The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1910-02-10

Alter Rules When He Deems 1t Me-
cessary-AII Must Work For Com
mon Interest.
Scranton, Pa. Feb. z. - William
Schlingmann, of Pittsburg. will estab-
lish a new religious community on
the knight farm, in North Arlington,
near this city
The tract, comprising 800 acres, has
been bought by Schlingmann for $11,-
200. and when the present lease ex-
pires on April l a group of free reli-
gionists who are associated with him
will take possession.
What Schlingmann describes as the
new commandment, Love We one an
other" will form the base Of all the
laws of the community, and the mem
bers will live as nearly as possible In
imitation Of Christ. There IS to be
nothing freakish in the community
life however. No free love, no bare
foot dancing or walking and no hys-
terical religious ceremonies. The dwell
ers will till the soil, build houses,
manufacture their necessities and edu-
cate themselves and their children,
says SChlingmann out of a common
fund to be created out OF their earn
ings.
Schlingmann himself will be the
ruler of the settlement. AS high
trustee he shall have the power to
prescribe the rules for the government
of the community, to amend, alter or
repeal the same and to make what
ever additional laws he deems neces-
sary.
Despite this czar-like authority
Schlingmann declares that in estab-
fishing the settlement he is perform
ing duty to God. He quotes passages
of living to be followed in the PrOvi-
dence community will be In accordance
with divine teachings.
Il do not have to do this" he eX-
planned. II have enough of this world 8
goods, and the establishing of the
community is a religious duty with
me. | am a Baptist, but l am not q
believer in denOminatiOnal religion"
He stated that he accumulated his
money in the building contracting
business In Pittsburg He Is a small,
wiry man, sixty-six years old, and the
father of large family.
by the favor of divine providence, -
he explained. the community will
flourish and expand. 1t is to be found
ed upon the rock of Christian fellow
ship for the purpose OF furnishing its
members and their families with the
necessary lodging, food and raiment
required in living a plain life. and a
home in health and sickness.
after the deCease of q member
these benefits will be continued to-
ward his or her surviving family in
return for the labor to be rendered to
the community by every male and fe-
male member and their children while
physically able.
THE community will operate a gen
aral store. and when a member needs
clothing he will be given an order by
the trustee for what he requires 1t
will he the same with food and medi.
cine The community will have its own
physician and dispensary and every
thing necessary for bodily welfare and
comfort will be provided, thus elmi,
mating the necessity for a weekly OF
monthly wage.
"DrOnes will not be tolerated, every
body being compelled to do his or heI
share Of the community work. People
With checkered careers will find she1
tel and comfort at the community be
cause the purpose of the founders will
be to make everybody who comes
within their circles happy and con
tented"
There is to be a single house Of
worship in the settlement but the ser
vices will h" undcnominatiOnal ANY
member who desires to come to Scran
ton or any nearby village to attend
services at particular church may d.
SO. The liberties OF the jewellers ar,
in no sense restricted
SChlingmann admits that he has as
sociates in the project. but he refuse
to tell who they are. Although S25
will be charged for each membership
IN the community. the receipts will no
go to any one person or group of pei
sons, he says. They will be turned ir
to the common fund