The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-12-03
GRANGE DEPARTMENT..
COOPERATIVE STORES.


ored to better their condition-never at
the best very fourishing-by reducing
the cost Of their groceries and provisions.
This they succeeded in doing by estab-
fishing a cooperative store. At first
their store was operated upon a very
small scale; few hundreds of dollars
were subscribed, ard formed the capital
upon which the business was done.
Gradually, as the business increased capt.
tai, which was saved out of the profits
accrning from the business, was secured,
and before many years the operations
were too extensive for one store. Many
branch stores were started, and succeeded.
The operatives in other towns adopted the
system, and at the present time there are
a large number Of these cooperative
stores in existence in England. Besides
these there are at least one cooperative
cotton factory, two cooperative farms,
one such business by which farmers sup
ply themselves with purchased fertilizers,
and there are many building associations
by which persons of the smallest capital
and with the slenderest resources are en-
abled to purchase a lot of ground and
build home for themselves, the money
thet would otherwise go yearly for rent
paying annual installments with interest
upon the purchase.
Here the idea has also taken root, and,
although as yet there has been but little
growth, some approach has been made
toward the establishment Of cooperative
stores for the supply of those necessaries
Of life, the ultimate distribution of which
amongst the consumers is felt by them
to he too costly. The new growth of
combinations among farmers, and the
establishments of farmers clubs and
"granges," have naturally caused much
inquiry as to the possibility OF reducing
the cost OF the service of distribution, or
Ct cheapening the cost of many articles of
consumption bv farmers, by means OF CO.
operative stores, as we'll as to the nature
ofthese institutions and the proper method
of establishing them. At the on set, it
must not be overlooked that the peculiar
character of the average American farmer
or citizen is not equally well adapted to
the successful working Of cooperative en-
terprises of this character as is that of
England workmen. The necessity for
mutual help has never been felt here as
it has been in England, and We have
never had established among US the
clothing clubs, the burial clubs, the va
rious benevolent associations for hel p in
sickness, the trades unions, nor the nu-
merous book, newspaper, or other SINH
lar, but less important, mutual associa-
tions that have been common in the eoun-
try for many years. Our circumstances
have rendered US less dependent upon
such economical methods, while the la
boring class in England have found all
these mutual aids of great assistance in
adding to their comfort. Both socially
and politically, we have had much less of
class organizations, than they have had.
But it seems to have been determined by
farmers that it is necessary for them to
combine, associate, and cooperate in
every way to maintain their proper rela-
tive position with other classes and
while seeking to add to their income, at
the same time to lessen their expendi-
lures. This is, without doubt, perfectly
legitimate for them to do; but in max
ING the attempt we would caution them
to give due weight to the difference we
have pointed out between their ways of
and acting and those of the peo
p!e whose cooperative system they are
Gesirous of copying. This should be
ra.i considered lest in embarking upon
Il similar voyage, but steering by differ
eut compass, their enterprise may be
wrecked.
Having some knowledge of the Eng |
fish method, and considering it from our |
own standpoint, we offer the following |
suggestions 70 those of our readers who |
feel disposed TO join in cooperative
store for their own supply:
The first requisite is the capital, and
this. il should be understood at the out
set, is not entitled to any further share
of the profits Of the business than the le-
cal interest for its use. The capital may
be subscribed by the whole members of
ne associations (who are the purchas-
ers) in equal or in unequal portions, or
shares, or by = part Of the members only.
\ sufficient amount Of money should be
subscribed to procure at least one months
stock OF goods Probably the most con-
yenient way Of commencing business
would be for a certain number of per-
sons. to associate, procuring a charter of
to give the association a
egal standing, although this is not nec-
,ssary. and subscribe certain amount
# money IL shares of SIS or $40 each.
Each member should take and pay for as
many shares up to five or ten as may be
convenient. The usual legal interest upon
has capital should 1e a charge upon the
profits OF the business, just as rent or pay
uent for services, or any other necessary
expenses, but the shareholders have |
lothing to do with the profits Of the bust {
less. These belong exclusively to the i
purchasers of the goods for the following {
easors:
The only object of the association is to 1
procure goods at cost price, and save the q
,roft of the retailer This object is at |
aimed by selling the goods purchased at '
price which shall cover the original r
ost, interest on the capital, rent, and all e
necessary expenses But as these i
annot be calculated exactly, some mar
in must be left to meet all contingencies b
a the prices fixed at which the goods t
re distributed. The balance left at the f
lose of, let us say six months business, P
fter all expenses have been paid, will t
hen be really the excess of price which t
as been charged upon the goods, and s
ecessarilv belongs to the purchasers, and b
ueht to be returned to them in proper o
ION to the amount of their purchases, or a
{ retained and added to the capital to v
xtend the business, should be repre- t
ented by new issue OF shares to the a
arties to whom the money belongs 1t Is
My in this manner that the business be- d
ONES a cooperative one.
All the business should be done for d
ash. There can be no credit in this I
ystem. either in buying or selling. No $
pods should be purchased but what are :
-derea at first, and until experience has :
cen gained as TO what goods may be 9
- lint likf1a afool- 1 -