The New York herald., 1874-12-20
LITERATURE.
What Our Authors Are
Doing.
A FIRESlDE TALK ABOUT NEW BOOKS.
COMMUNISM IN AMERICA.

Harper 4 Brothers have published in handsome
style Mr.. Nordhon7s book on the Communistc so.
clesles OF the United States, with Illustrations
The book describes the Amana Society, the Har.
monists, at Economy; the Separatists, or Zoar
the oneida Perfectionists, the Aurora and Bethe
Communes, the Icarians, the Bishop Hill Colony
the Cedar Vale Commune. the Social Freedom
Community, and three other colonies not COM
munlstic-Anakelm, in California; yineland, in
New jersey and SILK vile Prairie Home in Kansas.
The Introductory chapter Is q thoughtful, elaborate
discussion OF the philosophy and political economy
underlying the communist system so lar as IL has
found expression In the United states. while
nave given an impartial and respectful account OF
the religious laith OF each commune" says Mr
Nordnofr II am not to be supposed TO hold any
good In any OF them"
rNsPIRATroNIsTs.
The Amana Community, or Inspirationists, Is q
German society, seventy-four miles west OF Daven-
port, Iowa. numbering 1,450 members, owning
about 25 900 acres OF land with seven towns At
the head OF tbe organization is woman who IS
supposed by the members TO speak by direct ''ln-
spiration OF God.n Hence they call themselves In
spIauonists. They came from Germany in 1912,
settled near Buffalo, and in 1855 removed to Iowa.
The work OF inspiration TO which the society owes
its foundation goes back almost far as the
eighteenth century, and 1t was especially vouch-
saied to Barbara Heynemann, poor and ignorant
servant maid In Alsace. BarDara's Inspiration
came to her IN 1873 She married one William
Landmann, came to this country, and has been for
some lime 'the inspired oraclep OF Amana. The
name Amana is taken from the Bible, and
viii be found in the Song OF Solomon,
fourth chapter eighth verse-"Come with
Inc from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from
Lebanon: look rom the top OF Amana, from the
top OF Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens,
IRON the mountains OF the eOpards.r The seven
villages are called Amana, Amana-near-the-Hill,
and East. West, south and Middle Amana, and the
Homestead. The principal employments are
woolien, saw ana grist milling farming and
tanning. Each family has house to ITSELF but
the people eat and cook together Men and
women separate at table, ITO prevent silly con-
versatlon and trnng conduct The holy indu-
ence OF woman Is not much respected by these
Insplrationsts, one or their esteemed writer's ad-
vislng men to 'fy from intercourse with women
as a very dangerous magnetic and magical nre."
the women are compelled to work hard,
dress plainly, avoid ornament, comb their
HAIR and not have any association with the
other sex. Notwithstanding the difhculties OF re-
lationship there are marriages and much domestic
comfort. Amusements are forbidden, as well as
cards. games, photographs and pictures. They
are non-resistant and do not believe in war. The
twenty-one rules OF daily life, written by E L.
Cruber. would indicate abstinence, penitence,
deep devotion and temperance.
THE RAPPIsTS.
The Rappst or Harmony settlement at Economy
Is on the Ohio River, 'ln the midst OF rich plain
with swelling hills behind protecting it rom cold
winds IN winter.n George Rapp, who founded
this society was German, born at Wurtemburg
more than hundred years ago. de seeded from
the Christian denomination oy sfnsisting
on his right 10 believe what he pleased
ana go 10 church when he thought
best.n Persecution came, and IN 1904 the ship
Aurora arrived at Baltimore with 800 OF his lol-
lowers, followed by 800 more who came to Phila-
delphia. Rapp had preceded them, and he settled
his people IN oiTerent parts OF Maryland and
Pennsylvania. He did not discourage marriage
although he did not encourage it, and recently
NUMBER OF the members, convinced OF the true
holiness OF our purpose, voluntarily and unani-
mousy'' adopted cenbacy. Mr. Nordhor reports
that they regard the celibate life heathful.
Father Rapp living until he was ninety and those
now living his followers, as far as be could see
them. strong, well built, hardy people. The
society has always lived at peace and friendship
with It's neigabors, governed by simple laws. They
hold that Adam was created in the likeness
OF Cod that he was dual being, contain.
ing IN his person the sexual elements
OF man ard woman. and had he been
contented to remain in his original state he would
have increased. without the help OF female,
10 bring forth new beings to replenisn the earth.
When Adam became dlscontented God took the
female part from his body and gave il to him,
according his desire. Therein consisted the ial
Of man. From this the Rappists argue that cell
bacy is pleasing TO God and that in the new world
xua mol dnaT
condition ~ They believe that Christ Will soon
come, that Jesus was a dual being. They
teacn q community OF goods All mankind
will be ultimately redeemed. They reject
Sprltuallsm. Father Rapp taught humility
simplicity in living, self-sacrfce love for
your neighbor regular. persevering industry.
prayer and sefexamination. He IS remembered
as "a good man. with true, honest eyes,n and ne
was certainly a man OF great force and ngi
character. Pecuniary Rapp's experiment has
been an extraordinary success, and the society is
said to be worth from 81 600 900 to 49, 900. Ooo As
long as Father Rapp lived his influence over the
people was absolute.
THE sKPARATIsTs.
The Separatists at Zoar, village in Tuscarawas
county. onio, about half way between Cleveland
and Pittsburg came also from Wurtemberg, and
founded their society In 1917. Their leader was
Joseph Baumeler, originally a weaver, later a
teacher. and who became their temporal and
spiritual head. In the beginning they prevented
marriage, but in time allowed it. They
have ABOUT 300 members, worth about
$l,oOo,o0o. Their theology consists in q
belief in the Trinity, Adams tall, Chrisrs
intercession the inspiration of the Scriptures the
Punishment OF all human ceremonies as useless
and injurious. honors to none but God. Marriages
are by mutual consent without the Intervention
priests or preachers and 'all intercourse OF
the sexes, except what is necessary to perpetuate
the species Is snu.n They reject war and re-
spect political authority. In all questions OF dis
pute they refer to arbitration. Marriages must be
approved py the trustees.
THE SHAKERS
The Shakers represent the Oldest communistc
society on this Continent. Mr.. Nordh0n gives 140
pages to It's history From this we learn that there