Afternoon Meeting of the Tenants not nature seem to have intended a difference of remuneration? J. Reid. All distinction and difference of wages under the Old System show that it is governed by artificial rules; for, under the New System, all will perceive the importance of an equal value being placed on all useful labour, because, here the value of the agricultural labourers is not in proportion to the rate of wages, but according to the produce of his labour. Mr H. observed, that the labourer at present perhaps was, in some respects, happier than the close-confined mechanic, even with his higher wages, for the one enjoyed much better health than the other, who, working all day in a cotton mill, or other close-confined occupation, was debilitated in constitution, and had little chance of preserving his health as the other had; but that, under the New System, the advantages would be as much on the side of the mechanic, even with reduced wages, as by less confinement, and occasionally working in agricultural employment, he might strengthen his constitution and enjoy life more comfortably than before. W. Wilson, (who, though not of the deputation, had, from an anxious desire to speak the sentiments of himself and friends who differed from the majority of the Society, just before joined the deputation,; here observed, that he had brought forward the books of the department he belonged to, to show the proprietors, that as the Iron Foundry Department, to which he belonged, had every appearance of success in the individual system under which it was begun, he feared that his brethren were too precipitate in urging forward the New Views at this moment, and he should prefer that they would proceed step by step, carefully clearing away all obstacles that might occur. He must advocate the principles of an unequal share of the pro duce, not merely in reference to the time of producing, but also in regard to the ability of the producer. He contended that one man could produce much more than another in the same time, and, therefore, should receive a greater share than the other in dividing the produce. To this it was replied, that this was only correct at present, either because the in. dividuals are not employed according to their capabilities, through a misdirection of their talents, or it might arise in consequence of an artificial valuation of labour. But this would not be the case to any considerable extent in a " Community of Interests," because, for all would be sought out the most suitable employments, and labour would then be valued, not by its present artificial price, but by its produce. 159. Speaking of the future government of the Society, A. Campbell wished that we should still be divided into departments, and the business conducted by superintendents, and that it was the wish of all to merely draw from the store absolute subsistence, and thereby allow the labour to accumulate into a stock sufficient to pay off all demands on it, and the more economy shown now by all, the sooner would the burdens of the Society be removed, and the objects wished for, be obtained. J. Reid though it was desirable that the tenants should manage their own affairs. W. Wilson thought it not adviseable to do so at present. J. Lambe said, that the difference was merely between a patriarchal and a federal government. A. Campbell stated, that our worthy agent Mr Combe, (now removed from us by severe illness,) had always stated, that he considered the North American as the best form of government for Communities, and he himself was decidedly of the same opinion. After a few remarks on the good-will and correct feeling shown by the tenants in general, to forward the views of the benevolent originators of this Establishment: on the capability of the present tenants to build the remainder of the house according to the original design, and in doing which the deputation considered they were capable of producing even a much better specimen than what was already shown, &c. Mr Hamilton stated, that as the subject presented by the tenants for consideration, required serious deliberation, it would be better to adjourn that business for a few days, and that an answer would be given as soon as convenient. The deputation then retired, after being requested to furnish the proprietors with the names of those tenants who had voted for the commencement of the New Sys tem. The meeting then adjourned. Afternoon Meeting of the Tenants. In the afternoon of the same day, a meeting was held by the tenants, to receive the report of their deputation. Some discussion, and also a difference of opinion arose at this meeting, partly from W. Wilson's continuing his opposition, and, partly, from subjects of a controversial nature being introduced; the determined good sense of the meeting, in general, prevented any ill-directed display of warm feeling, and the good cause was evidently much forwarded, as well as better understood. The meeting adjourned till 7 o'clock. Evening Meeting of Tenants. On their reassembling, it was proposed, in conformity with the wishes of the proprietors, that all those who approved of the proposition, passed in the morning, should testify it by attaching their signatures to a paper containing the resolutions, which was forthwith done with scarcely an exception. After this the members spent an hour or two in sober conviviality, which was commenced by the company singing the favourite New Harmony hymn, to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, (Ah! we, &c., see Register, page 40,) after