New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-07-27
HOMES FOR ENGLISH WoRKINGMEN

BY far the most extensive social organza-
TONS the object of which is TO furnish mate
rial relief to working people, are those coop
erations in England known as Friendly Soci-
"etiesr British industrial organizations may
be divided into three very distinct classes
Land and Building Societies, Cooperative Stores,
and Cooperative Manufacturing Establishments.
The Land and Building Societies, technically
not reckoned under the head of cooperation,
are far more extensive and numerous than is
generally supposed. Such has been the stag
gering career Of the Building Associations, and
so peculiar has been their development, that an
exact estimate either of their date or figures is
impossible. They were known, it is said, in
the days Of ancient Greece were operated in
France q century ago; but did not make their
advent upon British soil until along in the sec
ond decade of this century. They experienced
all the vicsstudes to which pioneer institu-
tons are subject; failed many times of giving
satisfaction; underwent the antagonish of
landlords, whose business was invaded by
them; rallied as often as discounted. succeed
ing only slowly, in proportion as they evoked
financial acumen by Experience and discus
sion. In this manner Building Societies in Eng
land stumbled and buffeIed against adversely,
until little by little they obtained laws, exec
utive skill, system, and confidence.
These Building Societies were for years
operated on the terminating system, because
it is more tangible and less intricate in its
management. But as they became popular
and sure they gradually merged into the per-
manent system, although they always preserve
their original character and object that of
procuring homes for workingmen The plan,
which is simple, is being initiated in New
York It places the member in possession of
his house. and affords him the means of turn
ing his rent money into actual payments on
the property. If q wOrkingman renting a house
say at 5000 year. instead Of paying it to
| his landlord at the rate of nearly Sl7 month,
could make these monthly bills go toward the
purchase of the premises, there would be some
| thing to stimulate him TO labor. But as it is,
in America this money which might go for
regular installments on the house is annually
taken by the landlord. Not so in England,
where cooperation has growing popularity
and firm footing.
| Some of the finest specimens OF these termi-
mating Building Societies are the Star Bonkets
in London, of which there are now several
| hundred, and after which the New York So
cietes are modelled. A man joins by paying
small initiation fee and fifty cents a week on
share. Each share may represent $500
He takes one or more up 10 ten, according to
the value Of the house he wishes to buy or
build. The number of the shares is limited, to
prevent the incursion Of wealthy spectators,
who otherwise might turn it into monopoly
| Suppose there are 500 members, each taking
four shares at so cents, makings2 weekly sub
scription, which is ordinarily as much as a
workingman can spare. This is an aggregate
of 81, 900 per week for the Society's fund All
| the officers are elected by the members them