SUCCESS IN RUSSIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 23 July 1929, Page 5

SUCCESS IN RUSSIA

NOT MEASURED IN DOLLARS "A DIFFERENT PSYCHOLOGY" HEAD OF SOVIET BANK SPEAKS NEW YORK, 20th June. Mr Roy Young, governor of the Federal Reserve Board, and Mr A. L. Schcinmann, president of Russia's largest bank, the State Bank, had a conference here recently, but as far as the public is concerned nothing is known about what took place. "It is the 'Seekology' that is different —a 'seekology' Americans cannot understand/' It was Mr Scheinmann speaking. I understood '"seekology" as the Russo-English rendition of psychology. in. a plainly furnished office high up over Broadway, New- York, 1 asked this Russian banker a few questions. Jlis bulky frame was hunched over the desk, resting on his forearms, spread flat and crossed at the wrists. Piercing eyes looked out from faintly slanting lids, which twitched as Mr Scheinmann' spoke. His face is bland, mobile. Except for those eager gloaming eyes, his deeply creased face suggests the aloof austerity of a mandarin. I asked him how the Soviet Republic, eager for industries, hoped to attract tlh! necessary engineering and executive talent without offering the market value of such ability, "in Russia recognition accompanies the job, not the dollars,'' he replied.

"Success in .America is measured in income. The man. who. by hard work. diligent application, rises to prominence, gams the honour and distinction to which his position entitles him. "ll'e is held in high regard—respected and . honoured by those whom he directs: and that regard and respect are .a manifestation of love rather than fear. The worker in Russia loves bis leaders because he has faith they will not prey upon his labour." The Russian paused a moment, wondering, perhaps, if his message were being understood. "'\oii understand," he went on. "that ltuge salaries were never the rule in Russia. Before the war directors of Government railways and other Governmental enterprises received modest salaries and were otherwise recompensed by royal favours in the form of honours, decorations and special privileges. ' Wo have dime away with these tilings, but have substituted respect and admiration of the people." >, Again .Mr Scheinmaiin hesitated. "1 wonder if 1 make myself really clear'.'" he questioned. "It is so hard for me to explain this te an American. Our executives find happiness in the opportunity of achievement. Thev derive a satisfaction from their advancement which can never he disturbed by a consciousness of having caused'others to suffer." '"And your salary, Mr Scheinmaiin—as the leading hanker of Soviet Russia —is it quite small''" 1 asked diffidently. "Very small to an American. I suppose, but plenty for my family and myself," replied this hanking leader of j 140.C00.C00 people. Later 1 learned that his salary was I less than 200 dollars a month.