St. Paul daily globe., 1896-04-05
RUsKIN COLONY.
Mr.. SchOtt Talks EntertainingIy Re-
garding 1t.


Mr.. schOtt Talks EntertainingIy Re-
garding IT..
The G II obe labor department knowing
the great interest taken in cooperative work
by many of its readers, and that the collective
ISL colony OF Ruskin has, through the Com
| Ing Nation. paper published by this colou1}
claimed particular attention among the nu-
merous groups working along those lines
sent representative to interview Mr. Schott.
who lately visited the Ruskin colony ir Ten
nessee. desiring to secure from him a more
complete statement than that given Thurs
day morning.
Asked concerning his general impressions
or the location and the surrounding country
he said:
This ridge of rough, uncultivable wooded
hills sof forbidding aspect. DO not like it.
Ruskin. l think, made grave mistake in
locating in such spot We could have done
Tar better for them here in Minnesota, where
they would be near markets for their surplus
products. The creek lands, however, are fer
tile and the seasons long. Ruskin realized
its mistake and has since secured a tractl
OF good land on Yellow creek upon which
they are now engaged in building permanent
homes.
LAS to natural resources? Yes; there ara
materials to hand for the construction of the
town. Plenty or hardwood timber building
stone OF good quality, and clay, both red and
white. This leaves them only under the nee.
essity of purchasing hardwood in order to
complete building material A custom grist
mill is now running upon the townsite The
water supply is excellent and plentiful The
original tract of land can be utilized for cat-
tie range and for timber supply
How do the people get along together?"
We'll as might be expected with people
from all parts of the country and of different
modes of thought, there have been differ
ences-a serious clashing of opinions There
were unfortunate combinations In the early
membership-men who were theoretical So
clallsts, but lacking self-control and the dis
cipline necessary to a life of practical coI-
lectfvism in it's pioneer stages. These es-
sayed the role of dictators and ringsters. hut
soon found again their place in the outside
world. The people who remain-and thew
number 150-exhibit a wonderful unanimitv
OF spirit. They have good officers, and work
well under them. Democratic principles conl
troll. Every important measure is submitted
to a vote Of the whole membership New
applications are constantly coming in and.
Whlle there are few on the list for retire
ment, the membership will be largely aug
mented during the summer. There has lately
been adopted more favorable plan of ed
mission to the colony. The real need at pres
ent is more workers.
"AoI A1dleI4dI progress mas the aSSOcia-
ton made In the year and half of its ex-
istence?"
AS to that, with the exception of the Com
ing Nation publishing business there has
been but little. Owing to the unfortunatel
location upon non-agricultural land, the dif-'
ference before alluded to, and the failure of
an attempt to enter into the manufacture Of
certain machinery, the necessity of looking
up new site, together with the attendant
loss OF time and expense all work except
that OF the publishing business has practi-
cally to be done over again. But, after all,
that is not so bad, since the trials through
which they have passed has brought out
combination with greater efficiency for pro-
gressive work in the future than otherwise
would have been possible"
The Coming Nation talks much about thel
proposed college. What do you think of that?F
Now, about the college, 1 don't like to
say much. Its advocates are enthusiastic and
are doing great deal of work On paper. OF
course, it will come in time, but l think they
place the date for its debut rather early, not
withstanding the many earnest people who
have expressed willingness to assist in it's
institution. l think first their town should
be built, with not only the necessaries but
many OF the comforts, and even luxuries, Of
city life; and to so place themselves that from
their own surroundings and culture an influ-
ence for good may be exerted upon their stu
dent sojourners is very important, and will
occupy all their attention for at least three
or four years yet before the college will ar
rive at the natural time for it's birth into the
world of intellectual activity by which thS
new economy will be encompassed."
The Labor Exchange is an organization in
corporated under the laws of Missouri, with
branches all over the world. It's objects are
to facilitate the interchange Of products be-
tween producers and find work for the unem-
ployed. Branch No. SO has Its home In the
Cumberland block, 1877 East Eighth street,
this city, where deposits of all valuable pro-
ducts will be received and Labor Exchange
checks issued for their value, the same being
good for any other product which the ex-
change has in stock, or they will be received
at par by any Of its members. Registration
books can be found at the exchange where,
persons seeking situations can register free
of charge. Those unemployed or having
products for which they do not find a ready
market would do well to call on the manager,
Mr.. Freeman, at the above address, any week
day, between the hours of 1 and p. m, and
inform themselves thoroughly as to the OBJ
jects of the organization and the measures
proposed to secure better condition for the
toiling masses.
Horseshoers' Union No. 28 held its first
meeting in April Friday evening. The follow
ing officers will of1ciate for the coming year: .
President, o. f. Oleson; vice president
Abram Knovel; recording secretary, William
Horrigan; financial secretary O. Beurman;
treasurer, ]. Cuthill; sergeant-at-arms, Will
lam Lachford; delegate to Trade and Labor
assembly, ]. Cuthill. One new member was
initiated This union has a fund from which
sick members are entitled to draw SIS week.
-
The contract with the Volkszeitung Publish
ing company will come before the different
printing trades unions for action before the
office is again unionized. Typographical
Union No. 80 will consider the matter at it's
meeting today.
Tuesday evening the stage employees, car
penters, walters and harnessmakers' unions
will hold interesting meetings at Assembly
halls, to be followed by the retail clerks as
sociation Wednesday night.