The San Francisco call., 1895-10-16
rs GROWING IN FAVOR.
Cheap Supplies Furnished by
the Socialist Association
Store.
RAPIDLY BRANCHING OUT.
Citizens of Wealth and Influence
Extend Their Support to the
Enterprise.

LOS ANGELES, CAL, Oct. 15.-On the
1st day of last January a unique enter
prise was started in Los Angeles. Some
of the people who believe in socialist
ideas-not at all the type of men who fly
the banner OF anarchism, but quite another
type, who believe that all humanity
should be united into one helpful brother
hood-came together and incorporated as
the Socialist Cooperative Association"
They had very practical object in view.
They put together their cash capital.
which was precisely $34 all told, and estab-
hshed store on the cooperative plan.
For two weeks they occupied quarters on
Sixth street, which an enthusiastic mem
Der offered them rent tree, but at the end
OF that first two weeks they were COM
PEELED to move to more commodious and
central rooms, and they rented the store
at 641 North Main street, where thev have
remained ever since, although the en-
terprise has already outgrown its new
quarters.
The associations plan is after the system
which has found such favor and resulted
so successfully in the manufacturing dis
tricts of England. Every man, woman
or child who wishes to join and receive its
full benefits buys slice of stock for So,
which entities to share in the dividends
declared quarterly.
The store is conducted in the most mod
est fashion and with the least possible ex-
pense, the few employees necessary to han
die the goods being paid by fund created
through adding 10 per cent to the original
cost OF the goods sold each month, and
dividing the amount between them. The
employees are all members of the associa-
ton and most enthusiastic in their support
OF 1t, and they themselves resolved from
the first that no part of the capital stock
represented by the shares sold should be
spent for wages.
OF course this method of wage paying
meant very little for the men in the begin
ming. 1t meant very little for them at any
time unless they had faith in the success
and growth of the enterprise. That this
faith is well justified is demonstrated by
the books of the association, which show
that the dividend system of wages re-
suited In monthly salaries of $25 apiece, for
the'last three months and the business is
growing with inconceiyable rapidity.
AT the end OF every quarter after paying
S-AS AS44Sf Nit4CA Is nominal matter as
they occupy a cheap store quite re-
moved from the business center and fur
ther reduce expenses by renting space to
couple of societies and wholesale station
er, all the profits over and above the cost
OF the goods, with 10per cent added for run
ming expenses, are counted out and re-
turned to the shareholders. The first quar-
ter 16 per cent dividend was declared.
The second resulted in a Is per cent divi-
dend, and this quarter will be about the
same. In this way every shareholder Sc
cures all the necessaries or life at whole
sale rates with a slight charge for the ex-
pense OF handling.
When the cooperative store was started
1t was confined to staple groceries. 1t soon
broadened in its scope and now carries
stock of crockery, underwear and notions
as we'll. 1t has formed alliances with
other groceries, hardware and drygoods
dealers hatters, clothiers and shoe stores.
by which any shareholder can go outside
OF the cooperative society itself and make
purchases, and have from to 25 per cent
refunded on these purchases when the bills
are turned IN to the association.
There are now ninety-four shareholders.
and although mechanics and laborers com
prise the greater number, doctors and law
yers and dentists are included in no in
considerable number, and even a couple of
mllllonaires own shares and are liberal
customers. Among these wealthy share
holders are II. G.Wilshire, a rich nronertv-
owner; V. Dol, owner of the old postoffice
block; Mr.. lie Brun and E. C. Scbnabel
Luke I. Bechtel, lawyer, is the president
and tho five IL 1r-
tel, Arnalstein, Potts, Villlnger and Rieder.
Several gentlemen engaged in lines of
trade represented in the store have COR
daily enrolled themselves upon the list of
members and very large patronage comes
from outsiders, for non-members buying
goods OF the association receive a rebate of
half profits at the end of every quarter.
The establishment now runs two delivery
teams, one OF the wagons being the gift of
an enthusiastic member, A. NJ. Leach. It
has lately opened coal and woodward.
which at the outset returned 500 a month
profits over and above the expense of run-
ming. Last week bakery was started. and
1t is the intention to add to these various
industries new features as fast as the cani-
tai or resources viii admit Perhaps the
great secret OF the success OF all that has
so far been undertaken is the infexibIe
rule pursued from the frst-to buy and
sell for cash only.
The manager of the store is Lemuel Bid
die, formerly master machinist of the
Southern Pacific, who lost his position in
the company's shops during the late
strike. Mr.. Biddle is the vice-president OF
the Council of Labor of Los Angeles.
The Social Labor party, of which this or
ganization is an outgrowth, is strong in
Los Angeles. It's war cry is Down with
competition"
WHY ERRINGTON WENT FREE.
Jurors Claim Their Verdict accorded
With the Courts Instructions.
LOS ANGELES. Car. Oct TX Tho Wv