The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-04-21
A STRANGE COLONY.

Nonpariel, gives the following sketch of q
singular association located near Pitts.
burgh at place called Economy:
left Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning
by the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad
which runs three trains per day, as far as
New Brighton, go miles. Arrived at Econ
omy, 18 miles from the Smoky City, | step
ped out for the purpose Of stud ying Soci-
alism as illustrated there.
walked up gravel bank, about so
feet above high water mark, and found
myself in beautiful town over which the
most solemn silence prevailed None were
moving about, except now and then man
wheeling barrow across the street at a
slow and serious gait, as if carrying earth
to fill grave, and now and then woman
with load on her head One is peculiar.
ly impressed with the silence that reigns
in such town even on week days. There
is not child under ten wears Of age in
the whole village-celibacy being part
Of their religious faith. They believe that
Adam and Eve fell by their indulgence,
and to repair the ruin Of the Fall must fol-
low ST. Paul's advice to those who have
wives to live as il they had no wives! To,
be sure this would correct the evil Of the
Fall provided all mankind would observe
it. for it would bring the race to an end!
There are 800 persons in this communi-
ty-l6O Of whom are over 80 years Of age,
and but 90 under 80 years old. The COM
munity came over from Germany under
Mr.. Rapp, in 1905. There were 500 of
them, and they settled in Butler county,
Pa, where they lived ten years--then
moved to the Wabash where they resided
ten years longer, and selling out to Robert
Owen, they came to their present location
in 1895. The largest number the COM
munity ever had was 800-but the seces-
sions and deaths have more than balanced
the accessions. Their number has per.
haps averaged 500 from the first. They
have lost 500 by death-one in SO being
the average annual mortality. This does
not speak very we'll for the influence Of
their manners, customs, and belief upon
health and longevity. 1t is true that they
lost many on the Wabash where the NOR
tali;y was great in early times-but this
community for the past 81 years has re-
ported heavier mortality than generally
prevails, Notwithstanding they have had so
few children among whom the greatest
mortality always prevails. Man canno;
violate the laws Of nature and do well.
Some died during the past year aged as
follows:-8O, 46, rs, 81, 83. Sc. rs.
The village contains 100 dwellings, and
the horses, &c., all being in town, and the
buildings having ample space for gardens,
give the town quite an imposing appear
ance. They have house room Tor nearly
1000 persons-25 dwellings are entirely
empty. The houses are uniiorm-about
half being wood and the remainder of
brick. They are two stories high. contain
ing four or five rooms. Each family is
composed Of men and women, and moth
ing is on the unitary system except labor
capital and religion. They have 5000
acres Of good land under excellent cult
vatoa. They have cotton and woolen
factory, distllery, &c. They are very
rcl-it is impossible to estimate their
wealth as they will not tell Inquired as
to this, but the President, Mr.. Baker, said
that they placed no value on their proper.
ty-n gives them living, and they try to
follow Paul, when he tells those that have
property to live as if they had no property.
Some say they are worth $3,000,000. Mr..
Baker said the annual increase of their
labor was $40, ,OO0-but this does not in
clude the interest on money loaned and
their dividends on bank and other stocks,
which must amount TO large sum.
There is no doubt but there is less vice
here than among an equal number, that
can be taken indiscrimnately from any
other town. Indeed there is no vice here.
No fight, even, ever occurred among them.
They all share alike and live well as far
as the physical wants arc concerned, but
in mental cultivation they are sadly def.
cient. They are deeply religious at the
expense OF the intellect. They have not
100 books in the whole village. The
whole people only take eight ten papers,
and they come to the President, who hands
them to such as may enquire for them.
Had they adopted from the first all the
means Of progress they might now boast
of soms Of the most distinguished men of
letters. and be sending whatthey conceive
10 be the truth broadcast over the land,
from the pens Of the most charming au-
lhors. A community is of little account
that rejects mental culture.
The people do not work hard-but it is
from scene to scene with great moderation.
Both sexes work together.
They have beautiful garden surround
ed by stone fence. In the center is a
beautiful fountain supplied by springs in
the hills above, and around the pool stand
large and thrifty evergreens. saw flow.
ers in bloom there--the first Of the season.
Notwithstanding the doctrines on celiba-
cy, about 100 children have been born
amongst them since the society was organ
| lied. The only punishment for such an