The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1918-02-07

come the realization that by collec-
tive effort the greatest obstacles may
be overcome, and that, with the force
of members, by centralizing their
aims and by use Of modern scientific
methods and the adoption of the lat
est means of production, by use Of
power-driven agricultural machinery
and practical management, success
can be made where otherwise failure
would be inevitable.
Method of Organization
The Llano del Rio Cooperative
! Colony was established in May, 1914,
in Los Angeles county, California.
A wide difference of opinion had
heretofore existed concerning the
feasibility of all colonization enter
prizes, but in the time it has been
established, this colony has pro-
crossed from "utopian, chimerical
idea" to a concrete practicality-
from dozen dreamers to thousand
determined doors.
The Louisiana project, which was
opened for colonization last October,
is an extension of the California col
only, and is incorporated under the
laws of the state of Nevada. All
business is transacted upon the lines
of other corporations and by organic
ing in this manner the company has
the advantage of well established
rules by which it will be guided and
which leaves it free from experiment.
The entire management of the en-
terprise is conducted in the same
business-like manner as other corpor-
atoms. The general management of
the affairs of the company is in the
hands of the board of directors, who
select the men best qualified to take
charge Of the various departments.
Members of this board are elected by
the stockholders and they are SUBJ
jected to the rules laid down by the
state corporation laws, and the BY
laws adopted by the stockholders.
They are subject to recall
Colony Management
An earnest effort is made to select
the most efficient managers. The
members of these departments fire.
quently hold meetings at which the
work and policy of the department is
discussed. !
General divisions have been formed
of live stock men, builders; farmers,
etc. These include the men and man.
ayers in these industries and occupa-
tons.
A superintendent, appointed by the
board of directors, is the chief execu-
tive of the ranch, assisted by depart,
ment managers. All are appointed
for their ability and fitness.
Scientific Methods
Hitherto the approved custom in
agricultural and horticultural pur-
suits has been to spend large
amount of human energy on a small
amount of land, such method being
known as intensive cultivation. In
recent years, however, horticulturists
and agriculturists have been able to
continue intensive cultivation on a
large scale by employing the best
modern machinery, and have attained
even better results with far less hu-
man energy expended. This policy
is followed by the colonists as far as \
possible in all their operations.
To Be ScF-Supporting
The purpose is eventually to make
the colony entirely self-supporting.
The ultimate purpose, of course, is
to end exploitation. Under working
conditions existing turnout the entire
world today, the producer receives
but a small part of the wealth he pro-
duces. The remaining large percent
age goes to his employer or others
who have had no part in its produc-
ton, and the producer loses the con-
troll over it. The plan under which
the Llano del Rio Colony operates
will retain this percentage in the
hands of the producers.
Social Life
There are many musicians in the
colony and a number of excellent or
chestras. The brass band plays fire.
quently. Orchestras of violins, man.
dolins, and other stringed instru-
ments, full orchestras, and student
orchestras are established.
Dances are frequent, there being
never less than two during the week,
and frequently three or four. The
children are taught to dance, become
graceful, and acquire the poise that
dancing gives, besides learning cour-
tesy, and enjoying the evening huge