Contract Pay System At Butte

Contracts between The Anaconda Co. and its miners at Butte, Mont., are not contracts in the true sense of the word. They are weekly verbal agreements which tacitly admit that the company, on the one hand, will supply the place, the tools, the material, and the opportunity and that the miners, on the other hand, will supply such effective labor that both parties will profit from the arrangement. Prices are seldom discussed at the time of hiring. The miner, in effect, is hired for a definite working place, as a contract miner, and if satisfied, tries to earn as much as he can. If he is not satisfied three courses are open to him: he can quit, he can ask for a change, or he can discuss prices or improved working conditions with the mine superintendent. This rather informal arrangement is due to conditions that are particular to Butte