The Sun.
London, England, 1821-07-12 00:00:00

FOR THE SUN.

NATIONAL PROSPERITY.—'No. IV.)
MR. EDITOR,—From the period when Mr.
OWEN first publicly addressed the inhabitants of
this Metropolis, he and his plans, until very
lately, have been but little heard of. That the
latter were founded in false views of human na-
ture, and were wholly inconsistent with the true
principles of Political Economy, was an opinion
so generally prevalent, that one found it very
difficult to induce sensible men to endure even
the mention of a theory which was considered as
nearly related to the Rosicrucian mysteries. I
understand, indeed, that under the impression
that the value of Mr. 0 wen's publications had
reached that state of declension, when it is usual
to ascertain it by the pound weight, a large
quantity of them had actually been disposed of
as waste paper.*

labours, however, were not wholly thrown
away ;—they set some persons a thinking, and
although, like myself, they were deterred by the
incredulity of their neighbours from speaking
much upon the subject, they nevertheless che-
rished a hope that the distinguished and perse-
%ering Philanthropist, who had so courageously-
challenged inquiry, and so confidently predicted
the early triumph of his cause, would again come
forward, fortified by the result of further expe-
rience, and by more elaborate reasonings, to re-
deem the pledge which he had given.

Towards the close of the last summer an indi-
vidual attempted to rouse attention to the plans
of Mr. Owen, by announcing that he was about
to deliver a Course of Lectures explanatory of
their nature and tendency, part of which course
would be devoted to the consideration of the
several objections which had been urged against
those plans. I had the curiosity to hear him ;
but although the Lecturer treated his subject
with becoming gravity, and really displayed
much ability and judgment, he was so thinly at-
tended that he deemed it prudent to abandon
his design, and did not proceed beyond his intro-
ductory discourse.

The person alluded to, however, adopted
another, and perhaps a better mode of carrying
his design into effect, and, as the Editor of a
weekly publication, entitled " The Economistf,"
he continues his endeavours to bring the prin-
ciples on which the plan in question is founded
to the test of fair discussion.

Athough the circulation of the work is not as
yet very extensive, it would appear that the
Editor has already prevailed upon a number of
the working classes, chiefly Journeymen Printers,
to form themselves into what they have termed The
" Co-operative Society," the object of which is
to unite their means for the purchase of articles
of necessity at wholesale prices, and to adopt
such other domestic arrangements as shall enable
them to enjoy many of the advantages belonging
to the more perfect plan of Mr. Owen, without
abandoning their present occupations. If this
association should advance steadily in the course
upon which it has entered, its example cannot
fail to have a considerable influence upon the
character and habits of that class of the commu-
nity out of which it has been formed ; and may
even operate a considerable change in the gene-
ral frame of society. One obvious consequence
that must result from these associations, should
they become numerous, is that the occupations of
the petty retail dealers will be rendered nearly su-
perfluous. But it is not merel v among the order of
men above alluded to, that " The Economist" has
made converts. The 20th number of that ‘voi k con-
tains a letter from a gentleman in Devonshire,
who states, that he and several respectable per-
sons in his immediate neighbourhood, are well
disposed to form an establishment on Mr. Owen's
Plan, and that for this purpose he himself would
be willing to contribute from 3,0001. to 5,0001.
Mr. Owen too has, it seems, though silent,
been far from inactive. Ile has propagated his
principles in the mode best calculated to work
conviction on the minds of men, namely, by
displaying to the numerous visitors of his
establishment, the practical effects of his
benevolent treatment both of the adult and
minor population over which he presides. It ap-
pears now to be universally admitted, that he has
succeeded in diffusing among his people a degree
of intelligence, of comfort, and of happiness,
which would be sought in vain in any other com-
munity of a similar description and of equal num-
bers ; and that this has been effected without the
slightest detriment to the interests of the Finn,
of which he is the head partner. A most valuable
and important testimony has been borne to the
soundness of his principles, and the justice of his
pretensions, by many highly respectable persons
of the County of Lanark, whose Petition, praying
for an inquiry into Mr. Owen's Plan, .is now
(June 9) lying on the Tables of both Houses of
Parliament.

