go to separate places of labour all day, and only meeting late at night over a scanty meal, each grudging the other its morsel. Does not this destroy mutual affection? If we look at the Upper Classes, we find them, fancying themselves exalted above Nature. Amongst them it is degrading for a mother to give that support to her infant, which nature demands in the one and furnishes in the other. A wet nurse is provided to act the part of a Mother, and as soon as the Child is old enough, it is sent away to a Boarding School for three, six, or twelve Months. This is certainly acting contrary to parental aflection; it is a prostitution of Nature; we may safely assert, that in this particular we are sti perior to Old Society. Let us now look at the New System. We have a set of individuals associated together on the fundamental principles of Christianity, teaching us, to do to all others as we would be done by," all living by their united exertions. As soon as a child arrives to a state of conscious existence, it finds itself within the fostering arms of its own parents, and surrounded with an arrangement of circumstances, every way adapted to its nature, instead of being tempted to commit crime and then pun ished for it; it has all the inducements to the practice of virtue, which the past experience of the world, joined with the united skill, intelligence, and interest, of perhaps a thousand individuals, could suggest. In the New System, Children are educated under their parents' roof, accessible at all hours, the time occupied at school only tending to increase the mutual happiness of the occasional and evening embraces of parents and children. And the New System, in a few years it is anticipated, will furnish such enjoyment as the sacrifice of wealth only, cannot pro

cure."

Another of the Members added:

"That natural ailection towards our offspring is undoubtedly an inberent quality, but the manner thereof is considerably modified in civilized society, compared to that of a savage state, for the artificial mode adopted by the wealthy in procuring good and healthy nurses for their children shows, that with them the plea of separation finds no such objections, and they do it merely for the sake of convenience and love of enjoyment. Whereas, in the savage state, the mother, in the attempt of any of us to take her child. however rational the intention, might probably tear es in pieces; but look at the home of the working man, shut up perhaps in one small apartment, having a wife and four or five young children, what is the mother but a mere drudge all the day; there is the house to

clean, the clothes to wash, markets to attend, and the food to dress, how can she do justice to her family; where then my friends can be the least plausible ground of objection to such families being placed within dormitories, and consigned to the care of good teachers and experienced and kind feeling matrons, where every atten tion will be paid towards them in their acquirement of knowledge and virtue, also fed and clothed as the offspring of one family and even superintended in their

amusements.

To those who had Religious Scruples, the following plan was suggested by one of the Members:

"It does not appear to me that the accommodation proposed, (with regard to liberty of conscience) is finally calculated to remove the scruples of some religious minds; for notwithstanding the various sects in Old Society deal and traffic with each other in the best of faith, and on the most friendly terms, "whether Christian or Anti-christian," still, there are a very considerable number who would feel an aversion to act, or associate with a promiscuous body whose mixed notions did not uniformly and invariably accord with their particular creed. And during my knowledge of the System of Union and Mutual Co-operation, I havẹ known not a few who have appreciated the advantage to be derived therefrom, but have stopped half way from the seem ingly insurmountable barrier alluded to; therefore, to obviate the difficulty, I would recommend, for the sake of suffering humanity," that they should adopt the principle" amongst themselves, and if, on the other hand, their opinions of vice cannot he rooted up, surely that of poverty may be, by reducing it to practice; the practicability of which, appears to them in the greater sense, the less objectionablebut not so acted the apostle Paul, for "to the Jew he became a Jew," &c. and with respect to natural depravity the New Testament teems with innumerable varieties of dehortations from vice, and exhortations to virtue, which, to the most rigid, might afford at least some proofs of the improvableness of our nature."

In conclusion it was observed, that it should be remembered by all, that we are now acting exclusively for our own benefit, and therefore the plan affords a sufficient stimulus to every species of improvement, and only so far as we do exert ourselves will prosperity attend us, and that the certain consequence of great exertions on our part, will be increase of wealth and comforts. The position has been proved to be undeniable, that the working classes

No. 25.

are the sole producers of all the wealth in the country, and it follows of course, that if they also enjoyed all the produce of their own labour, they must be capable of securing to themselves, all those comforts that are now exclusively the share of their employers, and that as the creation of wealth is nearly unlimited, it must only require the proper direction of combined power to produce, with a correct and brotherly feeling, of "doing to others as we would be done by," to enable all to enjoy all they can rationally desire to possess. The Community then advised the Deputation to write to Mr. Combe for information as to the best method of commencing the plan of Co-operation, and concluded with offering to send a deputation to the next General Meeting of the Glasgow Emigration Society, to explain to them any thing they might farther wish to be informed of.

