Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-12-07
EOURIERISM.

his name, from Its founder, Ourler,
Frenchman, desi gnates form of society
which has always been looked upon as
Utopean, or the creation of an inventive
and enthusiastic brain. Sir Thomas Moore,
in his celebrated history Of the common
wealth of Utopia, describes an imaginary
state ofsociety, where peace prosperity, and
happiness abounded without alloy. The
disciples Of Fourier believed that the founder
Of their system Of society had discovered
the true secret of forming such a common
wealth, and out Of the very same materials
which compose the present false state Of
society, as theyterm it. They insist that
the arrangements of society, as now consti-
tuted, are alike hostile to the happiness Of
all, rich and poor; that the industrious
classes are compelled to wage competitive
war against each other, and that all i'm
provements in machinery, and in the ac-
emulation Of capital, serve but to increase
the competition; and that no reform of a
political nature will ever permanently inn
prove their social condition. The first step
they propose, is to do away with the indus
trial war of the producing classes, among
themselves individually, and of machinery
against them collectively. This, they ex-
pect to accomplish by the establishment of
associations on Fourier principles, some
what in the form Of Joint stock companies,
which will invite the capital of the wealthy
and labor of the industrious, and in which
all the improvements Of machinery, and
the economies ofdwelling kitchen, work.
shop, and farm, will be combined to aug
ment the productveness of industry, and
to lessen the toll Of the laborer, SO that
industry will be made an honorable and
pleasant pastime, and the laborer gentle
man Of leisure and Of education. For, in
the IS Associations" there are to be intro
duced all the elegant as we'll as substantial
enioyments Of life, and all of such easy &C
QUESTION, that none who are willing to Ia
Dor tolerable portion Of each twenty-four
hours, need be excluded from their benefit
If they accomplish but one fourth Of what
they believe practicable, they will have
done mankind an invaluable and ever to be
remembered service. The success Of their
plan is however yet to be shown.
Those who are curious about the details
of the system, are referred to the works Of
A. Brisbane, its principle advocate in this
country, and to the New York Tribune,
and the Plebian Of n. Y. These journals
devote daily column each to Fourierism,
chiefly from the eloquent pen of Mr.. Brs-
bane. Several associations have already
been formed. One in Roxbury, Ms, un-
der the direction Of the Rev. George Rip
ley; one at Mendon, Ms, under the direc-
ton Of the Rev. Addin Balan; third at
Northampton, Ms, under the direction of
Prof. Adams. The most extensive yet
formed, is in Pennsylvania, under the gui-
dance Of Mr.. Cinal, German Divine
They have a tract Of 900 acres of land,
and several mills in operation. They are
said TO have been very successful IN the en-
terprise. 1t is stated that the stock has ad-
vaced 100 per cent, since the first of jan
uarv last. Several other associations are
in progress of formation. One formed in
New York has purchased 5000 acres in
Pennsylvania, and intend commencing i'm
nediately
If there is any truth in the doctrines Of
Fourier and his disciples, it will not long
be concealed from the world. If they can
really accomplish their beautiful Visions
and what friend Of humaity does not wish
them God speed!-we shall soon be in the
midst of a social millennium. A numerous
class of persons have full faith in the prac
ticabiity of the scheme, but this cannot be
demonstrated by any other means than ex-
pertinent. This system is essentially diff
terent from the community system much
in vogue few years ago, but whether 1t
will meet with the same obstacles, showing
its total impracticabiity, remains to be test
ed.-Cincinnati Enquirer.