which, an old ballad of a pathetic nature, hardly known beyond the precints of this part of the country, was sung by Andrew Smith, teacher of singing in our school; it is founded on a traditional tale of the death of a former Duke of Hamilton, who was treacherously slain, after being wounded in a duel, and to the curious in this species of poetry, it will be acceptable to print it when we have room for it. A very excellent song, of his own composing, was also sung by W. Wilson, followed by immense applause. R. Shedden here remarked, in allusion to W. Wilson's former opposition that "there was more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth," &c. A. Campbell observed, that from the sentiments of the song, which had been a long time composed, it was easily seen that W. Wilson was a sincere friend to the principles of the association. Indeed, his conduct on all occasions evidenced it, and his late opposition had been dictated by what he had conscientiously believed to be most beneficial under existing circumstances. A hearty round of applause testified the universal feeling to be, that "if we could not unite all opinions, we could unite all hearts." was also appointed, consisting of Campbell, Simpson, Fenner, and Lambe, to attend a meeting of the female part of the Community, to explain what had been agreed to by their male associates, to ascertain how far they approved of their measures, and to obtain their signatures. General Meeting of the Females. On Wednesday forenoon, the meeting of the females was held. The deputation severally addressed them on the object of the proprietors-the important results it was likely to produce if carried into effect, particularly in reference to females and their families—its advantages in reference to domestic economy, as a consequence of a proper direction of female labour-in the physical, moral, and intellectual training of their children-the impossibility of their children being reduced to the destitution commonly experienced by orphans -or themselves to that state of poverty and distress,which is frequently experienced by widows left to struggle through the world with an infant family. The females entered with zeal into the views of their male associates, and many of them did more than give a silent signature on this occasion. Mrs Alexander, Cameron, Wigg, Macconally, Nyst, Fenner, and several others, accompanied their signatures by a verbal declaration of their hearty approval of the measures, and of their determination to forward it to the utmost of their power. They particularly recommended union and fellowship among the females-proposed that they should frequently meet and consult each other— that they should endeavour to overcome all the prejudices of education, national or otherwise, and strive, by every possible means, to promote the welfare of each other, together with that of their families. In the afternoon of the same day, the tenants met to hear read the letter to the Agent and Proprietors, drawn up by E. Simpson, which was universally approved, and Simpson and Campbell deputed to carry it to Mr Hamilton, with the signatures attached to it. The letter is as follows: On Friday morning the Artisan Department met, and chose J. Lambe as their superintendent; and, at a general meeting the same evening, A. Campbell was chosen superintendent of the Mechanic Department; E. Simpson appointed to remain superintendent of the Horticultural; and A. Paul of the Domestic; and Mr William To THE AGENT OF THE SOCIETY, AND TO Forster, (a proprietor) was requested to THE PROPRIETORS IN GENERAL. undertake the Agricultural Department. E. Simpson was then appointed to draw up a letter to be sent to the Agent of the Society (Mr A. Combe) and to the Proprietors in general, requesting their support in carrying the resolutions of the Society into proper effect, &c. A deputation GENTLEMEN, We beg leave to congratulate you and ourselves on an event that has just occurred in this Society, fraught with more importance towards the accomplishment of Peace and Good-will," than any other Meeting of the Tenants. attempt that has yet been made to produce so desirable a result. The tenantry have, by a very great majority, expressed their desire for Union of Interests, Cooperation in Production, and Equal Distribution." Although this was the original design of this Establishment, and the grand end which we ought to have had in view in coming here, it has, however, so happened thet we have not as yet acted on these principles, the reasons for which are manifold, but not necessary to enquire into. We are, however, convinced, that almost all the difficulties we have had to encounter, have arisen from the unnatural state in which we have hitherto continued, and, therefore, consider all those that are past, as well as those to come, as the punishment inseparable from an opposition to the unerring course of nature, It is true, that it still remains for experience to decide whether we are sufficiently prepared to reap the glorious harvest that will arise from following a more rational system. Be that as it may, we are convinced that we shall neither gain that important experience, nor reap that anticipated harvest withont the attempt is made." The particulars of the late proceedings are then detailed, and it is unnecessary to repeat them here, "The purport of this letter, more particularly is, that the Agent, (whom we rejoice to hear is so considerably better in health,) may be requested, as soon as convenient, to make known his mind respecting this resolution