Correspondence.

To the Members of the Orbiston Community.

Brethren,

FROM what passed at the general meeting of the 5th inst. I feel myself bound to give you my ideas of the present state and future prospects of our Community, and likewise, of the characters which compose it.

In the doing of which, I would observe, that it is my firm belief, that there is not to be found in Great Britain. a similar number of men of the same rank of life possessed of so many advantages, calcalated to produce happiness, as we now possess. It is true that we still labour under many disadvantages, and that we possess at present but few of the means of enjoyment, which the system, if fairly and honestly proved by experiment, to its fullest extent, must produce: still, I again say, that the small part of the system which we at present enjoy, with all its imperfections on its head, does produce to us a greater degree of the means of enjoyment than we could possibly procure by the same means in any other situation.

PRICE 2d.

And in respect to our future prospects, I should hope, that no one who has been here a month and has thought ever so slightly upon the subject, but inust clearly see that there is only wanting, the deter mined Co-operation of hand and heart of every one of us to accomplish the same end; in order to realize the advantages which the most sanguine writer upon the subject has predicted.

If there are any amongst us who think differently, I would earnestly implore them to examine more seriously into the nature of the case, and they will soon see beauties in the system, of which they are not at present aware; at any rate, let them cease from uttering their mahappiness and discontent, since their discontent must, in some measure, be a hinderance to our happiness, which I have too much charity towards them to suppose they for a moment wish.

As to the characters which at present compose our favoured band. I almost tremble to write, because I know we are all brethren, placed here by circumstances, over which we had no controul, for the purpose of trying one of the grandest experiments which the head of man ever conceived, or the hands of man ever tried, and I feel it is not in my power to speak with the unqualified approbation of the conduct of some of my brethren, which I should be glad to do. But since we are all, I believe aware, that superior knowledge must produce superior conduct, and it is generally acknowledged, that the lesson contained in the old maxim, "Man know thyself," is one of the most difficult we have to learn; I will boldly tell what appears to me the general characteristics of the individuals which compose our body. And in doing this, for the sake of method, I would arrange them into tour classes.

First, Those who wish to adopt and follow mutual Co-operation and Equal Distribution wherever it may lead.

Second, Those who began the journey with us, but find that the route proceeds in a direction of which they were not aware, and consequently wish to turn back.

Third, Those who are determined to

oppose their individual interests to that of the Community.

Fourth, Those, who having only one idea, viz. self, and being unable to form an opinion, have adopted that of another; have joined us because their leader did so, yet still are too blind to follow him in the splendid course which he has marked out. Concerning the first I need say but little, since they have the satisfaction of enjoying, at present, the happiness which sincerity ever imparts, and can also look forward with an ardent hope to the future. To these I would say. go on and prosper, and you will find every thing which is high and noble attaching itself to you, and every thing low and base fleeing before you.

It is with regret I obey my faithful monitor the Truth, when I attempt a delineation of the Second part of my Brethren, because they are men who, under other circumstances, would have received from me the highest praise, and would have commanded my most faithful services. But what they might have been, ought not to binder us from perceiving what they are. It is true, that to some of these we are in part indebted for the exalted privileges which we now enjoy; that some of these countenanced and supported the principles which we are now about to practice, when, perhaps, without their fostering care, they would have had no nursing parent, no hand to lead them forth. But shall the consideration of what once they were, induce us to think they ever will be the same. when we see every thing else changing around us? Can we suppose that those are still our friends who tell us, "that a better sample of human nature might be found, even in hapless Ireland Who tell us that our children should be cast out to make room for others more deserving? Who say that we are quite "genteel indeed," but still, that we are uncivilized, and brawny armed mechanics, and that unless we have some more civilized amongst us to eat up our produce, and guide, direct, and bless us, , it is impossible we can succeed.

Are we to suppose for a moment, that those are our friends who tell us that be who has done most for us, and who hath shown by his actions the sincerity of his zeal; who gave up all for us that he might teach us the path that leads to happiness, and who perhaps, ere many more moons have waxed and wained, will have given up his life also, a sacrifice in the same glorious cause? Shall we, I say again, consider those as our friends who tell us, that he who hath done this for us, was led by no higher principles than the love of self, and self aggrandizement?

O let us not be so blind! but let us be determined to appropriate to every one bis due share of praise, but when they cry. "Lo here is truth, or Lo there," in order that they might lead us from the right way, let us shun their baleful influence, and thus beware of false prophets.

