The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-10-28

ion. The women were sweet faced, ear
nest in expression, and gave the impress
sion that they were teachers. Little
children romped by rosy-cheeked and
laughing. The appearance Of these peo-
pie. their beautiful surroundings, and
the explanations Of the guide left a
strong conviction that their scheme of
life is not nearly as absurd as it has
been imagined.
A little to the northvard of the main
group Of buildings are several cottages
Of strange design. They hint Of Egypt
and India in their architecture. In one
of these lives Lyman ]. Gage. with his
sister and her family. Mr.. Gage was
not at Point Iona during our visit.
Our guide said that Mr. Gage was in
good health, thoroughly enjoying the
privacy and delightful surroundings.
All the buildings now existing, ac-
cording to the guide. are temporary
structures. In due time, the perma-
nent home Of the Universal Brotherhood
is to be established on their sites. The
international headquarters Of the
brotherhood are housed in small build.
ing, unique IN architecture like tn,
others, and big force is required t.
handle the correspondence that come:
and goes. The English branch of the
brotherhood is said to be much larger
than the American. Schools are main
tained by the society in England, Cuba
and the Orient.
Mrs. Tingley appears to have the
warm regard of every person in this
community. The people of San Diego
declare that she Is woman of extra
ordinary goodness, as well as ability.
She is a mother to the pupils of the
Raja Yoga School, and has devised a
multitude of new things in education
which are worthy the attention of ed
ucators everywhere. The human heart
beat seems to throb at Point Iona. The
spirit of helpfulness is vital there.
Whatever may be the ultimate fate of
this unique enterprise, it is certain that
the experiment thus far has attracted
men and women of unusual quality, who
believe firmly that the principles they
have adopted will ultimately rule the
world.
"How is the membership of this COM
munity CONTROLLED" l asked of the man
in khaki. ''Under what terms does
man come here, and /how do you get
rid of him if he is objectionablef"
"Oh, that regulates ITSELF" he re-
Piled. mo man is going to come here
unless he is interested in this work.
If he believes in universal brotherhood
md is really anxious to do his share,
he can soon prove his good faith. He
IS admitted under an agreement that
him to withdraw any moment
ie chooses. He buys his house or
'ents it, as he chooses. He lives at
he refectory, or at home, as he and
lis wife may decide. He may not be
,ble to live here for business reasons,
md may send his family here.
II don't know just what might be
lone if a man should prove to be
disturbing element and refuse to leave.
We have never had such case. sup
,ose we would shun him, and probably
le would leave Of his own accord, There
) no secrecy or iron rule about such
hings. People who come here are nat
rally interested in this work, and they
ont care to leave after they have come.
Il would not think Of returning to
he old rules of life I think I have
ound something better. Understand
ne, l refer to rules of life, not habits.
have the snmo habits I nlways had.
smoke when feel like it and eat |
that / like. In short, there is abso-
lte freedom Of individuals here, con-
rolled, Of course, by the moral laws
Dhich control other people The dis
difference between this
and any other village or
own is that here we try to put into
m everyday life the principle Of
rotherhood. We try to help one an
ther instead Of looking out solely for
srselvas.'
This in a nutshell appears to be the
70 nanrinne &c a nf;nn an Point L Inma OF