The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-02
AN ISLAND UTOPIA.
English scheme to Establish a TolstOi
Community in Channel Islands

New York Herald.
An English Tolstoi colony is about to be
founded in the Channel islands. It's pro-
moter is j. Herbert Wilkinson, president OF
the Institute of Architects and surveyors
OF London. In an interview in the Daly
we have now under offer from the gov
eminent two hundred acres along the north
shore of the Island of Alderney at a very
low rental for a period of fifty years. At
any time within twelve months we also VIII
be permitted to increase this allotment 10
one thousand acres. At present we want
to start the community with fifty people,
each contributing G100, and we nave al
ready received rs applications, many from
ministers and people in good positions.
"A candidate Will pay in 4ol as a pre-
liminary deposit when the habitations are
ready for their occupants. ON the payment
OF the G100 being completed, ii cannot be
withdrawn from the general fund. a mem
Der may leave the community, say, aItef
three years residence. and may sell his
hundred pounds interest to a substitute,
who must, however, be approved by the
committee. Should he thus be successful IN
selling out he will nave lived three years
for nothing but the willing labor OF ms
brain and hands. For II Will be lett 10 the
conscience of such individuals to work when
and how they will. but all results OF such
work must be handed over to the genera!
fund of the community, and our motto VIII
be, Each for all and all for each
"A committee composed of tWo-thlfdS
males and one-third females, elected by the
whole body, will control the Administration
and a majority vote of two-thlrds OF the
community will be sufficient to eXpel any
one who is considered to be unworthy OF
the trust and confidence reposed IN MN ,oy
his fellow-colonists No single lady under
twenty-five years of age will be allowed to
join unless accompanied by a parent or
parents.
I'VE propose to leave ale and spirits al
ways out on the table in one room, so that
members may help themselves at any time
to an extent limited only by their con-
science. We will trust each other implicit
ly. Our meals will consist of breakfast,
lunch, light tea about 3 p. M, and Inner
at 6. Each repasr will be on the table for
two hours, and each may help himself.
ION Sundays there will he religious SER
vice in the house. but no interference with
individual creeds will be attempted. There
are Church of England, Wesleyan, Roman
Catholic and Presbyterian churches Wltnln
the town in handy proximity, TO Whlch
those who wish may go ~unhampered.
I'VE are providing a smoking room, as II
is decided no smoking will be allowed any
where else in the house. Glass houses,
apiaries and diaries are to be erected, and
we hope TO export grapes. honey and pro-
duce to one of the large London stores,
who will give us groceries, ETC., in ex-
change. The idea is to eliminate the use OF
money as much as, possible.
There is no money to be made out OF
the colony for any one. / am out OF pocket
up to the present, though | expect TO be
refunded the two or three pounds expended
in advertisements. / feel confident the
colony will be Il success, for we are pro-
ceeding on business lines,N and we know
there are large numbers Of middle class
people of simple, reine tastes and pure
principles who would gladly combine to
form the mmunit we desire"