The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-03
PLANS IDEAL TOWN
And BARS LIQUOR
Noted Indiana Philanthropist Will
Establish Model Colony in
Washington.

Marion, Ind, Feb. $40 found a
colony as Christ would and to build
and conduct city on the same plan,
is the scheme of A. +. Norton of Mari
on, who has thirteen department stores
In Marion and surrounding towns that
he conducts as he says Christ would
conduct them. He sells for cash, re-
ceiving small! profit, and refuses to
sell tobacco, cigars or anything that
would be an injury to any one.
Norton has conducted number of
railroad excursions as he thinks Christ
his stores when he conducts an excur-
sion to some lake or city for day,
taking all of his employees with him.
He has also conducted excursions to
California, and while taking his party
across the continent the officials of the
attracted by his business methods, and
he was appointed land and passenger
agent for the company in Indiana
Norton has decided to purchase
large tract of land in the state of Wash
ington, consisting of many thousand
acres.
When asked about his scheme he
talked enthusiastically. He said:
81 have been working on the deal
completed. I will purchase enough
land so that large fertile farms can
be sold to members of the colony. [
have not decided on the name to be
given the town, but have several names
in mind. The town will be free from T9
deeds for all la nd will contain a clause
making the sale of liquor on the land
a forfeiture of title. My colony would
not be a success if the sale of intoxi-
cants was permitted. Whisky and
success are bitter enemies. If man
ho ,,,c& S~1y Sc
The people IN my colony, must live as
live''
When asked what class of people he
wssald invite to live in his colony, he
aasN: ~ would prefer people who are
you'd give the downf;aallen a chance to
saving all. Recently | employed a man
who has failed to hold position with
any one because they believed him to be
Incompetent and Irresponsible. There
believe that he will prove to be com
petent and responsible: A. man can
not fall so low that there is no hope
of raising him.
When asked if he would prohibit the
use of to- acco in his colony while pro
but that he would discourage the use OF
it by employing men who did not use it
as he believed total, abstainer was
more competent than one who used the
weed.
Norton does not sell tobacco in any OF
his thirteen stores and does not employ
a man who uses it. He thinks that {
man who has worked day and earned
his wages is entitled to it and he pay:
his army of employees every night:
Norton has the largest department
store in Marion, occupying an entire
block. He started a small plant in this
city about FIVE years ago, naming it thu
Gold Mine. His business increased 81
rapidly by his unique manner Of con
Quoting it that he soon started No. 2
He continued to start new places abou
the city and surrounding towns, unit
he now has thirteen. His No. grey
until it was necessary to erect add
tional buildings. A large brick blocl
was added this year and was recentl
occupied by him with one of the larges
and most up-to- date department. store
in northern Indiana. In this place h
has restaurant, grocery, meat NAL
ket, dry goods, boots and shoes, clOthin
and furnishing goods. He employs
large number of clerks in this store. bu
customers are allowed to help then
selves and turn the cash over to clerl
Norton is recognized as good bus
ness man. honorable in all his dealing!
Many call him "a religious crank, but hi
business methods have been successful