Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1867-08-21
The Cooperative Movement-The Labor
Congress at Chicago.

1Ae Co-0peFaGve MOvement-rhe Labor
Congress at Chicago.
The New York Herald says: OF all move
ments made by the working classes with a
view OF improving their condition, there Is
none more deserving Of consideration than
that OF cooperation. Indeed, it is q matter OF
surprise that they have not undertaken the
study OF this subject before, and thus endeavor
to reduce to pracucal operation q theory ap-
parently so easy Of solution. The advances,
rection of late speak favorably or the incress-
ing intelligence among the working classes
and suggest the belief that cooperation will
strikes, which for a long timcihas been foolish
~ regarded az the only mems of removing the
bored.
From the humble beginning in England Of
the Rochdaie Weavers, we see everywhere
evidences Of the benefits TO be derived from
cooperative industry springing up; and it
sean,res an Only the prudence, perseverance and
those thrifty mechanics to render similar
efforts successful everywhere, In Germany,
under the ministration Of Schultz, OF Delitze,
the laboring classes have already recognized
the many and great advantages to be derived
from associated labor wisely and prudently
directed Even in France, where government
obstacles are continually presenting them
selves as barriers to the Independent progress
slyeness of the artisans, the system has crept
on apace, and Its advances speak f1atteringIy
for the courage and perseverance of the French
such difficulties present themsel YES to the free
exercise Of individual or collective enterprises
Of the people for their own benefit the system of
co-operatOn, until the present time, has been
comparatively unknown. Not until exorbitant
rents ana increased cost of living have
forced the working classes to some ulti :
marum by which they might imp rove
their condition have thev endeavored,
by means OF cooperation, to produce
that Improvement. 1t is tact acknow-
ledgment on their part Of the injurious effects
OF the conflicts which arise between capital
and labor. 1t is also most laudable desire to
partake OF the first benefits OF the profits of
labor, instead Of waiting for the second, third
or fourth. Its simplicity also recommends it,
and the most important elements needed to
make 1t successful, wherever practical, is the
perseverance, sagaclty, and energy which are
employed in its accomplish hment. The coming
session OF the Labor Congress. which will be
composed OF delegates repre- senting the work
ingmen OF the whole country, and which COM
mences its session In Chicago to morrow, will
do well to direct its attention to the advantages
OF CO operation, and not waste time upon un.
practical and worthless theories. II this
course be pursued, much good may result from
the labors OF the Congress The progress OF
cooperation must and will help TO solve the
difficulty relating to the hours OF labor This
is another important light in which the sys.
tenn may be viewed. Taken altogether in ats
varied bearings. the cooperative movement
is worthy OF deep consideration, alike inter-
esfing to the capitalists to the laborers Of the
country.