We now come to those who stand forward maniully in open opposition to the measures which the majority are adopting, with a sincere desire to promote the interests of the general body. So far as these are acting with sincerity in a firm determination to see the truth of every measure, before they lift up their hands in its support. they are certainly worthy of the best feelings of the community, because it is by strict scrutiny alone that truth can be elicited, and since none are infallible, their detection of erroneous principles may save, perhaps, unhappy practices.

But should there be any amongst this class, whose opposition proceeds from no higher source than that of a consciousness that the voice of the whole body bath placed others in situations which they ought to hold; I would seriously request them to be silent awhile, and wait the result of the next general election, when, if they are indeed possessed of superior talents, the Community will, doubtless, duly appreciate them. This advice may be given with greater confidence since it is found, that one of the strongest measures which they advise is, that we should divide ourselves in order to become more united, a position, the fallacy of which, the most innocent child in our schools must certainly see. It is much to be feared, that part of the opposition of this class, proceeds also from entire ignorance of the advantages which Co-operation is about to produce, as we have had lately a great accession of new members, and although they have each promised separately to abide by the laws enacted by the majority, still, if they do not see the propriety of them, we must not wonder if they raise a clamour against them, particularly when the great difference between the old and new systems is considered.

These I would advise to wait a little in silence, and to keep their eyes open, when experience will soon teach them, that what is now doing will most materially promote their interests.

We now come to the last class but in thinking of these, pity so completely absorbs every other consideration, that one is almost inclined to throw down the pen and leave them to their fate, but as this would be uncharitable, when we might perhaps convince them, that there are

higher and nobler principles which would lead to far happier results, let us at least endeavour to show them the error into which they have fallen.

This class is small and really to be pitied it may be compared to an ivy or other tendril, since the organ of adhesiveness appears to be by far the most powerful by which they are stimulated.

Prompted by this organ, they appear to have adjoined themselves to one of the most noble Trees of the forest, little thinking of the towering height to which he would ascend, and now they find that he has attained to an "aura" by far too refined for them to inhale.

This is a most lamentable state, and it is useless for them to exclaim that he never meant to ascend thus far. The truth is, that he hath to this height attained, and now the only advice that can be given them is, to accustom themselves to the region as fast as they can, and if they find this impossible, to untwine themselves as safely as possible, until they descend to a region in which they can exist, aud then to be determined to stand by their own strength, and not to be led by any circumstances out of that element in which alone they can be happy.

Having thus endeavoured to show by what materials our city is to be raised, allow me to tresspass a few moments more upon your attention, while I attempt to describe what appears to me the best plan by which it can be raised.

In doing this, I would say that we have only to look well to ourselves individually; to take care that we, each one for himself, produces more than he can consume; that each director of occupation notes down faithfully the time of each individual spent in labour, in his occupa tion, with the material entrusted to him, and the wealth produced; that each Superintendent of department presents, regularly to the general Secretary, an aggregate account of a similar nature, of every occupation in his department; and that the Secretary presents a correct account daily to the Treasurer, of the preeise state of the whole Community; and then we cannot but succeed, and must "soon become a city, set on a hill, which cannot be hid," which will delight the heart more than any other earthly thing, of your brother.

J. L.

Orbiston.

To obviate the objections expressed by some of the tenants residing at Orbiston

197

to the present arrangements of General Messing, I would propose the followingThat all our food be cooked together as the food of one family, with as much variety as circumstances will permit, and that all partake from this common table according to their several inclinations:-that as an account of the produce of all is to be reported weekly, so should the general expenses, and I would farther propose that the whole amount of our expences be divided by the number of individuals and placed to each of their Debits, when it would be easily seen. who were, and who were not, productive members. By these arrangements, females who were not inclined to be useful to the Community, would have their expence of maintenance placed to their Husbands' Debits, and should any not be disposed to join the common table, they could have what they preferred sold to them as formerly. A. Campbell.

On Improved Arrangements, &c.

To the Members at Orbiston,

A daily fluctuating and hesitating policy, arising from the novelty of the Scheme, and other causes, has hitherto been productive of so much inconvenience and irksome feeling to the inmates, who are continually tossed about like a ship in a gale of wind at sea, that a member ventures to propose the consideration of the following arrangements for the Society, as likely to effect some good,—and in part, to allay that perturbation of mind, under which it can feel no content or happiness: -

The Orbiston Community should be essentially Agricultural, and the youth in part, all trained to the use of the spade.

