THE TRUMBULL PHALANX.
This experiment originated among the Socialist enthusiasts of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Its domain at Braceville, Trumbull County,
Ohio, was selected and a commencement was made in the spring of 1844.
From this date till its failure in the latter part of 1847, we find in
the _Phalanx_ and _Harbinger_ some sixteen notices of it, long and
short, from which we are to gather its history. We will quote the
salient parts of these notices; and so let the friends of the
experiment speak for themselves. The rose-color of their
representations will be corrected by the ultimate facts. This was one
of the three most notable experiments in the Fourier epoch--the North
American and the Wisconsin Phalanxes being the other two.
[From a letter of Mr. Jehu Brainerd, June 29, 1844.]
"The location which this society has chosen, is a very beautiful
one and is situated in the north-west quarter of Braceville
township, eight miles west of Warren, and five miles north of
Newton Falls.
"The domain was purchased of Mr. Eli Barnum, at twelve dollars
per acre, and consists of two hundred and eighty acres of the
choicest land, about half of which is under good cultivation.
There is a valuable and durable mill privilege on the domain,
valued at three thousand six hundred dollars; and at the time
the purchase was made, there were in successful operation, a
grist-mill with two run of stones, an oil-mill, saw-mill, double
carding-machine, and cloth-dressing works.
"The principal buildings on the domain are a large two story
brick house, grist-mill and oil-mill, very large, substantial,
and entirely new, framed and well painted, and a large barn; the
other buildings, though sufficient for present accommodation,
are old and somewhat decayed.
"There has been already subscribed in real estate stock, most of
which is within two miles and less of the domain, nine hundred
and fifty-seven acres of land, mostly improved farms, which were
valued (including neat stock, grain, &c.) at sixteen thousand
one hundred and fifty dollars. Five hundred dollars cash capital
has also been subscribed and paid in; and about six hundred
dollars in lathes, tools, machinery, &c., including one hundred
thousand feet of lumber, have been received.
"There are thirty-five families now belonging to the
Association, in all one hundred and forty persons; of this
number forty-three are males over twenty-one years of age. Until
accommodations can be prepared on the domain, some of the
families will reside on the farms subscribed as stock. It is the
intention to commence an edifice of brick this present summer,
and extend it from time to time, as the increase of members may
require, or the funds of the society admit. For present
necessity, temporary buildings are erected."
[From a letter of N.C. Meeker, August 10, 1844.]
"The number of persons belonging to the Phalanx is about two
hundred; some reside on the domain proper; others on more
distant farms belonging to the Phalanx. Indeed as regards room,
they are much crowded, residing in loose sheds. Nevertheless, on
no consideration would they exchange present conditions for
former ones. More convenient residences are to be erected
forthwith, but it is not contemplated to erect the Phalanstery
or final edifice for a year or so, or until they are possessed
of sufficient means. Then the magnificent palace of the Combined
Order will equally shame the temples of antiquity and the
card-houses of modern days.
"For the present year hard work and few of the attractions of
Association are expected. Almost everything is unfitted for the
use of Associations, being too insignificant, or characteristic
of present society; made to sell rather than to use. The members
of the Trumbull Phalanx, knowing how to work truly, and fully
understanding that it is a gigantic labor to overturn the
despair which has been accumulating so long in men's bosoms,
have nerved themselves manfully, showing the true dignity of
human nature.
"Labor is partially organized by the instituting of groups, and
to much advantage. Boys who were idle and unproductive, have
become producers, and a very fine garden is the work of their
hands. They are under the charge of a proper person, who permits
them to choose their foreman from among themselves, and at
certain hours, in grounds laid out for the purpose, to engage in
sports. Even the men themselves, at the close of the work, find
agreeable and salutary exercise in a game of ball. Some going to
school, earn six or seven shillings a week, and where they work
in the brick-yard, from three to four shillings a day. These
sums are not final wages, but _permits_; for when a dividend is
declared there will be an additional remuneration.
"On the Sabbath I attended their social meeting, in which those
of all persuasions participated. The liberal views and kindly
feelings manifested by the various speakers were such as I had
never heard before. They spoke of the near relations they
sustained to each other, and of the many blessings they look to
receive in the future; meanwhile the present unity gave them an
idea of heaven. One spirit of joy and gladness seemed to animate
them, viz; that they had escaped from the wants, cares, and
temptations of civilization, and instead were placed where
public good is the same as individual good; hence nothing save
pre-conceived prejudices, fast giving away, prevent their loving
their neighbors as themselves. This is the spirit of
Christianity. Their position calls for union. No good can arise
from divers sects; no good ever did arise. They will all unite,
Presbyterians, Disciples, Baptists, Methodists, and all; and if
any name be needed, under that of Unionism. After meeting the
sacrament was administered; then followed a Bible-class, and
singing exercises closed the day. [It would seem from this
description, that the religion of the Trumbull was more orthodox
than any we have found in other Phalanxes.]
