davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-10-19

(By Courtesy of the Cleveland Leader.)
1t is not often that it is permitted
to one to watch the disintegration OF
a communistic society; to study the
changes which take place after its
dissolution, and to note the develop
ment of new institutions in place OF
the old. All of these, those living in
the neighborhood of Zoar have been
permitted to see. It is an interesting
thing to converse with the former
members of the Society of Separatists
of Zoar," and to learn from them what
they think of the new order of things
and to find out what are their feel
ings with reference to their former
establishment, that now has passed
away.
An opinion expressed by these peo-
pie is of some importance also, on &C
count Of the fact that Zoar has been
one of the most successful social ex-
Client time has elapsed since the dis
banding of the society, in 1898, for the
people to become thoroughly acquaint-
ed with the world of strife and compe-
tition and for them to form clearly
defined judgments concerning the rela-
tive desirability of the old and the
new ways of life.
In order that we may understand
their present positions, it is necessary
to know something of the history of
the enterprise; the conditions and
motives which in the first place caused
the establishment of this communistic
settlement; and, also, those things
which enabled the community to have
an existence, more or less successful
for a period of 80 years.
WAS FOUNDED IN 1917.
The settlement was founded In the
year 1917 by German immigrants be-
longing to the religious sect known as
the Separatists, because they separated
from the established church of Wur-
temburg. The differences In faith
between the orthodox Lutherans and
the seeding ones were not very great; 1;
perhaps the greatest was the opposi-
ton of the new sect to all formality
and ceremony in religious services.
In their articles of faith they assert
that they shall render to no mortal
honors due to God" They also op-
posed military service and, influenced
by whipping and Imprisonment, they
resolved to seek refuge in the New
World
Acting on this determination more
than three hundred sailed. landing in
philadelphia In 1917. The Quakers
received them kindly, rendered them
much assistance, sheltering the greater
number OF the party during the first
Imtef. Thirty had. however. pushed
~ westward, and at Zoar, In Tusca.
The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-10-19

arose in their everyday lives. They
show him to have been a man of
breadth, sympathy and versatility.
HAD NO SABBATH DAY.
The effectiveness of these sermons
can be seen in the fact that after
Bimelers death the sermons were
printed and the reading of some of
these constituted a part of their re-
ligious services until the downfall of
the society. This method of worship
was adopted only after other plans
had been tried and found unsatisfac-
tory. At first the members did not
believe in Sabbath, but prosecuted
their labors on that day as on any
other, but in later times they began
to observe Sunday as day of rest.
During the last years, without the
genius of Bimeler to guide 1t, the so
ciety refrigerated rapidly. The inf1u-
ence of the man, which continued for
a, considerable time, after his death,
was able to hold the people together
and, make them prosper for a, time,
but as this influence became weaker
and weaker, decline set in which could
terminate In but one way. Their
dress became less plain than former
ly; their customs and ways of think
ing changed: outside influences were
slowly changing the morals of the
community, though up to the time of
it's disbanding there had not been q
single Zoarite arrested during the Ell.
tire period of the society's existence
for any infraction of the law in any
degree, nor had there been a single
divorce asked for. They possessed
Jail, 1t is true, but when / inquired
it's use, was informed that 1t was
sometimes necessary for the accom-
mediation of their visitors.
NOW RAIL AT INEQUALITIES.
However, the equality which was
theoretically the foundation principle
Of the society was an equality only in
name, and the only place where fay
oritism had not. by the time of the
dissolution, had any marked effect
was in the distribution of food sup
plies. When the visitor inquiries
The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-10-19