All 'these facts indicate that the prejudices
which but lately existed agai►►st Mr. Owen and
hid doctrines, are beginning to subside ; and it is
to be hoped that the enlightened Readers of
THE SUN will not deem it beneath the dignity of
philosophy, now to bestow some attention upon
a proposal, which offers an effectual remedy for
our national disorders.

When I sat down to compose the feeble
essays, which you have been pleased to admit
into your columns, it was with a determination
to speak in measured terms of the advantages
which will result from the adoption of the pro-
jected social arrangements. I fear, however)
that I have already transgressed the bounds

The circumstance here alluded to by INDEx we haren
know originated in a vas:ale—ED. •
t Published at No. 46, Fleet-street. 1,

which prudence would have dictated, and in the
further developement of my anticipations, it is
but too probable that I may again lapse into the
same error; for it is scarcely possible that a person
who conscientiously believes that a remedy for
pauperism, with all its attendant evils, has been
discovered, should be able to suppress the ex-
pression of those joyous feelings which such a
conviction must create. We have, indeed, in
the conduct of the Author and Finisher of our
Faith, and of the Messengers whom he deputed
to announce to the world the best tidings which
had ever reached the ears of mortals, a most
illustrious example of the course proper to be
pursued on such occasions. In their proceedings
we are at a loss which most to admire, the bold-
ness, the energy, and animation or the suavity,
the prudence, and wisdom, which, as occasion
required, they alternately displayed.' How ex-
actly did they steer between the two extremes of
timidity and temerity ; of lukewarmness and fiery
zeal ; of subserviency to prevailing opinions and
a rude disregard of deep rooted prejudices.—At
one time we observe them dealing forth as to
children simple truths, and first principles ; and
at another unfolding to disciples of mature
growth the sublime mysteries of our religion.—
Among these mysteries, I am strongly inclined
to believe, was the very fell-owship (Ephesians 3,
v. 9.) so long lost sight of by the Christian world,
and which is now brought forward in a form which,
whatever may be the creed of the person who has
been the instrument in the hands of Providence
of promulgating it, evidently bears the stamp of
that benign revelation which is destined to unite
all mankind in the bonds of love and union.
—This however would open a wide field of ar-
guinent, into hich it is not my present purpose
to enter. That every heart which yearns over
the ignorance, the wretchedness, and the vices,
which deform the world, must throb at the
mere possibility of the results contemplated by
the Philosopher of New Lanark, may be safely
affirmed. But to convert transient hopes into-
permanent expectations, the understanding must
sanction the aspirations of the heart.
We justly apply the term visionary to any
schemes for the promotion of happiness, where
the means are evidently inadequate to the end ;
that is to say, where the projector expects, that
human beings. shall be made to act for any con-
tinuance in a manner different from what they
have heretofore acted under similar circumstances.

The question then is, whether the scheme of
Mr. Owen does or does not come under this class.
1 think it must be admitted, on the one hand,
that we have no authentic proof that Societies
have hitherto been placed in circumstances alto-
gether similar to those by which he thinks it pos-
sible to surround the members of his projected
villages ; while on the other hand it is well
known that Societies acting upon some of the
principles of his plan have long existed, and still
exist. 1 shall, with your permission, take
another opportunity of verifying this assertion,
and on this occasion confine myself to a slight
sketch of the leading features of Mr. Owen's
arrangements.

I have not Mr. Owen's works at hand, but,
from Dr. Mac Nab's work, entitled " The New
" Views of Mr. Owen of Lanark impartially ex-
" amined," I select the following passage, which
will be found in Mr. Owen's address, delivered
at the City of London Tavern, the 14th August,
1817,—" The knowledge I have acquired ou this
subject, has been forced upon me by a long and
extensive experience ; which, under similar cir-
cumstances, would have been acquired by the
generality of mankind. None, I believe not one,
of the principles have the least claim to origi-
nality ; they have been repeatedly advocated
and recommended by .superior minds, from the
earlieSt period of history. I have 113 claim even
to priority, io regard to the combination of these
principles in theory ; this belongs, as far as I
know, to John Bellers, who published them,
and most ably recommended them to he adopted
in practice in the year 1696. Without any aid
from actual experience, he has most distinctly
shewn how they might be applied to the improve-
ment of Society according to the facts then known
to exist; thus evincing that his mind had the power
to contemplate a point extended one hundred
and twenty years beyond his contemporaries.
His work appeared so curious and valuable, that,
on discovering it, I have had it reprinted verba-
tim, in order to bind up with the papers I have
ritten on the same subject. Whatever merit
can be due to an individual for the original dis-
covery of "a plan, that, in its consequences, is
calculated to effect more substantial and perma-
nent benefit to mankind than any ever yet per-
haps contemplated by the human mind,—it all
belongs exclusively to John Bellers."
This, it must be confessed, is a handsome and
manly avowal. But if the work alluded to,
which well deserves the eulogium passed upon
it, was not (as I think may be inferred from the
words above quoted) discovered until after Mr.
Owen had matured his own scheme, he is him-
self justly entitled to be considered as an origi-
nal inventor. Be this as it may, we are now pos-
sessed of the secret, and, without any disparage-
ment to Mr. Owen, I will venture to say, that
such is its simplicity, that if Providence were to
remove him to-morrow, there would not be the
slightest difficulty in carrying the scheme into
effect.

