Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
IS ON HIS DEATHBED.
Father Henrici, Leader of the Econo-
mites, Believed to Be
RAPIDLY APPROACHING HIS END.
Suffering From Paralysis and Partially
Unconscious.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS DEATH


Economy, is giving the members of that
organization much anxiety. He has be en-
very feeble for some time, but during the
past week he has been sinking rapidly and
grave fears are entertained tor his life.
The severe weather of this week is
thought to be responsible to q
great extent for the rapid change for the
worse. The doctors say that OIL account Of
his advanced age death may come any time
or he may linger for quite while. He has
shown great vitality in the past and The
doctors base their hopes of his living tor
some time on this fact alone.
Father Henrici is thought to have suf.
Tered partial paralytic stroke of the throat
and vocal chords, as he has much difficulty
in speaking and breathing. This is aggra-
waited by his apoplectic disposition. He is
suffering from great debility and lies in a
partial comatose condition much of the
time.
Has Lost Interest In Life.
He manifests no interest in what is going
on around him, and it Is with some diff
Guilty that he recognizes his closest friends.
He is in his S9th year and in his enfeebled
condition the doctors have little hopes Of
his living tor any length of time.
What Is occupying the attention of the
Economics at present is who will be his
successor. This society has had many ex-
citing periods in its history, and it was
only through the sagacious foresight of its
leader, that it has been kept together He
rod al 20 b
be looked upon as father, who is TO be
honored and respected at all times, and
whose counsel is ever to be needed He
has been wonderfully successful in securing
the acquiescences of his followers in his
decisions and obtaining their support in all
his moves, so that during his long term of
office there have been no serious dissensions
or splits in the ranks of the Economics.
On account of the peculiar religious be-
LETS of this society, which keeps them
from marrying, its members have gradually
decreased, until they are mere handful as
compared to what they were formerly. At
their most prosperous period, which was
about go years ago, there we're fully 800
persons who acknowledged allegiance to the
beliefs held by this society. Trouble came
in 1882 and about one-third of their men,
bers lett the original society and formed
a new organization of their own. This
split was the result of their beliefs on
marriage, and as to the amount of work to
be done by the different members.
Father Henricfs Life Work.
Father Henrici has devoted almost his
entire life to the work of the Economics.
though he was not an original member Of
the society founded by Mr.. Rapp. He was
born in Bavaria, and after receiving an ed
ucatIon, accidentally came across an account
of this society. Believing in their views
he came to this country with the full inten-
tion of casting his lot with it. Mr.. Rapp
welcomed him as sent by Providence to be
one of their leaders. He began his career
as their school teacher, but remained at this
occupation for only short time, when he
was appointed their general business man.
ager and assistant to the leader.
In 1S47 he was elected as one of the two
trustees OF the society, and from that time
on was acknowledged as the leader. His
name has become inseparablv connected
with the Harmony Society, as he has been its
very life for years. What will be the effect
OF his death remains a matter OF conjecture,
many believing that his place cannot be
filled, as it is believed there Is no one in
their ranks that possesses the ability to
take up the leadership and conduct the af-
iairs of his people where he will leave
them. 1t is acknowledged by all that he
can no longer prosecute his labors with
vigor. His real power is more in name than
in reality.
Aspiring to the Leadership.
There is already evidences of desire on
the part of some to take up the reins of
power in view of his early demise. What
this will amount to cannot at this time be
Judged. There are certain signs that prom
ise some serious results for the society
unless they are checked. Some of the meet
ings held within the past two weeks have
been very stormy, and good deal of feel
ing is being stirred up. Father Henrici's
counsel in the past has kept out dissension
and the society in good condition. Many
are led to believe the outlook for its success
would be greatly endangered by his death,
though others strongly maintain that the
society will go on as usual, and with little
change in its affairs
What leads many of its most devoted
members to have fears for the society's fu-
ture is its small membership. Its numbers
are becoming less each year and there are
only few who make formal application
for membership. The society owns and
controls about $500 acres OF ground in a
high state of cultivation. Besides this,
numerous other industries are operated by
it, as there are factories and facilities for
all their needs. They can exist
almost independently of outside influences,
as it has been their aim to be a communistic
and they have succeeded in the
past
Afraid of the Influence of Outsiders.
In order to operate all their various in
dustries it has been necessary to employ a
larger force of workmen each year. This
force has increased in proportion as the
members have decreased, and has always
been subject for apprehension among the
members. These employees are paid wages,
while the members receive nothing for their
labor, as they have all things in common
and share equally the profits of the different
departments of their varied industries
The large amount of money necessary to
run the society's interests and which goes
into outside channels is proving q serious
question with the society.
DR.. Teed and his followers have been con-
stantly opposed by the society, and while
they have made application for admission,
have been refused. Of la:e this question
has been causing the society considerable
trouble, and it is by no means settled, as it
is only recently that much feeling has been
stirred up over the question of admitting
DR.. Teed to membership.
The Harmony Society will lose a great
benefactor and one of their mainstays
when the venerable Jacob Henrici goes
from its ranks, as now seems probable in q
short time. 1t will mark decisive point
in its history, and is being watched with in
terest by many.