urer, elected for four years and a
agent was the highest in the com.
munity and 1t was created for Joseph
Bimeler who had been the leader OF
the Separatists from the time of their
departure from Germany. He was the
best educated man among their mum.
ber, and the leading spirit in all their
operations and enterprises. At his
death in 1853, no one was deemed
worthy to hold the Office he had held,
and it ever after remained vacant.
Bimeler was the most influential
man of the community and, in com
mon with his neighbors, opposed mar.
riage as being contrary to the will OF
Cpd. After Bimelers marriage in
1928 he ceased actively to oppose
marriage and all opposition died out
Marriage was looked upon however,
simply as civil compact to be con.
summated by mutual consent and not
needing the services of priest OF
preacher.
The children were under the direct
control of the trustees and at the age
of three they were to be delivered up
to them for education. This educa,
tion was to continue until the age oil
thirteen for the girls, and fourteen for
the boys. At these ages the children
were returned to the parents, but still
were subject to the will of the trus.
tees. This means of education did
not continue long. 1t met the fate OF
other institutions which do not meet
the needs of the family relationship
SHARED ALL PRODUCTS.
All manufactured and farm pro-
ducts were first put into a genera,
store and each of the members had his
share dealt out to him again. Each
individual was to receive each year
two suits Of clothing; these were OF
plain material, as the Zoarites did
not believe in ornamentation. During
the strict period brown and blue were
the colors prescribed for the men;
black was under the ban and they
were not even permitted to wea;
black bands on their hats.
The food was received by each fam
lily from a general supply. Some ar
ticles were distributed daily, whils
others were distributed at longer in
tervals. Bread, milk and beer were
given out each day, as was cider alsC
in it's season.
The community was industrious and
not only entered into the operations
of farming, but at one time engaged
In carrying on various manufactures
The first settlers were OF necessity
agricultural laborers, but when the
Ohio and Erie canal was constructed
opportunity was given TO many O
the villagers to assist and in this wa.
The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-10-19

about the equality, the former mem
bers say: q. -ys.g
There was no equality; there was
slavery" .., .gdW
They continue in explanation. d
Does it look like equality when
one man lives in palace, while
others live in rude huts? Bimeler's
home was called the kings mansion
and he built it in 1885, before the So
eiety was prosperous and while his
fellows were but poorly housed.P Z,
This shows the feeling of the peo-
pie today. They see that from tho
beginning there were differences, ,as
in every other society of omens and,
while they revere the name of their
old leader, they canopoint to him as
proof of the inequality which ex-
listed. His home is truly a monument
of this inequality; for. 1t is structure
that would attract attention in any
small city today. Large and digni-
fed, 1t is by far the most striking of
all their structures, five except their
modern hotel. 1t is somewhat re-
markable that Bimeler could retain
the confidence of his lowly compan-
ions, while living in a style so diff
ferent from their own, and in view of
the fact that he rode in a carriage
while others walked, but 1t can be
said that none doubted his upright.
ness, integrity and purity of purpose.
A BIMELER STARTS DISSOLUTION.
Active measures for the overthrow
of the society were spasmodic, and
never acquired much momentum until
the year 1895. In the closing months
of that year Levi Bimeler, deR
cendant of the founder of the society,
started paper which he called the
"Nugitua." The avowed purpose of
the paper was to bring about disso-
luton of the society. The paper was
| suppressed after three issues had ap-
Deared, but 1t afterwards became evi.
dent that it was not published in vain.
Levi Bimeler, the editor, publisher
and printer of the paper. was then.
and is now, the village schoolmaster.
In this capacity he has served his
The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1906-10-19

