The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-11-23

U8nuIvs JONI. -. Jones ESQ.,. Wnlcn
referred to the British system otlco-ope-
ton among the producers of textile
fabrics, and the possibility ofapplying
the same system, here in the United States
to the producers of food and thus estab-
llsh between the two populations q pro-
|scess Of interchange that would give them
cheap food for cheap manufactures, and
thus get clear Of the thousands Of midi
dlemen along our seaboard who enrich
themselves off the transfer. aM
The subject is vast one, and vastly i'm
portant: and we are glad to Sse the Mas
ter OF the National Grange dissussingit.
And we would say, right here, that
Mr.. Jones' whole address is well>con-
ceived and well expressed. He says
AS part Of the system and plan Of the or
ganzation and government of the cooperative
Societies OF Great Britain, which it was our
purpose to adopt, these rules, with some
slight changes, will be most valuable; but taken
alone they are dlsjointed link in . chain, the
been the work OF their educated, thinking.
practical men, for the last thirty five years.
The fraction which We have give our order has
been utilized to an extent which we can only
conjecture. Hundreds, and it may be thou
sands OF cooperative stores have been
|
Q! the union, with various amounts of share
capital, and perhaps rs various in other fea-
lures, and in their fortunes. They are without
a head or connecting link, slike SO many is-
lands in the sea, without even boat plying
from one to the other without that principle
OF unity which is the life Of Co operation and
the guiding star OF humanity.
Contrast this chaos and ignorance with the
admirable and intelligent system we would
follow. / have before me, single sheet.
birds eye view of four hundred cooperative
societies in the United Kingdom;giving Of each
the name, location, number of members, pur-
ohases from wholesale during the year; quar-
terly, half yearly and annual aale in each
department Of trade; share capital, reserve
fund, buildings and fixed stock for trade pur.
poses, rate Of dividend per 6, amount Of div
| idend declared to members, and amount
devoted to education. On the same sheet is
birds eye view Of cooperation in England
returns, showing the financial progress and
position ofthe cooperative movement during
| the past seven years. With such information.
their cooperative congress, the head Of this
system, acts intelligently. Without it, they
could take no safe action affecting their sub
ordinate organizations. ssfi
| With the perfection Of our system of organi-
cation, is the necessity Of educating our mem
bars in the true principles Of corporation.
Let us follow the example Of our English
friends in this also. Through their courtesy /
have received a large number Of tracts with the
proceedings Of their c0-0perativ0eongrese from
1855 to the present time, making . mot syal-
liable collection Of cooperative litsraturts We
have to reach the minds Of many who 1re il.
| norant, and to stimulate in them thirst for
knowledge. The latter, which Is the first req
uisite, is better accomplished by living mis-
friends OF cooperation lwho could b. named)
TO act as pioneers in this work, we w(red soon
see large demand for co-operativd intelli
gence.
1t may be thought BY some who take solely
sentimental view Of our organization, that am
giving an undue prominence 70 Its material
objects. II so, Icannot think they have stud
led the deep philosophy, pure morality, lofty
virtue, and genuine religion, that underlies CO.
operative life. Rightly understood Il Is the
practical realization Of christian ethics The
silent virtues of temperance, forethought, lust
dealing, aud fellowship in work, will do more
to correct themoral disorders which darken
our land, and have tainted our government.
As well AZ trade ana commerce, than all the
penal statutes that have been or can be- d.
vised. The material, moral, SCOTLAND intel.
lectual influences are in near connection with
each other. The most material things have
great influence &: on mental subjects, J. sentiment
saying that when man becomes slave -
loses bali his virtue"
At the Last session Of this grange much I'm
terest was expreesSd In the action which had
been taken By tbs cooperative societies Of
Crest Britain TO fnaugnrate system IT ex-
dscers IN this country, and in their Eiendiy
messages TO orr order, through their specil
deputotion, md subsequent correspondents
with our executive committee, which, W.
directed, b1 . resolution 0fthis body, 70 con-
time, - did until point was reached when,
Sr,4<
executive committee. Il became expedient 70
SID : special commissions 70 confer with the
kauthorftses in those societies upon this subject.
Gnd to represent our ideas and interests IN fbis
connection. Brother j. w. A. Wright was
appointed to this Office, and It affords ins An-
cefe pleasure g bear testimony g the ability,
dignity ana grace with which be discharges
is important duties. NM
III compliance with this resolution. / acsin
brought before the committee, 1t thelrIafs -
sion in Philadelphia, the proposed articles q
association Of an Anglo American co-opcsaffvy
association with = plan d ogppl1pg ths
American section tlieeol, published n my cir.
the hands Of the SECRETARY Tor yoor a.. Ths
executive COMMITTEES viii vpoft to you Whist
action tf1ey have taken IN these .mstssn.
commend this whole subject u your eafo-
I'll consideration, = one d supfsinS tmpoe-
tance p our order, trusting that " Your WfSs
action, The system Of co-Opss1tiOnr ecumnsand-
that The aFticlss prosided Tor ~ sxtsn1im =
international eommescs, through m AnG1n-
AmeFfeam a1SociAtion, iuag b. found accvpt-
able, md nay b. seeomnlnAsd 70 one nGIn-
b@ Every sass1guasd Whtch d. sxpoe3en1o
g s oP :. &c e e sd - go. css.ss
6hpoUn Goond - 1G0oofGmG.
NJ 49, 1~~1s.t.s - 81. -. v u