Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-08-06


sane for the western district of Pennsylvania
is situated, upon the slope of the mountain
that rises abruptly from the waters edge. 1t
was the first place of interest passed, and di
rectly after lost sight of its great central
tower and long cluster Of wings, which
branChed on all sides from the main building,
we were called in to supper by the tinkling of
the stewards bell.
1t has always been matter for wonder to
the writer that these river lines of travel are
not more frequently used by those who, by the
nature of the business upon which they are
bound find time no object.
The saloon of the steamer was fitted out in
such coy lyle that when lit up by a dozen
swinging chandeliers it had a charm that was
irresistible | p through the middle Of the
saloon the supper tables We're ranged and
their snowy linen and shining silver service,
with the al-pervading aroma of coffee, served
to give an appetite TO those who lacked it,
and that was never the fate Of a newspaper
man
SO we greatly relishcd the nicely cooked
walIles AMI chicken. and when supper was
ended wandered back upon deck.
The first object that attracted the attention
was an enormous blazing light some four miles
below upon the right bank of the river.
Upon inquring of one of the officers of the
boat we learned that we We're approaching
the settlement of the Economics, a COM
munity with rather quaint notions of life;
and the manner in which they have
established themselves at this place, which is
called Economy, proves that they thoroughly
believe in what they preach. The light which
had so suddenly attracted our attention was
the flame from a natural gas well upon their
property and so near the landing stage that it
was unnecessary to use other means to obtain
light TO load or unload boats at night.
The most singular thing about these quaint
people and their still more quaint methods,
is absence Of a single door upon the front of
any building in the town. whether that build
ng be used for a dwelling or shop.
| The Economics first settled in this vicinity
under one named Phillips, who was in a man
ner their ruler, at some distance down the
river from Economy, and the place was
known as Phillipsburg. 1t was finally aban-
doned to form another colony, with new
| leader named Ralph, at place called
| Harmony. They became known as the Har-
monites This settlement was also aban-
doned, and they moved up the stream to their
present location. They are Industrious and
ynteIIrisng, and carry on all the various
branches of trade that are found in other
/ places. One essential rule is to make COM
mon pool of all material raised or manufac-
tured, and after it is sold to divide equally
| the proceeds of the sales. Marriage and the
| injunction from Holy Writ to increase and
multiply" is discouraged, if not entirely pro-
| hibited.
Wheeling, in West Virginia, was passed in
| the middle of the night and during heavy
rainfall When the curtains of the cozy little
Staterooms were drawn aside the next day the
sun had not yet made his appearance, and the
river was clothed in darkness and mist, 1t
was about o'clock, and we had stopped at a
small town ON the Ohio shore to leave some
freight. 1t was too dark for the colored roust-