a considerable amount of money
found its way into the treasurer
hands. From this time can be dated
the material prosperity of the COM
munity. 1t is noteworthy in this con-
nection also that the women, freed
from many of the ordinary labors OF
the home, took their places by the
side of the men in the fields.
Some idea of the diversity of their
manufactures can be gained when we
consider the two -four mills, run
by water power, enjoyed an extensive
trade in flour; saw and planning mills
prepared the timbers for their own
dwellings and also for shipment; a
tannery and a woolen mill furnished
materials for trade with surrounding
towns; they made their own beer and
cider; they manufactured stoves; they
had slaughter house, a cooper shop
and pottery. These are some of the
enterprises launched iR this small vii.
lage. Nearly all of these works had
ceased to operate before the dissolu-
tion of the society and some attribute
the final downfall to the bringing in
Of manufacturing plants when the peo-
pie and the locality were fitted only
for agriculture.
DECLINED AFTER BIMELER'S
DEATH
At the time of Bimeler's death, in
1853, the society numbered 500 and
held more than 10000 acres of land
AT still later period it was the pos
SCISSOR of a bank account of one-half
million dollars, but much OF this was
dissipated before the society was dis
solved. From Bimeler's death things
declined rapidly, and at the dissolu-
tion only 1876 were entitled to share
in the property. Among these, 1900
acres of land and nearly $4,000 were
distributed.
The success attained by the societ,
can be understood only by just ap
probation of Bimeler He was man
pre-eminent among his people; at
once their temporal and spiritual
leader. He held his place not by vir
tue of any election, but because he
was recognized as a man of ability
and was known by all as a man of in
tegrity. He believed in no priest
hood and rallied alike at Catholic
priest and protestant minister, hold
ing them up to contempt for preaching
for money. He himself preached tc
his fellows without remuneration. He
prepared no sermons, waiting for the
inspiration of the hour to supply his
theme and message. His sermons
were taken down by one of the young
men, whose father was deaf. In this
way, the talks were preserved. They
touched on all the needs OF his hear
ers and treated Of the difficulties tina
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
ELECTION CONTEST ON.
Il. S. Gilbert to Ask Court to Pass
Upon Ballots Marked "Void."

A s Gilbert law partner OF Attorney General
Mayer, who is appearing counsel for the
majority of the candidates the Republican
state ticket and has been at work for several
days on the figures obtained from the election.
yesterday said
Up to this time my Investigations have not
disclosed anything of particular interest to the
public. The contest the office OF Mayor
last year disclosed TO the public what many
men with special knowledge knew for some time
that the present election law is radically de-
fective in many important particulars. The
forms of returns to be made by the ballot clerks,
carefully studied, fairly clear, but experience
has shown that TO the average election official
they are entirely too complicated The forms
provided for that purpose require the inspectors
to report the number OF defective" ballots.
There Is no such thing known in the law.
The records show that many thousands OF bal
lots cast this year were blank for particular Of
fees In one instance-to wit, the 9th Election
District of the 10Th Assembly District. sixty-one
blanks reported for Lieutenant Governor
and sixty-four blanks for Attorney General. 1t
may be that this is correct, but these ballots
were neither void nor marked for identifca-
ton" they We're put back in the ballot boxes. and
are not subject to inspection at this time.
The canvass by the County Board of Can
vassers is a farce The canvassers must take
the figures reported by the inspectors. except
as they may be changed by ruling of the
court, on the void and protested ballot The
work is really done by accountants. and the time
spent by the board is wasted.
Mr.. Gilbert will make application to-day in
the Supreme Court. before Justice Mclean for
an order asking the court TO pass upon the ques-
ton of whether ballots marked void" We're
really void aud whether ballots "protested'
should or should not be counted. Similar appH-
cations for similar orders will be made in Kings
County, Queens and Richmond. These orders are
TO be served upon the chairmen of the different
board OF canvassers tomorrow before actual
work on the canvass is done, so that those bal
lots which the court shall determine to he lega!
can be counted
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
METALS REINPORTED.
ErcessiUe Demand for Steel B;Uets
Cannot Be Net Here.

More than hundred and fifty thousand tons of
iron ore and other material used in the manu-
facture Of steel were imported through New York
and other Eastern seaboard points last month In
addition 10 the raw material. there were several
tons of finished iron and steel which came in from
Europe last month. including three shipments Of
steel Bullets These bets We're originally sent over
ia the other side from Pittsburg mills and reim-
ported here, owing to the excessive demand at
present existing for this Material.
EiShty-three thousand one hundred and sixty tons
OF IRON ore arrived last month. principally from
Cuba The September tonnage was lOoa56. The
manganese imports during October came mainly
from British India. 1035l having been shipped
from that part of the world. One shipment of 2GG
tons was made from Bone, Algeria This is the
first import Of Algerian manganese ever made into
this country. There imports from Russia
owing to the political situation in that part of the
world not permitting the working Of the vast de-
posits in the Caucasus. The United States Steel
Corporation recently placed contract for about
quarter Of a million tons of South Russian ore
deliveries to be extended over several months
None or this ore has yet arrived.
New YORK handled nearly three times much
IRON ana steel material for eNport last month as
the combined tonnage consigned through Balti-
more and Philadelphia 20 various foreign countries
This IS a record breaking proportion Of monthly
shipments made abroad through this port. Com
pared WITH Baltimore. New York shipped mora
than three and one-half times much and al
most Ten times more than Philadelphia
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
BOMB KILLS POLICEMEN.
Officers Lmed to Death in Abon-
dOneG House an Tifis.

