Eastern times., 1855-11-08

The Free Love Association.

Our readers nave doubtless noticed IN our
telegraphic columns an account of a summary
descent upon "Free Love Association" in
New YORK, some of the habitues of which
were taken TO the station house. Some ac-
count Of this new and novel institution will be
found interesting. The New York Tribune
publishes lengthy description of the doings
and objects of this corrupt and singularly con-
stituted society. 1t is founded on an idea de-
duced from modern spirituaism-that of free
love or passional attraction. The meetings of
the association are held at No. 555, Broad
way, up three flights Of stairs, where large
NUMBER of progressive ladies and gentlemen
assemble every Monday and Thursday even
ing, TO indulge in free and unconstrained So
cial intercourse, which intercourse has received
the distinctive title of free love- This society,
which Is called the League, or the Club, was
formed in the winter of 1853, by Mr. S. p.
Andrews. Previous to that time the doctrines
of the society had been disseminated by the
works of a woman named Nichols, and Dr.
Lazarus. These doctrines were embraced bv
number of ladies and gentlemen, generally
believers in socialist and spiritualist doctrines,
and meetings were held at the residence of
Mr.. Andrews. The circle gradually increased
until It reached double the original number
They were ladies and gentlemen of high or
der of intellect, and all were persons of rare
intelligence and cultivated minds some of af
huence, also. and some, too, well known to
fame. The evenings were passed mostly in
conversation, though the enjoyment was oc-
casionally heightened by vocal and instrument
al music. Spiritualism, too, often contributed
to the round of entertainment.
In December, 1853, very general desire
being expressed 10 have the circle enlarged,
Mr.. Andrews engaged a small hall in Bond
street, and some thirty ladies and forty gentle
men responded to an invitation TO be present
on certain evening. The object, as then an
nounced, was to form the nucleus of a secret
society, the object of which should be the mu-
tual enjoyment of IFS members, and in the meet
ings of which everything like stiff convention
alsm was to be tabooed. AT these meetings
no subject was to be too sacred for discussion,
and attraction was to be the highest law
governing individual conduct. Mr.. Andrews
constituted himself the chief of the Associa-
ton, he taking all the responsibilities, being
accountable to nobody, and requiring of the
members their cooperation only so far as they
voluntarily gave it, with the right to withdraw
whenever they saw fit. He imposed fee of
ten cents for every meeting, and the members
were required to pledge themselves not to di-
vulge either the existence or any OF the pro-
ceedings of the club. The obligation was
taken, but as there were many ladies in the
case, it has been often broken.
The club was subsequently, removed 10 the
place it now occupies in Broadway, and il now
numbers, it is said, some twelve hundred mem
bers. Novices must be introduced by men,
Der. The club is supported entirely by admis-
sion fees. The attendance ranges from one
hundred up TO five hundred, and the rooms are
open from eight to eleven, P. M. The men
generally outnumber the women. At these
semi-weekly meetings the attendants at the
club walk, talk, waltz, sing, firt, and endeav-
or to enjoy themselves as best they may, each
selecting his or her associate, according to at
fractions or affinites, and always with a re-
gard to individual sovereignty. Although the
exercises, topics and amusements take wide
range, the main idea which draws and holds
together this motley party is free love, or pas
sional attraction, as some of them prefer to
call it. They repudiate the present system of
marriage; deny the right of the State or soci-
ETY. TO interfere in any way with the subject any
further than it may rightfully interfere with
any civil contract, and contend that marriage
may be limited or a life partnership at the
option of the man and woman, who are the
sole judges of the time and manner of its be-
dogmas is that woman has a right to choose
the father of her own child. Nor is this idea
allowed to remain simply dogma. 1t has
been fully carried out in many sad cases.
Women of fine talents and accomplishments
have been deceived and ruined by the heathen-
ish and degrading doctrine, and it has carried
sin and misery into many previously virtuous
and happy families. The society is said to be
slill increasing in numbers, although some of
the original members have become disguised
and Withdrawn and it has acquired such a
character as would make it disgrace to any
community.
1t is said that the chief contemplates erect
ing building expressly for the club, and that
there is to be great league with several or
ders joining each other. Here is a description
of two of Them -
The Grand Order of the Social Relations
will investigate the rights of women, the ex-
listing and the true laws of marriage and di-
vorce, and physiology, as applied especially
to the rearing of children and the prevention
of the terrible loss of life among infants, which
is the affliction and the reproach of the science
Of civilized countries.
The Grand Order of Recreation will attempt
what can be done to organize the amusements
of the people upon basis of cheapness and of
accommodations for vast numbers, which will