But to come to the plan itself. As I write
without reference to his own description of it, I
shall pursue my owa method. Let us suppose
that a community, consisting of about 1200 per.
sons of both sexes and all ages, that is to say;
made up of the average proportions of children,
adults 2 aged and infirm members, were about to

form a colony on one of the unoccupied spots of
this kingdom, and that it was their determins
tion, as far as possible, to possess every regil-.
site within themselves. Their first object w0u1d,,..
doubtlegs, be to secure to themselves such as:'
extent of land as should be capable olvieldifni
a quantity of alimentary produce more Chan a.ar
ficieut for their subsistence ; their next olajec' t
would be to erect commodious dwellings,
and to supply themselves with the other ile•
cessaries, conveniences, and comforts to whia
they had been inure or less accustomed in
the society whence they emigrated. Sup
posing them possessed of a knowledge of Ws
principles upon which Mr. Owen's Flan i;
founded, and cordially agreed to act upon those
principles, they would be aware that a regard ta,
their own true interests required that they should,
as far as practicable, without trenching upon indi -
vidual liberty, carry on every operation con-
jointly, and economise to the utmost both their
materials and labour. They would, aecordittg-.
to the practice of the most experienced agricul•
twists, erect their dwellings as nearly- as pos-
sible in the centre of their estate ; and, in tha
construction of them, a regard to economy would
require that one contrivance should answer nu- •
merous purposes. Hence they would see the.
advantage of making one convenient kitchen, and
a sufficient number of other public rooms, in the
place of multiplying small rooms, and paltry
utensils for the separate use of each family.--
The females would find, that, by dividing among
themselves the domestic duties of the cominu--'
nity, those duties might be performed in a tithe
of the time, and with incalculably more skill
and effect than by their own individual and'
desultory efforts, if, for theexclusive benefit of her.
own family, each was burthened with all the
petty details of housewifery, amidst the distrac-
tion arising from the care of young children.
—The children of such a community would be.
sufficiently numerous to admit of the introduction
of the best system of education. For the pur-
poses of manufacturing the several articles 'of
cloathing and of furniture, machinery would bee
resorted to; and as each member would have a
common interest, on equitable principles, the
whole produce of the land and manufactures, it
is obvious that the more extensively and effi-
ciantly mechanical inventions were introduced
and applied, the more would the wealth of each:
individual be increased. There could then'arise
no collision of interests between the agriculturist
and manufacturer; for those interests would be,
identified. Abundant harvests, and plenty of
provisions, could not be regarded, as withuS,
evil : what constituted the joy of one could not;
be a source of sorrow to another ; all would re-:
joice together, and receive with gratitude" the
gifts of Providence.

Such is, indeed, a very slight sketch of that
Plan, which has beer► scouted as visionary and
impracticable. To my mind it presents a scene
fraught with delight.

TIDE. grand desideratum of Society, I conceive. is
,
as I observed in my last essay, to carry the prin:_
ciples of union and combination as far aa*ac-'
ticable. The only limit that should be assigned'
to the operation of those principles, is that point
‘v here they would invade the right of privacy,
and the freedom of action. Under the proposed
arrangements, provision is made for the enjoYMent
of privacy, each family having separate sleeping
and sitting apartments, the size, number, and con:
venience of which might be increased as the associa-
tion advanced in wealth ; and freedom of action is
insured by the right of each member to with-
draw from the society when so disposed, and by
the inalienable right of all Sock Ceti to expel those
indilidualS who shall disturb their peace.

