The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-11-14

CHICAGO.
Orren Shipman has been for years what is
called a man Of radical views, one who entertains
extreme opinions on social matters. To these and
kindred topics he has devoted much time and at
~tention, reading, studying, and bordering over
Fourier ard other similar writer's, and entering
into correspondence with advancing thinkers and
radicals in various parts of the country. lie had
come to believe in the feasibility and ~propriety of
the community plan, as it is called, something
like, yet much different from that of the Shakers
and the community Mt Oneida. In the course OF
his reading he found an article on community en-
t~erprises, written by Colonel John Wilcox of
Omro, Wis, which struck HIM fayorably, and i'm
the course of n correspondence that ensued he
offered to donate under certain conditions TO a
company of the right kind his property on Val
cour Island and bis home farm, with all its i'm
proyements. This proposition was favorably re-
ceived by Wilcox and others, and resulted in an
examination of the property by a committee and
the publication of a document by them, setting
forth the plan of n proposed community and the
advantages of the position proposed for its loca-
ton. The community is to be an industrial Or
ganization for people who wish to come together
and produce subsistence in common, who will be
expected to work for the common good, and whose
sentiments are OF what the proposers term the
progressive, radical order. Some of the dozen or
fifteen now arrived are spiritualists, some free
lovers, but all Z" social reformers." The industrial
pursuits are to be agricultural and horticultural,
combining the dairy business, and raising of small
fruits, grapes and commercial orchards. Ii will
be necessary to have ample means to bridge over
the frat two years, that will be mainly occupied
in laying a foundation for future operations.
Prospective members are to state the amount they
can subscribe in money, or the amount OF prop
erty they can offer in pledge, TO be disposed Of as
soon as practicable, for the use OF the community.
Already there are several houses capable of being
converted into immediate use. Other houses are
to be built to meet present exIgencies. A little
plateau is to be graded and beautifully ornamented,
upon which there are to be twelve commodions
structures, built alike in every particular, each to
have accommodation for eight families, and 10 be
the home of a group. Each group will have sep
arate individual pursuits, and be independent Of
each other as far as the management Of their
house affairs is concerned. 1t is also in prospect
to establish some sort of mechanical employment
for the winter months.
PROMOTING HARMONY.
The circular announces that the object of d-
vidiDg the community up into groups is for the
purpose OF classifying the divergent mental tenn
peraments, and arranging them according TO the
law of associative attraction, thus avoiding the
evils that have resulted 30 disastrously in previous
attempts at establishing communities by endeav-
oring to combine so many discordant individual
elements in one family. Harmony, peace and
happiness are to be promoted. Any discourteous
use Of language or manner will be obnoxious. No
complaint Of one member against another to a
third party will be recognized; but it shall be the
duty of the aggrieved party to try to settle the
grievance with the PARTY. If he fails, then he can
present his complaint in writing to the proper
tribunal for adjustment. Friendly criticism is
to be the mode of d~isposing of minor difficulties.
The plan of government provides that all mem
bers OF both sexes over Fifteen years OF age are en-
titled to vote. There will be an annual election at
which time there will be one presiding officer of
each sex, one lady and gentleman representative
of each group, with the presidents, have general
supervision over the community. Two treasurers
and two secretaries shall cooperate with the exc
eutive board. Each group shall have one gentle
man and one lady superintendent, together with a
treasurer and secretary, who shall have general
supervision over the group. In the management
of social and domestic affairs, each member. or
gentleman and lady, will be provided with private
apartments, and the entire group will eat at one
table. Absolute social freedom, and the sovereign
right to each individual to control his or her des-
tiny in the sexual relation will be fully recognized.
In their industrial pursuits, perfect equality will
be recognized between the sexes. Invalids, and
the infrm from old age will be exempt from labor.
clothing will be furnished, gratuit-
ously, to all members. Each adult member shall
have placed to his or her credit a sum voted by
the community, for each days work, to their own
sovereign use and disposal. But members who
are in sound health, and who desire to be absent
from labor, will be charged an amount sufficient
to cover the cost of living. Each member will
have the right of choice IN the industrial pursuits,
SO far as the general welfare will admit. Children
will be cared for and educated collectively or
as the community may elect.
THE DOMAIN AND OCCUPANTS.
The property donated by Mr.. Shipman is re-
vertible to him il the community disband. Ii
consists of 800 acres on Valcour Island, there be-
ing but 200 more in the whole island, and his
homestead farm in WinQoski, containing 2l0
acres. altogether estimated worth 800, 600.
These donations are subject only to n purchase
mortgage of go, 900, and "A reserve of GIG, 600,
to be paid in yearly in%stallments. Mr.. Shipman