Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-09-24
A New Community Of Socialists i'm
England.

From a Late London letter.
curious community has lately been estab-
lished in one OF the corners OF the New Forest
M Hampshire, which recalls the experiments OF
Fourier and others. II is said that they num-
Der in all, men, women and children, 100 souls,
with an estate OF 81 acres. They began in Jan
nary, 1872, with nucleus Of about il persons
but the estate is already in fair state of Guilt
walton; though not sufficient to be se.f-suppOrt-
ing. There are stated TO be a number OF per-
ons waiting TO join the brotherhood as soon as
fresh land can be obtained, but at present there
Is TO room for more. The society has more than
doubled In number since last year. Ofthe 81
acre., about an acre Is devoted TO spade culture
he It maiI der being laid down for grass wheat
&c. There is little fruit. and the flowers are
the special charge OF the women. The cOmmu-
nity iEciuCes variety of craftsmen, such As
'eliOrs, shoemakers, wood cutters, brickmakers
&c. There is miller, too, but he has not vet
GOT 10 Work, because his mill il not ready. Be-
tides the flowers the women also attend 10 the
washing. sewing, and general housekeeping.
The men bers ~ the community are supposed
10 De capable OF making and repairing their
OVID clothes, with, we suppose, the assistance OF
the tailor in an emergency. The men appear 70
ne wearing out the clothes they brought with
Them from the outer world, but the women have
Enthusiastically invented a new styIe of COS
tune. Even in Eden Ewes mind runs on robes
The sisters wear an attire nearly uniform in
pattern, though varying widely in color and
material. 1t consists simply of a plain bodice
short skirt and trousers, and "none can real
ize, without actual observation. the peculiar
yet pleasing and attractive effect of this dress,
worn by nearly every female in the family,
whether of early or mature years" Earrings,
chignons, and other vanities are vigorously ban
ished. The hair is worn curiousiy. with or with
out curls, but generally loose and flowing down
behind. The head Of this society Is a lady, who
is called Mother. She is supreme among them,
governing by the law of love, and is consulted
on every subject. There is neither marriage
nor giving in marriage in this community, and
sll live together as brothers and sisters. Prop
erty is held In common, and everybody is sup
posed to get what is good for her or him. ttEAch
contributes according TO his powers, and receives
according to his necessities"-the old iargOn.
The community takes the Bible az its only law
book. One lady of wealth and education
is sister, and there is also well
TO 60 village shoen' aker, a farmer, and a Lon
don shopkeeper in the society. But the ma
Jority OF the members are poor, and many of
the poorest class. Music is the chief amuseme MT
OF the brothers and sisters, and there is the
'fullest liberty with the most perfect unsnm-
ity." tits needless TO anticipate the fate OF this
society, Of which there have been many fore.
runners. There is no reason TO suppose that
human nature is likely to be transformed IN the
New Forest any more than at Brocton or else
where. The majority of the members are poor,
and yet there is said 70 be "ne poverty in the
austere sense" This would seem to mean that
they are living on the means provided by the
well-to-do section, and when these are exh aust
ed it is easy 70 imagine what will happen.