The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-13
ONE STEP BEYOND.
Cooperative Ideas i'm Advance of
Bellamy.
The Commonwealth of Jesus the Latest Co
Operative Freak in San Francisco.
Details of Its System.

The first and second flats of house on
the corner of Octayia and Fulton streets
have been rented by A. w. DOVE for the
Commonwealth of Jesus. This rather novel
title is the name of a cooperative body
which was founded a few days ago by Mr..
Dove, who has been a careful student of
the writings of Edward Bellamy, and was
at one time Secretary of the Nationalist
Club.
The organizer of the Commonwealth of
Jesus thinks that the Nationalist move too
slowly and that they are much more dis
posed to talk than to act. As practical
exposition of their principles he has started
a,society which he believes will supply the
much-needed and long-felt want.
STILL IN ITS INFANCY.
The organization is still in its infancy.
and its work has not yet been formally in
augurated, but the experiment of co-opera-
tive life is receiving trial at the two COM
fortably furnished flats on Octavia street,
wherein some half dozen enthusiasts are at
present dUmicled. These good people
have advanced on Bellamy, and are en-
deaYoTlng to establish not only financial
cooperative, but spiritual, mental and
physical partnership, as well.
All candidates for membership are re-
CURED TO sign promise to eSchew the
world, the flesh and the devil, and this
phrase is construed to include the use of
intoxlcantS and tobacco All the property,
money and goods Of the candidate are in
vested in the Common wealth, to whom be
then presents him self, with all his time tai
ents and strength. Mr. Dove has written
a pamphlet, which is being generally crcu-
laJed, con taning declaration of the prih-
cipes of the organization, and a copy of
the constitution.
THE INNER WORKINGS.
Its pages contain some rather interesting
revelations regarding the inner workings
Of the COmmonw ealth, which will be gov
erned by an elective council of twelve, from
whose command and decisions the member
promise to make no appeal. The earnings
OF each member are delivered to the society,
and the sum total divided equally among all
members, without regard to services, talents
or SEX This amount Is not paid in money,
but by checks receivable for goods at the Gu
operative stores of the organization.
The sociaiStic, natiOnalistic and labor
movements are characterized as being the
result OF demand in nature, containing
many beautiful jewels of practical truth"
The present system of ecclesiasticiSm is
criticized and the spirit of sectariansm de-
clared to be contrary to divine teachings.
The Salvation Army is Endorsed, and CO.
operation with the efforts of that body
promised. The present social system is
severely arraigned, and the form of govern
ment censured.
All these evils are to be removed by the
universal unselfishneSs which is declared a
prominent characteristic of the members of
the Commonwealth, whose ultimate aim is
thus stated " To win the world for Jesus,
10 prepare the way for his universal COM
Ing, and TO introduce completely new
order OF things in the religious, social and
Industrial worlds"