Tifiis. Nov. 11A deafenng bomb explosion
occurred in Pethansh street at an early hour
this morning while the police were making a
search of an unoccupied house. The noise of
the explosion was audible for great distance,
and the entire city shaken. Three police-
men We're killed and four wounded
The police discovered some revolutionary
proclamatons under bed in one of the rooms
In this house. They then went to a window and
pulled aside curtain. There was fash of
blue flame. followed Immediately by the explo-
sion. the force Of which was so great that the
body OF sergeant. one OF the men killed. was
hurled over a neighboring roof The whole
upper portion Of the house fell in. II is ap-
parent that snare had been arranged and the
police lured into II. They received tip TO
search this particular house. which is IN the
Tartar quarter Of the city, and which has not
been inhabited since the Tartar-Armenian
nlasSacres of last year.
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
PINNED UNDER CAR.
Woman Held Tzcenty-1fUe Minutes
Before She 7cas Released.

While crossing Columbus avenue at Goth street
shortly after 1 o'clock this morning woman
was caught under northbound car. The
front wheels ran over her leg before the car
could be stopped The woman was taken to
the Roosevelt Hospital, where it was said her
condition was precariOuS.
For more than twenty-five minutes the woman
lay under the car. while passengers and bystand-
tried to free her by prying up the car with
thick beam. Finally a repair wagon was sum
moned and the car had to be lacked up before
she could be extricated. AL the while she was
conscious. and her shrieks could be heard for
blocks.
The woman later identified Mrs Alice
Barton, twenty five years old
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
CUBAN LIBERALS SPLIT.
Radical Element Thinks Zayas Too
Friendly zcith americans.

Havana, Nov. IA serious split has occurred
In the ranks Of the Liberal party. due to the be-
lief Of tho more radical element largely COM
posed of Negroes. that Alfredo Zayas is too
friendly with the Americans, even to the extent
Of secretly favoring annexation of the island by
the United States. The leader OF the radical
faction. Jose Miguel Gomez. is now candidate
for the Presidency, and is believed to have the
support of many Liberals who formerly regarded
Zayas as the only logical candidate of the party
by virtue Of his services in organizing the re-
cent revolution and obtaining the support Of the
American peace commissioners.
Gomez is reputed to have the support of Juan
Gualberto Gomez. who is said to control the
party in the province of Santiago, and Morua
Delgado, a Negro, who is powerful with his race
IN Havana province. General Asbert Pine
Guerra and Colonel Julian Betancourt apparent
ly are undecided which faction they will Join.
Following the manifestation Saturday night
in honor Of Delgado, the followers OF Zayas to-
night held a big parade and mass meeting The
meeting was addressed by Zayas and other lead
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
T.. r. PERKINS BACK.
Declines to Tell of HIS Testimony IN
Tennessee.

