The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-04-03
FROM WISCONSIN.
MILwAUKEE, March 20, le6


To the Editor Of the N0RKuSsMAS's ADvscATB.
The events and phenomens in our
"Deutsch- Athen" have lately taken hap
Ply turn, as your correspondent takes pleas
ure to inform you, in regard to the co-ope-
rative system. The bene6cent effects Of
this system are brilliantly proven BY the
two years existence Of a cooperative com
pany, and it is daily acquiring, in conse-
quenee thereof, more admirers and patrons
from among the laborers in general. Nav,
its absolute necessity is Acknowledged by
all thinkiOg laborers, Of whatever dessrip
ton. The acquired results compel TIE most
Indifferent to recognition and participation
The cooperative company Of this place,
organized for the manufacture Of sash :,
doors, etc, has, during its two > 4rs' exist
ence, surpassed all expectations and dispel-
led all doubts arising from a misconception.
On the fourth Of March, 1867, tue coDpGay,
consisting Of ten members. entered upon
business, having q capital Of $4,00O. One
share was then worth $500, and now, aft=r
the lapse Of two years, they command, &C
cording TO the statement OF March a, 1859, a
capital Of over $4,000 This is certainly
subject worthy our serious reflection, and
worthy the imitation Of the lab0rerer Of any
calling whatsoever. The company consists
Of German members, each OF whom Il CON-
petent to discharge the duties that devolve
upon him. The manager, Mr.. A Holz, is an
educated and practical man, especially fitted
for his position. During the past year,
from thirty 10 forty workmen, including the
stockholders, were daily employed The
work Of their factory was constantly 10 de-
mand, on account Of its good qualities and
comparative cheapness. TIE factory and
other buildings belonging thereto, besides
the lots wherein they stand, are nov the
property Of the company. These buildings
are located on River street, No. e38.
Encouraged by this example, three new
cooperative companies organized themselves
during this winter one Mutual Manufactu-
ring Company, for sash, doors, etc, one
Boot and Shoe cooperative company. and
thirdly, one House Bnilding and Carpenter
VIII foHy. MI " tuCcc pofattVub COGstSl
Of German members. The Mutual Manufac-
turing Company counts among It's incorpo-
rators several Of our most wealthy German
citizens At the first public meeting. how
ever, there was bot one present, those alb
sen being represented BY the reporter OF
the Herald, OF this city, who delivered
lecture on the Cooperative System, show
ing its advantages and detects. IL will be
difficult to tell, from what be said on the
subject, how be wants 10 20 forward. The
publisher Of the See Bote presided over this
meeting, ut which also the reporter Of the
Banner and VolksfresSnd acted Ms secretary.
II the participation Of our German press
at these meetings admits Of any explana-
tio7 at all, it must be this, that they wish
to lead the labcrers into the arms Of the
long expected economic millennium, and
prevent them from refusing their allegiance
20 the now existing party Organizations.
The interests OF the ineorporators, except
ing one, who 10 practical carpenter, was Of
little consequence, and of no detrimsat TO
the cause itself. On account OF such pro-
ceedings, many iaborers took umbrage and
refused r. become members 10 such a IN
dertakiLg, The organization 10 maintained
by the constant agitation in its favor, and
the new member, Dir. G. May, 90 shat they
will soon be in condition 20 begin work.
This affords but another proof decisive
With what friendly disposition capital IL
willing TO enter the RACKS Of the laboref.