

The relation of this war to the history of American thought and action, forecasting our future policy. Ready May 21.

Your Wants

PUBLISHERS

$1.50

NEW YORK

in every line of household, educational, business, or personal service-domestic workers, teachers, nurses, business or professional assistants, etc., etc.-whether you require help or are seeking a situation, may be filled through a little announcement in the classified columns of The Outlook. If you have some article to sell or exchange, these columns may prove of real value to you as they have to many others. Send for descriptive circular and order blank AND FILL YOUR WANTS Address Department of Classified Advertising, THE OUTLOOK, 381 Fourth Avenue, New York

THE NEW BOOKS

This Department will include descriptive notes, with or without brief comments, about books received by The Outlook. Many of the important books will have more extended and critical treatment later FICTION

Adventures of Arnold Adair, American Ace (The). By Laurence La Tourette Driggs. Illustrated. Little, Brown & Co., Boston. $1.35. Readers of The Outlook already know Arnold Adair as a daring airman whose adventures are at the same time stirring fiction and true portrayal of air fighting. Amazing Interlude (The). By Mary Roberts Rinehart. The George H. Doran Company, New York. $1.40.

No better war story has been written by an American writer. Mrs. Rinehart has the background of Belgium in war time well fixed in her mind by her visits to the front. Before this background and very close to the Belgian trenches she places Sarah Lee Kennedy (Saralie, the soldiers called her) in her house of mercy," a shell-battered hut where she dispenses soup to the tired men coming out of the trenches, binds their wounds, and cheers their hearts. How this clear-minded, gentle American girl made her way to the front, how she enraged the American to whom she was engaged by taking an interest in the "fool war," how she was helped by a young Belgian officer who promptly fell in love with her-all this, and incidentally many exciting adventures, is told with a directness and appeal which hold the reader's attention and stir his patriotism.

Statue in the Wood (The). By Richard Pryce. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. $1.50.

The author of " David Penstephen" may be depended upon to write with delicate perception and true understanding of the relations between impulse and character. The situation here is less pleasing than in his "David" and will indeed prove a little trying to some susceptibilities. But there is no question as to the fineness of the literary touch and the soundness of the psychology.

HISTORY, POLITICAL ECONOMY, AND POLITICS History of Europe (The). From 1862 to 1914.

From the Accession of Bismarck to the Outbreak of the Great War. By Lucius Hudson Holt, Ph.D., and Alexander Wheeler Chilton. The Macmillan Company, New York. $2.60. This book's text is a treasury of information to the student of the history of Europe during the fifty years preceding the outbreak of the present war. The work is disappointing if we seek in it detailed information concerning the deeper currents which underlie political and military historyfor instance, the tendencies of philosophy and the development of democracy. On the political side, however, the book is brilliant, as, for example, in its emphasis on the Turkish Revolution of 1908 as causing a long chain of consequences leading directly to the outbreak of a general European war in 1914.

History of Labour in the United States. By John R. Commons, David J. Saposs, E. B. Mittelman, John B. Andrews, Helen L. Sumner, H. E. Hoagland, Selig Perlman. 2 vols. The Macmillan Company, New York. $6.50. These volumes bring vividly before the reader the changing scenes of one of the most absorbing historical dramas that has been enacted in our country. They form a detailed and comprehensive account of the labor movement in the United States. The work will at once take its place as indispensable to the serious student of economic and social questions, whether he be workman, legislator, or professor. The field

The New Books (Continued)

under consideration is so vast that the co-operative method of authorship was adopted a method that necessarily results in a certain lack of co-ordination, though in this case the difficulty has been minimized by skillful editing. The spirit of the work is sympathetic yet judicially critical and discriminating.

POETRY

Reincarnations. By James Stephens. The Macmillan Company, New York. $1. The spirit and humor and imagination of Mr. Stephens's "Demi-Gods" and "The Crock of Gold" are present in a less concrete form in these poems, all of which have a sometimes elusive Irish origin.

TRAVEL AND DESCRIPTION

Historic Mackinac. The Historical, Picturesque, and Legendary Features of the Mackinac Country. By Edwin O. Wood, LL.D. IIlustrated. 2 vols. The Macmillan Company, New York. $12.50.

This is a thoroughly good piece of bookmaking a credit alike to author, publishers, and printers. While the author modestly disclaims the qualifications of a historian, he has assembled in these volumes with intelligence and sympathy a mass of interesting information about his subject that entitles his work to an honored place in any collection of literature that deals with the history of the West. Few localities in the entire country have had more complete or attractive celebration than has Mackinac in these books.

WAR BOOKS

Business of War (The). By Isaac F. Marcosson. Illustrated. The John Lane Company, New York. $1.50.

Mr. Marcosson is undoubtedly one of the best and most dependable writers upon phases of war activities which are fundamental. In this book he describes the British organization for the feeding and transporting of armies, the way in which munitions are made and forwarded, and the usefulness of motor vehicles in war. Mr. Marcosson studied his subject at first hand with the remarkable men who in this field of activity have helped to save Great Britain from destruction by Germany. Very few generals in the field have done more for Great Britain than these men who have concentrated their business ability and powers of organization to keep the soldier in condition, to move him where he is wanted, and to see that every day he is well fed and has arms and munitions at hand. Warfare of To-Day (The). By Lieutenant-Col

onel Paul Azan, Litt.D. Translated by Major Julian L. Coolidge, U.S.R. Illustrated. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. $2.50. The publishers' statement so exactly and moderately describes this important work that we quote it verbatim :

Colonel Azan, who is chief of the French instructors in the training camps of the Middle and Eastern States, is probably the best-known French officer now in this country. A military historian before the war, and a brilliant officer at the front at the time he received a disabling wound, he is supremely qualified to write of the nature and practice of present-day warfare. The book is enriched everywhere with anecdotes of Colonel Azan's own experiences and adventures, and is illustrated from photographs taken by himself. It is thorough, authoritative, and non-technical.

To this we will add from the book Colonel Azan's fine reply to the question, "What is a Soldier?"

He is a man who is ready to give up his liberty because he recognizes that his superiors have the right to dispose of all his powers of mind and body. He is ready to sacrifice his life if that be necessary for the safety of his country. These two feelings, the spirit of discipline and the spirit of sacrifice, are the corner-stones of the military profession.