of the Society, that we may be furnished with the means of carrying it into full effect, as we cannot complete our arrangements until the opinion and intentions of the Agent and Proprie tors are announced to us. We are," &c. The deputation had a highly favourable reception from Mr Hamilton, who undertook to forward the letter to Mr Abram Combe at Edinburgh. But Mr Combe had been previously informed of the proceeding at Orbiston, and had caused his opinion on the subject to be transmitted to the Establishment, and the letter reached us on Thursday afternoon (28th). The following was dictated by Mr Abram Combe, To W. Shedden, J. Reid, Fenner, Lambe, Simpson, and Campbell. "I was much pleased to learn the proposal which you had made to the proprie tors for forming a general union; and every thing that I can do to enable you to accomplish this desirable object shall be cheerfully done. I think you ought to begin to act upon the principles proposed: and although I think that the minds of many of the members are not yet prepared to seethe benents of equal remunera 161 tion, yet this I think may be freely left to judgment of the majority. "No one who has either sense or honesty will take advantage of such a proposal, as a reason for spending more than the produce of his labour. "Regarding the premises and land, I am anxious that the Society should have such portions as they want, or the whole, upon the most fair and liberal terms. "I consider it, however, necessary, that each department should look after its own affairs, and be always prepared to show that its members are producing more than they are consuming. "I state this in the belief that there is nothing exclusive in the proposals of the deputation, but that these proposals will admit all the members of the Establishment as soon as they feel a desire to embrace them. I hope that time will soon show how very much you can do for yourselves when acting in union, and how very little assistance you require from any one. I repeat, that the only point on which I think you have been forward, is that which does not make every man's claim depend only on the value of his labour; but this you will be able to change if you see necessary.-I remain," &c. (Signed) "ABRAM COMBE." Edinburg, 27th, Sep-2 tember 1826. This letter was read to the members in the evening, and gave occasion to a very animated discussion on the propriety of equal distribution, we regret that we have not limits to insert the speeches, as they evidenced much clear-headed knowledge, on the present state of general society, and the tendency of the New Views, when perfectly understood and practiced, to contribute to the welfare of its members. Several points of political economy were well introduced and treated on, and the inefficacy of every other remedy for the complete relief of general society strongly insisted on. R. Chalmers argued strenuously against equal distribution, and was replied to by Simpson, Fenner, Wigg, Cameron, Hudson, &c. The meeting confirmed their previous determination. A resolution of approbation of Mr C's letter was unanimously agreed to. A Provisional Committee, consisting of the Superintendents of Departinents, was then appointed to draw up a form of future government, to consider of what propositions should be made to the Proprietors, for taking the lands, &. &c., and all other important matters that might require immediate consideration. The meeting then dispersed.—To be continued. ELECTION OF THE TENANTS BY BALLOT. On Wednesday evening, by direction of the Proprietors at their last meeting, the Tenants were balloted for, each one in turn, subjected to the decision of all the rest. It required good management in the presiding member, and the aid of music, to render the service pleasant to so numerons a body, as they were kept in alternate marching and sitting order for 4 hours. This was the most serious ordeal the Tenants have ever undergone in this place, and all appeared to wait the result of each ballot with considerable anxiety. It was agreed on beforehand, in order that the voters might be quite unbiassed, that nothing should be publicly said on the occasion; each was left to judge freely for himself, and as the act of each needed only to be known to himself, all could freely follow the variety of motives by which they might be actuated, whether good or bad, generous or selfish, whether the result, of narrow minded prejudice, or, of complete ignorance of the basis on which the formation of character rests; or whether it was the effect of an enlightened conviction of the nate and tendency of rewards and punishments. But the result, on the whole, argues well for the future success of the institution. Though some underwent a severe trial, yet none were ultimately rejected. It was gratifying to the attentive observer to find, that early days as it was, for the Society to act from a knowledge of the right principles, and how much so ever the above-mentioned erroneous Old Society notions might bias, yet that the benevolent principle did prevail. At the same time, all were impressed with the powerful influence of public opinion, which there can be no doubt of, will, when openly expressed, and directed according to just views of the New Principles, be found to be abundantly sufficient to check every species of vice, and lead all into that line of conduct which will be most productive of public happiness. NOTICES. OMISSION. In the last number, page 150, at the end of the article "Orbiston," copied from the London Co-operative Magazine, the