The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1878-11-28
The Oneida Community.

This peculiar sect, foundedupon inter
pretations of the bible, which is suscepti-
BILE of so many constructions by men of
different minds, call their little commun-
ity the kingdom of heaven. Following
the teachings of the primitive church,
they hold their goods in common. Mar
risges are prohibited, but in a commun-
ity numbering three hundred and sixty
souls there are sixty children. Where
celibacy is the rule, and no exceptions
are admitted, even TO prove it, whence
come the little ones? Marriage in form
only is prohibited 4 system of STRIP
culture prevails, and it is designed to
rear the human family on the principles
which govern the breeding of fancy
stock Parents have been selected, not
with view to a union for life, but for
the purpose of raising a superior race of
men and women The experiment has
not been rigidly tried, for the physician
Of the community admits that little furth
er has been attempted than ''laying a veto
on combinations for parentage which
were obviously unfit" Statistics Of re-
suits, it is claimed, are favorable to the
experiment Of fifty-five children born in
the community in nine years, five died at
birth The rest have lived entirely free
from serious illness, and have not been
assailed by measles, whOoping-cough, and
such other contagious diseases as are sup
posed to be the common lot Of childhood.
The five deaths are attributed to imper-
feet selections for parentage.
The community is increasing and null
tiplying its worldly store. Commencing
their peculiar life under disadvantageous
circumstances, the Oneidas are now pro-
prietors and employers. They own q
section Of land upon which they reside,
and obtain large profits from horse and
cattle raising and butter-making. They
have silk factory, a steel-trap factory,
and, as any patron of a grocery store
must know, can fruits and vegetables.
The value Of the property is estimated at
half million, and every member of the
community is assured a comfortable live
4 lihOod. If any member, urged by the
possessory principle which leads to per-
sonal accumulation, or by desire to see
4. and mix with the world, wishes 10 leave
the community, he may withdraw any
capital he brought it; if he brought moth
ing, he is presented his clothing and 500
in money.
All the neighborhood objection to the
community which once was rife, and
| threatened its expulsion, has died away.
It is peaceful and well disposed, offend
ing in nothing but its method Of propa-
eating the species; and it gives consider
able employment, with the reputation OF
being a generous taskmaster. The peo-
pie of the county IN which it is located no
longer think of disturbing it. While
they condemn one popularity of the sys-
tenn glaringly at variance with common
practice and belief, they acknowledge
that its ways are the ways of gent eness,
and all its paths are peace. If it expire
the fatal blow will probably come from
within, and it is questioned whether il
will survive the death Of John Humphrey
Noyes, the present leader, who interprets
the scriptures for the community, and
while disavowing chieftaincy, gives the
little community laws. His genius hold:
them together, and it is not thought tina
the community contains such another.