Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-11-27
COOPERATION.
BY rRoP. y. L. ssArnoxo.
pioneer Press.

i
almost universal application. We
see it in corporate bodies, such rs
Banks, Factories, Railroads and
Steamship companies, and in many
other ways. il is the foundation Of
the exclusive commerce and business
operations which characterize mod
ern civilization. 1t is the secret of
individual success and wealth, and
the foundation OF the numerous
large cities, which is another feature
OF modern times.
But our special object in referring
10 cooperation at present is not to
discuss it in its general aspects; but
TO urge in the peculiar and restrict
ed sense and meaning which 1t now
has. It is generally rsferred 10 bus
mess conducted by workingmen with
a small capital contributed by them
selves, saved out of their scant
wages. Thus, for instance, the first
co cooperative society that we know OF
is the famous one established at
Sheffield, England, by few work
irgmen. They contributed a few
shillings, and bought some tea at
wholesale, which they resold to them
selves ut a small profit, they rc-in-
vested the proceeds and repeated the
operation. They soon purchased
other necessary articles Of life, and
by extending their business, they
supplied everything that Was recuii-
ed To-day this present co-opera-
tive association has millions of capi
tai with large central stores at Lou
don, and branches in each Of the
principal cities Of Great Britain.
Cannot this principll of co-opera-
ton be applied successfully by the
colored people OF this country, as
we'll as the whites? is it not
peculiarly adapted 80 the condition
of the colored people? We think it
is, and we can furnish instances with
in our own experience where it has
been done. We know of large so
ciety of several hundred men that
established grocery store for the
benefit OF its members. Starting
with small capital,it was soon dou-
bled, and quardrupled. It's mem
bers could purchase their groce; les
at wholesale prices, and still hand
some profit made by the association.
1 That association has purchased the
building in which its business is con.
| Quoted for len thousand dollars, and
is today in a flourishing condition.
We also know of small numbers or
colofed men who hired large farms
and plantations, and worked them
successfully on the co-operativ prin-
ciple With a very small capital for
the purchase Of food, they contribu-
| ted their labor, and at the end ofthe
season they sold their products, and
realized the cash, which when divid-
ed among them. paid handsomely +;
and by careful and prudent man
agement they eventually bought the
farms and plantations. Whenever
and wherever such thrift and energy
are shown there will always be found
merchants who will be willing TO adj
vance supplies, and wait for payment
until the crops are harvested and
sold. Such has been the result of
our experience and observation.
There are several other successful
method in which the Principle
of cooperation has been successfully
applied the cooperative Insurance
Societies have beer very successful
in this country, and threatens to SUI
persede the old line Insurance Asso-
Citations almost entirely. They in
sure at about one-half the price of
the old societies, and are being rap
idly increased and extended. Build
ing Associations is another form in
which the principle of cooperation
has been successfully applied. The
artisans of Philadelphia largely own
their homes procured in this manner.