following note was omitted to be added. "Want of room in this number prevents our answering this article, in which our London friends, not having the opportunity of personally watching our progress, have made our situation to appear unfavourable in various points. We have inserted it for the opportunity it will afford of setting our friends right on this subject, and we intend in the next Register to give an answer to it." We now add, that the impor tant matter which occupies this number, so fully and satisfactorily details the improved state of this little colony of industry, that we think it needless to insert our intended answer, at any rate in this Register. PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING In all their various branches, in the best style of workmanship and at moderate Prices. Handbills, Cards of Address, Magazines and other Periodical Publications, printed with accuracy and dispatch. Books in any style, and in any quantity, carefully bound. New Editions of Mr Owen's important "Essays on the Formation of the Human Character, preparatory to the developement of a plan for gradually ameliorating the condition of Mankind," price 2s., 2s 3d., and 2s. 6d. each; and of Mr Combe's "Metaphorical Sketches of the Old and New Systems, with Opinions on Important Subjects," price 2s. 6d. These books may be had through the booksellers who sell the Register. Published by W. R. M'PHUN, 155, Trongate, Glasgow, (to whom all communications, from the country, for the Editor, are to be addressed, post free).- Sold at the Orbiston Nor; London Co-operative Society, 36, Red Lion Square, and Stuart, Cheapside, London; Millar, Hamilton; Sutherland, Calton-street, Edinburgh; Graham, College street, and Curry, & Co., Sackville-street, Dublin; Loftus, 107, Patrick-street, Cor; Archer, Belfast.-Edited by H. Kirkpatrick. Printed at the ORBISTON PRESS. Half yearly meeting &c, continued from above may be effectually supported, that page 161, We commence the present Register under the most gratifying circumstances. The new arrangements are proceeding as speedily as possible. The members who have been elected to form the Executive Council have entered on the duties of their office with the greatest energy. They meet every evening, and at present are engaged in the domestic arrangements, such as the erection of apparatus for the more economical preparation and distribution of our food, the thoroughly cleaning of the seve ral appartments public and private; and all the various indispensables, requisite for the order, comfort, and cleanliness, of so large a family as we now compose. The welfare of the Children is a subject of serious interest with us also; their complete superintendence night and day, the clothing, feeding, and properly arran ging their school duties and their other employments, &c. A library is in contemplation, the approaching winter's long evenings affording a fair prospect of its being found extremely useful. Both Proprietors and Tenants entertain the fullest confidence of complete success. On monday evening, Oct 2d, a General meeting of the Tenants took into consideration the proposals necessary to make to the Proprietors. The following were ultimately agreed to. "That the Community are desirous of taking upon themselves the Orbiston Estate, subject to whatever debts or other encumbrances may be depending thereon. "That should the Proprietors be willing to consign the above Estate to the Community, that they will ensure to the Proprie tors the regular payment of 5 per cent interest on the capital laid out thereon, and further, they will consign over from time to time, in payment of the above debt, whatever surplus produce of their labour may arise, after every expense, necessary for properly carrying on the concern, shall have been defrayed. But they trust, that in order that the Y the Proprietors will, from time to time, ad vance whatever Funds may be found indispensably necessary, for the carrying the intended operations of the Community into complete effect. "And in order to secure to the Proprietors the due performance of the above conditions, the Community desire to constitute the Trustee of the Proprietors the Treasurer of the Community, and will ensure to him and to all the Proprietors the op port unity, whenever they may desire it, of investigating the books of the several Departments of Industry, now, or about to be carried on by the Community." Second meeting of Proprietors. At this meeting of the proprietors, held on Tuesday, Oct 3d, a letter, containing the above proposals of the tenants for taking the land and building &c. was read. The deputation was instructed to inform the tenants, that it was essentially neces sary that every tenant, previous to becoming a member of the proposed community should subscribe to the doctrine" That Man is the creature of circumstances, and that character is formed for, and not by the individuals, as taught in the writings of Mr Owen. It was likewise desired, that the whole of the members should be re-admitted by ballot, * and that the rules and regulations for the intended commu nity should be prepared and submitted to the proprietors, previous to their deciding ultimately on the proposals laid before them. The Third meeting of Proprietors was On Tuesday, Oct 17th, when the deputation from the Tenants presented the rules and regulations drawn up by the Provisional Committee, for the approbation of the Proprietors. † * The particulars of the ballot are stated in in a future number. page 162. The Rules &c. will be given |