The Washington times., 1894-04-15
RELATIVE TO The ROCHDALE
A Striking Example Here at Home Of
an Economic Cooperative Society.
NEARLY 5000 MEMBERS IN 1T
Contracts with 100 Dealers-From to 80 Per
Cent saved-How the Organization Ope-
rates-Diferent from Many Cooperative
Enterprises-Its Growing Popularity.

The Oldest largest, and most thoroughly
established example Of economic cooperation
in this part of the country is the Rochdale
Cooperative Society of the District OF Column
bia, which was organized in 1880, taking its
name from somewhat similar societies origi-
mating in Rochdale, England. 1t is now
larger and more active and prosperous than
ever before. Its object. as stated in its con-
stitution, is a very plain and simple one: 'To
enable members to purchase for cash from
selected dealers the best goods at the lowest
prices" and its machinery and methods are
equally simple and direct. The results of its
experience have within the last six months
been codified in revised constitution. which,
though short, is very explicit and complete
Any member can obtain copy free on appli-
cation to the secretary, and anybody may
read it.
Any respectable person, male or female,
young or old, may become member at any
time by merely purchasing a membership
card for 81 from any authorized agent. A
full list of agents is published every year in
the daily press of the city, and appears else
where in this paper. Membership ceases
every year unless renewed. The cost OF re-
newal is but % cents There are no dues OF
any kind. and persons joining incur no ex-
penses or contingent liabilities in any way,
except that they are pledged to maintain Sc
crecy as TO the dealers having contracts with
the society.
The membership now numbers nearly 5000
persons. representing every grade OF re-
A. init.
from members of Congress and other high Of
flcials TO the poorest men and women; but
from the nature of the case most OF them are
heads of families. Meetings of the society
are held quarterly. Members are not re-
quired to attend, but all are invited. and all
have equal rights in every respect. The gen.
eral business is managed by an executive
committee of seven members. elected annually.
Every Spring this committee selects dealers
in the different lines OF merchandise and pro-
fessional men or workmen in certain lines of
business in different parts of the city and gives
them an opportunity to obtain, in strict confi-
dence, what are called '.Rochdale contracts"
for the year beginning May l. These con-
tracts provide that in consideration of the
great increase in cash business thereby exc
pected these dealers will make certain speci-
fled discounts to persons who at the time of
purchase. after prices are named. exhibit the
membership card of the society and pay cash
in full. These contracts cover all the gen.
eral lines of merchandise, some professional
business. and some specialties. and the dis
counts range from to 80 per cent. The So
ciety now has contracts with leo dealers and
others in different parts OF the city, and these
dealers are among the largest and best in
their respective lines and vocations. 4 list ot
their Names locations. lines OF goods. aud
discounts is furnished free to every member.
Ii is obvious that in these lard times every
member of the society may, by the use Of his
membership card. save many dollars every
year in actual cash. In a certain sense, III
deed, the more he purchases the more he
saves.
Members are not required to purchase from
the Rochdale dealers exclusively. or more
nearly so than their own enlightened selt-in-
terest prompts; and this enlightened and re-
ciprocal seli-interest has operated to increase
the membership of the society and the number
of its contracting dealers, because the mem
bers quickly perceive its direct and plain ad-
yantages. and the dealers appreciate the in
crease in business resulting from the Rochdale
contracts, and realize that they are absolutely
guaranteed from loss on Rochdale sales by
their being strictly for cash.
Like all other organizations, the Rochdale
has had troubles and difficulties TO overcome.
Chief of these was the one which eliminated
in its recent well-known equity suit. Some
years ago. the society having a very respecta-
BILE surplus fund. trusted official refused to
turn over this fund and other property to his
duly elected successor but started another
organization under the same title. The So
ciety at once brought suit in equity against
him and his associates TO recover the funds
and other property and to restrain them from
using the Rochdale name. After q protracted
trial and an appeal the Rochdale Society
won the suit on every point, recovering its
funds and other property. and establishing its
sole right to the name OF the Rochdale Coop
erative Society of the District OF Columbia.
The Rochdale differs from other cooperative
organizations in several respects. among which
are these: that it is not producer; that it does
not enter into competition with any line of
business; tha. IT does not As an organization
or by agents buy or sell; that it confines itself
strictly to one particular purpose--securing
for its members the lowest cash prices
which it thoroughly accomplishes: that its
is simple as possible: that it oper-
ates practically almost without expense and
entirely without trouble or liability to its
members; and. finally, that all its benefits are
open on equal terms to all.
The officers of the society for the present
year are as follows:
President, T. p Keene, Second Auditors Of
fee: vice president, A. G. Yount, Record and
Pension Oflice; secretary L. 5. Emery, sli G
street northwest; treasurer. l. Cabell William |
son. GUnton building, i7S Louisiana avenue; |
executive committee a F. sperry, chairman, |
Post ONCE Department; H. G. Potter, secretary,
ll06 G street northwest:S s. II. Bell, Government |
Printing Office; W. W. Chase Navy Yard; c. Z. |
Persons, Adiutant Generals Office: c. X. Nc |
Bride, General Land Of1ice, and Stanton Weaver, |
Loan and Trust building; auditing committee, |
C. g. Rapp, chairman, Revenue Marine Division, |
Treasury Department: +. J. Young, Secretary's |
office, Treasury Department, and H. II. Hough, |
Pension Onice: sergeant-at-arms, J. F. Huguiey, |
Registers Office, Treasury Department; door |
keeper Thomas II. Armstrong, Registers Office, |