The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-08-18
The Cooperative MOvesnent-The Labor Con {.
gress ut Chicago.

The Cooperative Rove,nent-The Labor Con
grcss ut Chicago.
OF all movements made by the working
classes with che view of improving their
condition, there is none more deserving
| Of consideration than that Of cooperation.
Indeed it is a matter of surprise that they
have not undertaken the study of this subject
before, and thus endeavored to reduce to
practical operation theory apparently SO
easy Of solution. The advances, however,
which have been made in this direction of late
speak favorably of the increasing intelligence
among the working classes, and suggest the
belief that cooperation will eventually sup
plant the riinous system of strikes, which for a
long time has been foolishly regarded as the
only means of removing the real or fancied
wrongs under which they labored.
From the humble beginning in England Of
the Rochdale weavers, we see everywhere
evidences of the benefits to be derived
from cooperative industry springing up !;
and it requires only the prudence per-
| severance and energy which characterized
| the labors OF those thrifty mechanics TO
render similar efforts successful everywhere.
In Germany, under the ministrations of Schultz,
of DeliIze, the Iaboring classes have already
recognized the many and great advantages to
be derived from associated labor wisely and
prudently directed. Even in France, where
governmental obstacles are continually pre-
senting themselves as barriers to the indie
pendent progressiveness Of the artisans, the
system has crept on apace, and its advances
perseverance of the French mechanics. Blu.
here in America where no such difficulties pre-
sent themselves to the free exercise of indi-
vidual or collective enterprises of the people
for their own benefit, the system of co-opera-
ton, until tho present time, has been compare
lively unknown. Not until exorbitant rents
and increased cost of living have forced the
working classes 10 some ultimatum by which
they might improve their condition, have they
endeavored, by means OF cooperation, TO pro-
duce that Improvement. 1t is a tacit acknow-
ledgment on their part of the injurious effects
OF the conflicts which arise between capital and
labor. 1t is also a most iaudable desire 20
labor, instead Of waiting Tor the second, third
or fourth. lis simplicity also recommends IL;
and the mos. important elements needed to
make il successful. wherever practical, is the
perseverance, sagacity and energy which are
employed in its accomplishment. The coming
session of the Labor Congress, which will be
composed of delegates representing the work
81 t1,o ,bola anil
menccs its session in Chicago tomorrow, will
do well to direct lis attention to the advantages
OF cooperation, and not waste time upon I'M
practical aud worthless theories. If this course
be pursued, much good may result from the
labors of the Congress. The progress of CO.
operation must and will help to solve the diff
Guilty relating to the hours of labor. This is
another important light in which the system
may be viewed. Taken altogether in its varied
bearings, the cooperative movement is worthy
Of deep consideration, alike Interesting to the
capitalists as TO the laborers Of the country.
Tho Present Position OF the French Empire.
seldom in the course of her history has
France occupied so peculiar q position as she
does at the present moment. It is difficult TO
see anything in her internal condition which
renders war an absolute necessity; yet some
now il seems 10 be the conviction OF the great
mass of the French people, and OF many thou
sands out OF France, that war is inevitable,
and that at no distant day. 1t is equally diff
cult to see anything in the foreign policy of
France which should of necessity estranfe her
from the other nations Of Europe: yet ii is
notorious that at the present moment France
is absolutely without an ally. At war and
without friend cannot be said TO be an agree
able prospect to any nation yet such is the
prospect now held out 10 France.
Ii is natural that such state of things
should engage the attention of leading minds
both in and out of France. On all hands the
probability of war ia admitted; but the ques-
ton of alliances is felt to be beset with great
and serious difficulty. Prussia ia the Power
which is Immediately antagonistie, ard with
whom it appears TO be q necessity that France
should measure her strength. The scandinavian
nations may safely DO set aside as being too
weak to interfere for any offensive purposes.
Russia, if not directly in sympathy with
| 10 tNAthhly uOb al VIII
France. One Of the Oldest, and, politically,
the ablest of the English quarterlies gravcly
discusses the necessity of Franco English
alliance; but, unless we greatly mistake, it
win not be through the advice of any or Of
all the quarterlcs that England will involve
herself in Continental war. Austria has for
some time been spoken of by the French as a
possible ally; but, as would be seen by yes
tcrday's HERALD, two Of the most solid reviews
in France have jus; proclaimed sich an ALI.
ance absolutely worthless. Austria is too
poor to be Of any service; and even II she
were less poor than she is, the eitht millions
of her German population could net be relied
on in q war against Prussia. Of Italy 1t !:
enough TO say that she is alreadymaniiesIine
4 - a ~. 4.