New-York daily tribune., 1844-03-16
Association and its Defamers.

pOsllOn OF lle views OF the <iSSOCldl0nStS with
regard to Marriage, Religion, &c. in refutation
OF the ISLANDERS necessarily hurled against them.
has been deemed expedlcnt by many whose judg-
ment is entitled to Difference. We do not share
in this conviction. We consider those who
charge the Associationists with holding lcentious
or nfdel views already know BETTER and that
argument, assurance and evidence are wasted
upon them while those who wish to know and
follow the truth are convinced already, and need
no assurance. Nevertheless, we give place to
the following without the slightest hope that it
will even check the Misrepresentation which it
so thoroughly exposes
Association I'm Reference to Marriage.
For The Trbune.l
We observe an article in some Of the papers
tending. to show that Fourier advocated a
degree of liberty in relation to the union and
intercourse Of the sexes entirely opposed to
the views which are held upon this subject
throughout the Christian World and as we wish
our countrymen to understand clearly and pre-
ciselv what the princip pies and views OF the Ame-
rican Associatonists are upon this SUBJECT we re-
quest those editors who have copied the article
referred to, to publish in their columns the follow
ing remarks:
In relation to Fourier and his opinions, we
state and wish it constantly borne in mind, that
distinction must be made, as was done by Fou-
rier himself most clearly and explicitly, be-
tween the practical Arrangements Of Associa-
ton, and his con jcctural and speculative views.
And while we adopt the principle of association
upon the basis Of united Interests and Attractire
Industry, we leave aside the merely Theoretical
part of his Doctrine-some branches of which
- +Ior{ nd,
and consequently do not advocate there are
others which we reject. For example, among
Fourier's conjcctural doctrines we do not receive
his views upon the Immortality of the Soul, al
though we acknowledge them to be sublime
neither do we accept his Cosmogony, and Theory
Of Universal Analogy, interesting as their vast
and comprehensive Suggestions are.
AS regards his views of Marriage, we confess
ourselves unable fully to comprehend the nature
of the relations between the sexes, which he an
ticipaed might possibly exist at some distant
period. And we would do Fourier the Justice to
add that he most positively insists upon strictly
maintaining the Marriage Institution as 1t nO,o
erists, unless the Parents, with the advice of the
Priesthood, in a future and purer gcneration re-
commend and introduce change The first
work of Fourier, written in 1907, represents
his earlier opinions, when, as he himself in
subsequent works admits he had only discovered
the system of Materinl Harm0nies, and before
a deeper study of the order Of Gods Laws
had made known to him the higher and Moral
Harmonics, discovered IN lclI. But what
ever were his theories, we do for ourselves
solemnly and explicitly reject all that may tend
to weaken or violate the sanctty of the Marriage
Union. We desire not only to preserve but to
elevate Marriage to It's highest state of Purity
ILL.,.
tons of United Families will greatly increase,
not lessen the reverence for this Institution; tor
the following, among other reasons:
lst. AS the pecunary independence Of both
Man and Woman will be fully secured, there will
be less intermixture of mercenary motives IN mar
ragcs and consequently free room for the most
elevated sympathies.
3D. Acquaintance in all the relations of bus-
ness education, social intercourse and recreation
will be so much more thorough than it can posi-
bly be now, that there will be fewer incompatible
unions.
3D. AS the Husband and Wife will be much
more constantly in each others presence mlngllng
in the same occupations and pleasures, there will
be less of the coldness and reserve which divided
cares and ignorance of each others interests now
so often produce.
4th. The securing OF pecuniary independence
and ease will diminish the anxlctes which now
breed so many domestic difficulties; the husband
will bring less exhausted and divided mind to
his hreside. the wife Will be less oppressed and
distracted by the drudgery Of petty duties which
the isolated state imposes upon her; and there
will be less disagreement as to the proper rela
tions of expenditure to income.
5th. The closeness of relations the constant
companionship in all places Of labor and instruc
ton and amusement will make difficult all lrreg
ular and illicit connexions now so easily entered
into and kept out of sight.
9th. Especially will the supremacy OF Woman
over the tone of manners and social intercourse
be purifying and refining.
7th The constant presence of Children and the
nearness Of intercourse with them Will complete
the securities against low passions, and dlttuse an
atmosphere of innocence.
Sth. LastIy-far greater opportunities ior the
choice of congenial and sympathetic characters
and high degree of general cultivation and re-
6nement will produce and MAINTAIN courtesy and
politeness in all relations of life.
For these, among many other reasons, do we
believe that Associations will favor the growth OF
higher degree of chastity and modesty than
now exists; and put an end to the widespread
| licentiousness which corrupts our communities.
We would add that we accept Fourier as
Leader only in so far as we understand MS ooc-
trines, and our own consciences and judgments
approve his teachings; and in recommending MS
Organization of Industry to our fellow-ctlzens
and fellowC Christians of all denominations, we are
particularly desirous to see them governed IN
adopting il by Religious Faith and Duty
We entertain for Fourier the most profound
respect and veneration we respect and venerate
him for his great genius-his pure and exalted
character and his noble devotion during e long
life to the cause of Mankind in searching out
the means of Social melioration and OF securing
| To the whole Human Family that high degree OF