The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-15
TO TEST SOCIALISM.
Peculiar Little Community III a New
Jersey Village.
Law aud Religion Unnec essary-Mr
Rybakowsii Seems to Rulc,

1 qucnaHna unu WESTERN rhllIOdu, ABOUT 10
miles from Paterson.
The principal road In the town makes a
| complete circle and terminates at the vii
lago of Campgow.
just midway between these villages,
about two and a half miles from either, is
] the old homestead Of Peter Ward. For
| years the place Mas boen vacant and its
225 acres Of surrounding farmland un-
worked. At present there 10 hustle about
tho place.
few weeks ago the residents OF wyck-
of observed four grown persons and as
many children plodding along the road
leading TO the old homestead With that
neighborly feeling that prevails In country
communities they extended cordial well
come and proceeded to make the newcom-
ers feel at home.
Several days passed and the villagers be-
came aware that there was something
strange about the newcomers. This sus-
picion was increased when it was observed
that the strange people did not attend
church and seemed TO have no hesitation
In doing chores about the place while their
neighboIs were attending Sunday worship.
~
meeting OF tine leading farmers, and IL was
decided TO investigate. A few judicious
inquiries brought out the information that
the newcomers were band Of socialists
who came TO prt their theory Of share and
share alike into practice. With this dis
closure the friendly feeling between tho
residents and colonists was at onee dis
PEELED.
Accompanied by an artist a reporter
visited the place to get an idea OF tho Gus
toms and plans Of the colonists. Two
vicious dogs promptly resented the inva-
sion of the newspaper men and held them
at bay until the colonists had called the
dogs or. The desire to protect personal
belongings is not inoulcated In tho social
istio creed and the actions of tho dogs
seemed at variance with their owners
views.
A few steys brought the party into
dining room in which tho communists
practically live. In IL woro six grown
persons Of varied nationallties and four
small children, all too young 70 appreciate
the singular doctrines under which they
will bc raised
"Who Is tho leader of this community"
was asked.
"Wo arc all leaders," replied one of the
group. "This is the Free Initiative Col
ony' and a branch Of the one at Madison,
Conn, from which we came three weeks
ago. We havo no bosses here. Everything
is shared In common, and our purpose is
TO revise the social system OF tho country"
The speaker proved TO be Joseph Ryba-
kowski, and while he would not admit 1t,
it was apparent that both he and his wife
ruled the little community Indeed, IL
anything, Mrs. Rybakowskl he'd all to say
in tho conversation that followed, and as
sho interrupted her remarks by ordering
the others about, it was plain that she was
the queen of the settlement.
This is Charles and Ellen Holland"
she said, introducing the other couple
"and those three little girls are their chill
dren. This little boy is mine The others
have been sent to assist us in straighten-
ing things about the pla.s."
who sent themP WIS asked.
"Oh, they were not exactly sent" was
the reply. They really came OF their own
accord.
"Our theory is that mankind can exist
without law. Our earnings arc to go into
ono common fund, and by that means cap
italistic and monopolistic power will be a
thing of tho past.
I'm order TO accomplish this religious |
superstition will have TO be, done away |
with. or course ut present we have to live |
up 70 tho laws, especially those referring |
TO marriage. These are sure to change rs |
soon as the people realize that the hand of |
D third party IN not necessary for man and |
woman to be true and faithful to each |
1they."
Here Mrs. Rybakowski stopped for the
1Nsra saV,l "a y Il ~.
riedly left the room. In a few minutes
one returned with scuttle of coal, while
.he other prepared tho table for supper
"You see wo all work together" she
Each does just as he or she wants TO,
md by that means we get along nicely.
since we have been hero we have built
'hickon coops, repaired the barn and have
cotton tho place in good share.
"In the summer we intend 10 build a
and wilkinvite the neighbors'
hildren TO attend if they want to- This
5 about al tbore Is 10 the place. 1t is in
under tho laws of the state. OF
curse we did not like that idea, but it
vas necessary 60 protect our property
But II you don't believe in governing
avs, what would you do with ono of your
olonists should he steal, or perohance
ommit murder"
why, nothing but SECURE him, Crime
3 disease, We would ascertain why he
ommitted it and show him where he did
wrong"
But under your theory everybody can
o just as no pleasos and should man
hink IL right to kill there would be no
20 prevent It,
"No have our ideas on that subject, and
hoy consist Of the belief that when the
heory OF communism became universal
here would DO 10 incentive TO commit
rimo."
Mrs. Rybakowski is pleasant looking
tile woman. During tho interview she
row animated an she explained tho differ
nt points, and her earncstncss was plain.
Her husband IS q Pole, and imbibcd his
IDEAS ia N Russian prison whilo
for political odonsos He is
civil engineer.
The farm which this strange sect OCCUPY
at present leased, but they expect to buy
ic place outright before long. The price
XCd Is g. COO At present tho live stock