I am aware that many doubts, difficulties, and
objections have been started to this scheme of ar-
rangement, and I am prepared to advert to them
in my future Essays.—l am with esteem,:. Sir,
you r's truly,
June 10, 1821. INDEX.

_+_

ERRATA IN NO. 111.

Fe: " cordial effects of," &c. read " effects of extensive core:
binatioa and cordial co-operation ;". for "poco pit.e," read
•t eye° pig."

MUSICAL FESTIVAL:.-The Concert for the
benefit of the Spitalfields -National Schools.was
given yesterday, at Christ.. Church, in that disr
trict, before a very numerous assemblage of con-
tributors to that excellent Charity. We have
seldom heard the fine specimens of musical com.
positions comprised in the selection,. which was
chiefly supplied from the sterling works of. HAN-
DEL, lIA'YON, MOZART, . and. BEETBDITVI, under
more favourable 'circumstances._ The build-
ing itself is extremely well adapted .to- the
performance of music ; and some, of the firSt
rate talent of the-profession, both. iu the .vocal
and instrumental. .departments, was put in
requisition for the occasion. Among the former
the lead was taken by Mr. BuAnAwand Mrs_
SALMON ; and in the latter we noticed Messrs,
LINDLEY, DRAGONETTI, GRIEPIACII, WILLMAN,
Sze. Sir G. SMART presided at the:organ.
the company appeared much gratified, and. to
have found their benevolence literally its own. re-
ward.. It is interesting to be enabled to add, that
independently of the.purchase.of tickets of ad..
mission, which to judge :from ..the numbers, pre-
sent:, must have produced . very effectual Aid to
the Charity, many individuals, _who. were debar-
red by business from attending, sent their contri.
bntions. Irt -the..neighboUchood ,the festiral fa!,
tracted much' curiosity, anti a crowd, composed pi
the poor of the district, .was collected. .ronna the
'doors of thochurchduring the-whole tiale,o; per.
fotinerace. ...A

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4).0 t

PAR LI AM ENT,

13(7,1ti1il OF 1,0i11)::;. JuLT P.

The Ritit Hon. the Earl of STRATII-oIOR}ItOOk
his oaths 1;e1-ore the. LORD CIIANCELLL‘R.—SOCIt
after three o'clock the LDRD Cli ANC E.LI.OR, th?
Archbishop of CANTERBURY, the Like of NVEr.-1
t.innTorr, the li.;art of llAintowny, and the Earl.
of L:51."41R1.A :ID, took their se-a-ts in front-of the
Throne as Commissioners ; an:l the Commons
Lein:: sum:zoned, the SPEAKER, accompanied by
nnmher of Members attended at
the Ear. The Commission tar • pa3sine• certain
Bills, therein -I:nmed was • then.reni!,- .when- the
_Royal Arseet .was ,iced the--'T3;ike of •Cla-
rencz,'s A; nuity Eill,.the A pproprist tion
Lottery -and another ••
The L07.il 01 A C2I,LOR then ,delivered. the
foi,lowina So•eech, hinh npreared in a second
ii...ttition of TnE, I',:y; of yesterday
" Lertlx wv! Gentlemen,
" We 1'.7,.V it in command front his Mijesty to
in.form that the state of Pnblic i sitlesS hay-
vg enabled Ali;) to eti3i•ense with your attendance
n.Par , he has determined to put an end
ta

Llajt-sy,h,owever, cannot close it without
,xpri_•ssing his satisfaction at the 7ek:l and assi-
tinity which you have prosecuted the labo-
rious tntl. important inquiries in which you have

• •
been ergar,ed.
with particular pleasure,
t!-.P fa't'ty with •which - the restoration-of a Me-
taWc Correnry leen effeetwl by the autho-
rity giv2r to the Eank of England, to comrnenCe
its F•eVt7.l97t° in Cash at' an earlier period than
t:ad teen .determined by the last Parliament.
" Hi rlajr.ty has commanded us to acquaint
yen, that he continues to• receive from Foreign
Powers f.lp'Ftronzest assurances of their friendly
d7Fpositiun towards this Country.