The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1903-12-26
LIVING 4 MONEY.
Interesting Experiments Being Mac
BY Utopian Coloniss.

years by Jtopians is that which
is being carried out at Burnley
Woods, near Tacoma, in the state
Of Washington, says London Tit
Bits. Two hundred and twenty
men, women and children are re-
siding there, who claim to have
solved the problem of how to live
without money; while 500 non
residents of the community are
paying a dollar per month for ten
years, with the intention of be-
coming residents at, the end of
that time and paying no more
money as long as they live.
The scheme is worked out in the
following manner; Every work
man receives so much credit for
his days labor, each woman being
also credited to the same extent,
while those of from u to IS years
of age, who work for two hours a
day, receive one-third Of the credit
granted to an adult.
No matter what the work is the
credit is just the same in all cases.
Nine hours in summer and eight
in winter constitute a days work
for the men.
Judging from the fact that the
colony has purchased $50 acres of
land, and has $50 acres more un.
der contract for five years, it is sap
parent that this modern Utopia is
in a very lourishing condition. In
fact, it is intended that each man
shall have the use of a house and
a plot of ground.
The community has $4,000 in.
vested in a sawmill, as well as
$4,000 more in a single. mill,
and it is in these mills that the
majority of the men are employed.
Tools have also been purchased
for the blacksmith, laundry and
printing Office. The whole of the
colony is self-supporting. 1t has
about 10 scholars, for each Of
which IS per head is paid from the
state school fund every year.
which pays the two male teachers,
besides furnishing books and 9th
er articles for the pupils.
4 somewhat similar colony has
been formed in the state of GeOr-
gia by 300 socialists, who have
called themselves the "RpsEin-
ties"
Obtaining a site of land at n
place called Duke, in Ware coTn-
ty, about two years ago, they have
since established a hOurishing
colony on strict Utopian princi
pies, the members of which live
very comfortably on sd. a day ana
sometimes less. The greater part
of their food is raised by them,
selves. The entire colony usually
dine together in q large hall, al
though those who wish may have
their meals at home. for which
they are allowed 33d. a day by the
colony rules. This sum, however,
is reduced to I'D. wiienvegetables
raised at home are plentiful.
MeaF is only served twice d
week. the bill Of fare usually con
sisting of rice. peas or beans, to-
matoes, macarOni, soup bread
and cereal coffee. The latter is
manufactured bN the eolonlsts, be-
ing one of their chief industries.
Like the community of Burnley
Woods, the members of the Rus.
kin colony give eight h0uTs work
daily, and the balanceof the time
is their own. These Utopias dc
not always meet, however, will
the success which they perhaps
deserve-at anN nate not in thu;
country.
A few years ago. for instance, {
~nityestaBIfshe itsel'
in Worcestershire, the membeni
of which decided to- do away will
the use Of money and live OF
strict UtOpian principles. The.
got into trouble with the lOea
authorities Of the district in COZ
nectiOn with rates and other az
~sessments, and legal proceeding
were taken against the Leaders G
the colony.
The members OF this unfOrtnl
ate body numbered nearly