The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-06-25
Cooperation in Chicago.

| r. Hc sCHeule Oh organizing IN lH1S
city distributive co operative
society has been under discussion
for some weeks, and the expert.
ment. it may be said, is fairly under
way. The plan adopted is substan-
TALLY that of the Rochdale Pioneers
Society, in England. This was
founded in 1874, by seventeen weav-
ers, with total capital of $40.
Disreg arding the theories of the
idealist in cooperation, these work
ing men adopted certain principles
suited to the conditions of their
every day life. The society has
now over o,5oo members, share
capital of 1865 900, and does an an
nual business of 1885, 900.
So palpable was the success of
the Rochdale Society that in the
course of thirty years after it was
formed 724 other societies Of similar
character had been organized in
Great Britain and Scotland At the
date of last report the number of
societies had increased to I,5oo,
with a membership of nearly Goo,
900, and with a capital Of $4,000
900, earning an annual net profit of
about 100000. Nearly all these
associations began by organizing
distribution, and so accumulated the
capital required for productive en-
terprise, while others adopted the
plan of obtaining the capital at once
out of the contributions of members
The influence of English methods
extended to Germany, and, as early
as 1880, these methods had been
modified to suit the circumstances
of the laborers in that country, and
numerous local associations had
been formed. In Germany the as
sociations were organized for the
Joint purchase of raw material, or
for obtaining advances of capital by
the poorer classes on terms as adj
vantageous as those at the command
of the richer. In twelve years from
the date of the organization of the
first society there were in Germany
1900 societies, with 100000 mem
bers, a subscribed capital of s23,-
1000, and loan capital Of $685.
10000,
In 1864 an attempt was made in
England'to effect combination of
the local distributive stores into a
common society for the supply of
the wants of large districts. This
resulted in the formation of whole
sale society under the direction of
delegates from the local associa-
tons. This proved successful.
In this country the Patrons of
Husbandry some years ago intro
duced cooperative stores on princi-
piles supposed to be specially appli-
cable to the wants and conditions of
the farming population. There
were in the general plan many ex
cellent features, which were spoiled
by too much theorizing, inexperi
ence and Encouragement. The in
huence of the many failures of the
Grange stores to give satisfaction
was to cause practical people to
look with suspicion on any measures
looing TO cooperation.
| But those interested in the forma-
ton of a distributive CO operative
society in Chicago go back to the
! plain business principles that have
stood the test of years at Rochdale
and other points. The Chicago
society propose to supply members
and the general public with groce-
ries and other articles for household
and personal use, and to save for its
members the profits upon their pur-
chases, and to provide safe and
| profitable investment for the savings
| of its members.
| The business plan provides for a
central store, at such place as the
members may decide; for branch
stores, as may be required, and for
a system of order and delivery. Any
! person may become member by
paying an entrance fee of so cents
and subscribing for one share of the
capital stock (S25.) The capital
stock is to be $25 900, and subscri-
bers are limited to one share. The
profits realized will be divided equi-
tably among the members in pro-
portion to their contributions to the
business of the society in their cap
ital, labor, or custom, settlements to
be made quarterly. Members emit
tied to receive profits in cash may
leave the same as an interest invest
ment. Scrip certificates for money
due will be issued, but, independent
of the interest, are not to participate
in the profits Of the society or emit
tie their holders to vote
/ The proposition to establish such
society has been received with
considerable favor, and those inter
ested have held several meetings.
1t is understood that those who have
undertaken the management are
practical business men. If they are,
they need not be told that Ameri-
cans are inclined to expect too much