VicePresdent f. r. Perkins of the New York
Life, returned to this city yesterday from Ten
nessee. where Commissioner Folk examined him as
to the charges of eIectioneeFing by the company.
No authoritative statement from Mr.. Perkins as
his testimony 10 how Mr.. Folk regarded
II could be obtained last night. 1t is understood.
however, that MIR Perkins testified that II the COM
pany employees dong any admins rs1tloIl
electoneering, they were doing . of their own ac-
cord in their own time and entirely at their own
expense. and without the cost of a dollar 10 the
company.
The decision on Stephen Farrellys Injunction
electoneerug suit against the New York Like IS
looked for this week. Ex-Judge Herrick is expect
issue a brief statement Mr.. Jerome's leEIer 70
him which gave the District Attorneys reasons fOr
deferrng until after December IS any action m
coercion charges gainst the Mutual Life, and suE
gestng that Mr.. Herrick himself begin action
against the company nti-administratiOn interests
in the Mutual Life declare that to defer any such
action until after the December insurance elections
will be equivalent to taking action whatever. L
is entirely possible that interests outside the Mutt
uaI Life Policyhoders Association and the selected
fusion ticket may begin proceedings for coercion
Certain interests. the reporter learned had planned
definite action along these lines several weeks ago
but, confident that Mr.. Jerome would Immediately
make the case the peoples. COntented themselves
with turning all their evidence to the District
Attorney and with Offering him ell the assistance
that lay in their power. George r. SCrugham. the
international committees manager. viii arrive here
from Chicago tomorrow, after the meeting OF the
fifteen Insurance commissioners in that city to-day
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
SPAIN And THE V4TICAN.
Latter Denies Report of Rupture
German Situation Critical.

Rome. Nov 1.-THE Vatican denies the reports
which predict rupture between Spain and the Holy
See. Vatican authorities declare that the differ
ences between them and Spain have been much
exaggerated by the Spanish Liberal press backed
UP by the French newspapers. and that the nego-
tations between Rome and Madrid are proceeding
In most friendly manner. It is pointed out that
all the members Of the present Spanish Cabinet are
good Catholics.
The situation between the Vatican and Germany
over the Polish question is becoming daily more
critical and IS even threatening 10 endanger the
existing good relations between Berlin and the
Holy See. Germany insists that the Vatican rnust
help II in depressing what II considers to be re-
bellon IN Poland, while the Poles are counting on
tne assistance Of the Pope. The POPE will be ar
ylsed IN this matter by Cardinal Kopp Bishop Of
8reSlau ana Cardinal Fischer Archbishonf ~
cologne. who are expected here shortly.
New-York tribune., 1906-11-12
ELNENDORF"S LECTURE.
He Takes His Hearers Along the
Rhine.

The first Ct the series OF lectures in the course
for this season by Dwight T.. EIruendorf was given
last night At Carnegie Hall. AIR E!mendorf has
described. i'm MS recolleoticns old Holland one
Of the most picturesque lands Imaginable. The
lectures this take The listener from old IIoI-
land along the Rhine into The highlands of Svitzer-
land where pictures of actual ascents of the AIMS
are TO be given Two lectures will lie given dealing
with italy south Of the Alps and motion pictures
Of the recent eruption OF Veslivius VIII also be
given.
The lecture Ct last night called forth an audience
which nearly fled carnegie Hall. in spite of the
Weather, and The beautiful pictures We're many
Times applauCed. 1t dealt entirely with Quaint
Holland, a:d the lecturer devoted himself almost
altogether to the country ne che canals and dkes
As prologue, Mr.. ElmtuGcrf showed morton
pictures OF the wedding of the kins ana Queen of
Spain as last years lectures enLeG with a visit
TO Spain.
Tie motion picture which was mos, e!.joyed last
night was one Of Queen Wi!beiminu bowing her
thanks 70 crowd from a balcony at the palace in
Amsterdam. The most artistic pictures hnv-evar
famous paintings Of the cid masters which arc
on exhibition ir The ElJk5 museum at Amsterdam
Mr. ElnendOrf bad COlOred them, copying the tints
from the originals and ore would have thouo!,r
AT the masterpieces of fraas lials. Rembrandt n1t
othetS. SO perfect were the coloriCC and photo
Motion pictures o p=cuji1r ard unusual scenes
in some of the smaller towns i'm Holland were ais,
gwen. ono tha; pleased lsrtcular!y was a view
OF the cheese market at i[dam. made r3snous BY
quaint canal To Voaudam from Tfam with the
picturesque scenery. thr t,indu,i,iS graz'n- Hot
Stelns and peculiar thdtched houses of the Dut IN
peasant.
Next SUNDAY night Mr. Ermendorf will continue
his course OF lectures the subject helm .'I,Sa
Rhine, from Heidelberg to Cologne