The whole body to be arranged under eight departments, and every individual, male and female, to be classed in one or other of them. Each department to be under the general superintendence of an individual, competent to keep the accounts, and note all its transactions. He alone should sign all demands on the Store, for the raw material of every description, for the use of the several branches of manufacture or otherwise, under his superintendence, and receive receipts from the Store. for all goods delivered there, with the prices at which they are valued. Each superintendent to be approved of by a majority, equal to 3-4ths of the Department, and removable from his office at a month's notice, by an equal majority

against him; but at all events, an election to take place every quarter-on the first Thursday, in the months of January, April, July, and October.

The Superintendent to be rated at the same weekly value as any other Member of the department, and his portion of the dividend on the industry of the whole. shall be equal to the average of, or middle sum of the Members of the department.

If he shall he absent at any time, a deputy may take the duty on him, for the time being.

The Departments to be: 1. Bazaar or Store. 2. Domestic. 3. Police. 4, Lod5. Education. gers. 6. Agriculture. 7. Mechanic. S. Manufacture or Artizan. 1. The Bazaar or Store to be that from which all provisions and necessaries issue to the Domestic or other departinents. It supplies all raw material of every description, either to the Mechanic, or Manufacturer; and receives from each, the produce of their industry in the finished state-where it is valued, and receipts passed for the same, in the name of the department to the Superintendent, under the signature of the Store-keeper. It also receives from the Agricultural Superintendent, the whole produce of the farm, and accounts for its expenditure. All purchases, whether of provisions, raw material, or necessaries, are made by this department and by none other, for the use of the Community-and every species of production to be disposed of, shall be sold in the name of the Orbiston Bazaar, and not by any individual of the Community, for their own particular benefit or emolument, in whole or in part.

The accounts of the whole concern of every department, and each individual, to be kept by the Bazaar, and in such form, that on a given day in each week, every individual may become acquainted with the state of his own account, as well as with the balance of the General concern of the Society, and each department in particular.

If any one shall incur a debt with the Bazaar, beyond the amount of his weekly earning, or ability to pay it at each settleing day of the week, (except in the case of sickness, when he or she shall become a charge on the Community at large) such individual shall cease to draw any further supplies, unless the Department, to which he or she belongs, or a majority of them, consent to take the debt as a charge on the body, to be liquidated by them in a given time. Thus the Bazaar becomes the Treasury and Exchequer of the Community.

2. Domestic. This department receives

All

from the Store the daily provisions for the Community, Lodgers, and Children. By them will it be dressed and distributed in a frugal, orderly, and clean manner. the material of the kitchen and eating rooms, with Sculleries, Bakehouse, and lower passage, are under this department for cleanliness, perfect arrangement, and order. Dormitories and Children's Messrooms, come under this department; also the whole Washing establishment.

3. Police.-The Police provides for due order through the building. Lighting the Passages. Stairways, Lobbies, Closet rooms. Cleaning the same daily and regularly, with the Door-ways, and external Gravel Walks round the buildings. Removes Coal ashes, and other nuisances, from the places allotted to their reception, from the dwelling-rooms. Cleans Staircase Windows, Lamps, &c. Ventilates passages as required, has access to all private rooms, at fixed hours on each day, to see that they are clean and entirely free from all nuisances, that they are kept orderly and respectable; from this inspection no individual room or person exempt, beyond what a due consideration for delicacy requires. It provides for sweeping Chimneys, and for whitewashing when and where necessary, and for a due supply of Water and Coals to all parts of the building.

is

Keeps a strict eye over the Youth and Children, that no irregularities, or nuisances are committed by them in improper places, and that they are not found whistling about the passages, or strolling in any but the parts allotted to them.

They will observe due precautions to guard against fire.-Prevent all irregularities, or report them,-as Drunkenness, Rioting, or Quarrelling.-They will sufler no strangers to intrude themselves through the building, without permission or unattended.

Suffer no change of rooms or removal of furniture, without due notice. Attend to the wants of the Sick, and when required to do so, by the Medical attendant, remove such as may be afflicted with any Contagious disease, to the hospital or place allotted for such.

Excludes from the building all Vermin, and removes or destroys all Dogs, which shall be found in it, and generally exercises a superintendence through the interior and exterior of the edifice for order and cleanliness.

4. Lodgers.-This department is composed of all such as choose to live on their own incomes, without labour, and rent rooms in the building, with their attendants-which, as much as possible,