The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1898-02-05
WANT A COMMUNITY.


Civilization.
Springfield, Feb. A branch of the
labor exchange, a national organiza-
ton which announces itself as the
greatest movement known to civiliza-
tion," has just been organized at East
hampton. the charter having been re-
ceived this week. The branch starts
off with fifteen members, ten men and
five women, sturdy Germans all, the
men employed in the suspender facto-
ries and are dissatisfied with their
present conditions. The forming of
this branch is the first step in the
movement by these people to establish
a cooperative. profit-sharing commu-
nifty. in which each member shall con-
tribute to support Of the whole and
share the benefits accruing. The char
ter members feel that they are OPP
pressed by existing conditions govern
ing labor, and they are anxious to
break away from the restraint of corr
poration rule and do business by them
selves and for themselves. The men
are weavers. good workmen, with con-
siderable mechanical ingenuity. The
| wives are strong and courageous; they
| have unbounded faith in their hus-
bands, and are ready to sacrifice for
a time that the desired end may ulti-
| mately be accomplished. These people.
depressed and discouraged, distrustfui
| Of their employers and the power of
money, are slowly making plans for
| the establishment of a community
| where they may work and share the
profits of their toll, and are hopeful Of
attracting the attention of some man
| with interest enough in the scheme to
advance few hundred dollars to make
a start possible.
The labor exchange which encour-
ages this plan has its headquarters at
| Independence, Mo-, the charter grant
ed the Easthampton branch being
| signed by G. B. DeRernardi. president,
and U. F. Sargent. accountant. The
object Of the association and the rules
governing it are stated, as folows:
| Object of Association.
To provide employment for idle labor
| by facilitating the interchange of COM
| modities and services among the
associates and the public.
To alleviate the suffering incident to,
and avert the social dangers which
may arise from constantly increasing
class of unemployed, and saving the
wealth, thus produced, for the use and
benefit of the actual producers and
their dependents.
To tighten the burden of charitable
institutions by establishing one self
| sustaining.
BY and through such employment OF
idle labor as aforesaid, this association
aims to furnish food, clothing and the
comforts of home for those thus en-
ployed, establish depots for mutual ex
change. operate boarding houses fol
the purpose, and also to privide fol-
education, the elevation Of character
and the amenities Of life by main
tanning schools and other places o.
instruction.
Any person. male or female, of good
character, not addicted to intemperatt
or immoral habits, who Is willing tx
engage in useful occupation or call
ing, or to aid by work or means t.
advance the object herein stated, ma!
become a member of this association
and be entitled to the benefits Of 1t.
The property of this association, rea
and personal. shall not, under an.
circumstances, be mortgaged or pledged
The association shall not borrow an.
money, and shall not issue any inter
est-bearing note or obligation agains
itself.
All money received for the sale 0
goods, hire Of labor and other property
the execution of contracts, board o
hands, entry fees to places Of amuse
ments, ETC., be distributed as follows:
To replenish the stock of goods sold.
To keep the property in repair, an
to restore any which may have bee
destroyed by accident.
To defray the expenses of adminstra
ton economically conducted.
To support the sick, the disabled an
assist the families of deceased mem
bers.
TO maintain schools especially eve
ming schools, libraries and places @
. instruction and amusement.
To extend the field of its operation
by the acquisition of additional mean
for the employment of idle labor.
( Life membership is 81, which is I
help meet the propaganda expenses
? There are no dues.
The exchange now counts q
/ branches, only few which are in tn
east. The one at Easthampton Is tn
only one in New England, it is said, tn
nearest branch being at Paterson, \
j., where some felt hat makers ar
trying the plan. The member pledge
himself not to enforce payment of an
balance which may be due him by tn
association in legal tender money, bu
l to accept commodities or services q
+, market prices in lieu thereof. He
entitled to the privileges, benefits
| advantages, rights and protectio
guaranteed to members in good an
l regular standing, and is commende
, to all members and branches Of tn
: labor exchange with the request thu
z sin all respects and under all circun
stances they do unto him as they wis
= to be done unto"
= The members of the new Eas
hampton branch have set their face
1 toward Stafford, Ct, as the place whel
they desire to try the communit
j scheme, and are hoping that the NEAR
will be forthcoming to make it possib
!. for them to buy farm and mill in tn:
town, which has been advertised fl
i sale by Otis Mann. The farm consis