"Those not accustomed to view the progress of combined labor
will be astonished to see aggregates. A vast brick-kiln is
raised in a short time; a touch plants a field of corn, and a
few weeks turns a forest into a farm. Only a few of such results
can be seen now; but enough has been done at this Phalanx since
last spring, to give one an idea of the vast results which will
arise in the days of the new industrial world. Seating myself
in the venerable orchard, with the temporary dwellings on the
opposite side, the joiners at their benches in their open shops
under the green boughs, and hearing on every side the sound of
industry, the roll of wheels in the mills, and merry voices, I
could not help exclaiming mentally: Indeed my eyes see men
making haste to free the slave of all names, nations and
tongues, and my ears hear them driving, thick and fast, nails
into the coffin of despotism. I can but look on the
establishment of this Phalanx as a step of as much importance as
any which secured our political independence; and much greater
than that which gained the Magna Charta, the foundation of
English liberty.
"But as yet there is nothing clearly demonstrated save by faith.
That which remains to be seen is, whether families can be made
to associate in peace, enjoying the profits as well as pleasures
arising from public tables, granaries, store-houses, libraries,
schools, gardens, walks and fountains; or, briefer, whether a
man will be willing that he and his neighbor should be happy
together. Are men forever to be such consummate fools as to
neglect even the colossal profits of Association? Am I to be
astonished by hearing sensible men declare, because mankind have
been the victims of false relations, that these things are
impracticable? No, no! We have been shown by the Columbus of the
new industrial world how to solve the problem of the egg, and a
few caravels have adventured across the unknown ocean, and are
now, at the dawn of a new day, drawing nigh unto strange shores,
covered with green, and loading the breeze with the fragrance of
unseen flowers.
"NATHAN C. MEEKER."
[From an official letter to a Convention of Associations in New
York, signed by B. Robins and H.N. Jones, President and
Secretary of the Trumbull Phalanx, dated October 1, 1844.]
"We should have sent a delegate to your Convention or written
sooner, were not the assistance of all of our members daily
demanded, as also all our time, in the building up of Humanity's
Home. In common with the inhabitants of the region round about
(it is supposed on account of the dry season), we have had many
cases of fever and ague, a disease which has not been known here
for many years. This has prevented our executing various plans
for organization, etc., which we are now entering upon. And now,
with each day, we have abundant cause to hope for a joyous
future. We have harmony within and sympathy without; and being
persuaded that these are sure indications of success, we toil
on, 'heart within and God o'erhead.'
"Further, our pecuniary prospects brighten. Late arrangements
add to our means of paying our debt, which is light; and
accumulations of landed estate make us quite secure.
Nevertheless we feel that we are in the transition period, using
varied and noble elements not the most skillfully, and that we
need more than man's wisdom to guide us.
"The union of the Associations we look upon as a great and noble
idea, without which the chain of universal unity were
incomplete. When we shall have emerged from the sea of
civilization, so that we can do our own breathing, we shall be
able to cooperate with our friends throughout the world, as
members of the grand Phalanx. Meanwhile our hearts will be with
you, urging you not to falter in the work in which all the noble
and healthy spirit of the age is engaged.
"Accompanying is a copy of our constitution. Our number is over
two hundred. We have 1,500 acres of land, half under
cultivation, and a capital stock of $100,000. The branches of
industry are sufficiently varied, but mostly agricultural."
[Letter to the Pittsburg _Spirit of the Age_, July 1845.]
"I have just returned from a visit to the Trumbull Phalanx, and
I can but express my astonishment at the condition in which I
found the Association. I had never heard much of this Phalanx,
and what little had been said, gave me no very favorable opinion
of either location or people, and in consequence I went there
somewhat prejudiced against them. I was pleased, however, to
find that they have a beautiful and romantic domain, a rich
soil, with all the natural and artificial advantages they can
desire. The domain consists of eleven hundred acres in all. The
total cost of the real estate of the Phalanx is $18,428; on
which they have paid $8,239, leaving a debt of $10,189. The
payments are remarkably easy; on the principal, $1,000 are to be
paid in September next, and the same sum in April 1846, and
$1,133 in April 1847, and the same sum annually thereafter. They
apprehend no difficulty in meeting their engagements. Should
they even fail in making the first payments, they will be
indulged by their creditor. From this it will be seen that the
pecuniary condition of the Trumbull Phalanx is encouraging.
"The Phalanx has fee simple titles to many tracts of land, and a
house in Warren, with which they will secure capitalists who
choose to invest money, for the purpose of establishing some
branches of manufacturing.
"There are about two hundred and fifty people on the domain at
present, and weekly arrivals of new members. The greater
portion of them are able-bodied men, who are industrious and
devoted to the cause in which they are engaged. The ladies
perform their duties in this pioneer movement in a manner
deserving great praise. The educational department of the
Phalanx is well organized. The children from eight to fourteen
attend a manual-labor school, which is now in successful
operation. The advantages of Association are realized in the
boarding department. The cost per week for men, women and
children, is not more than forty cents.
"They soon expect to manufacture their own clothing. Carders,
cloth-dressers, weavers etc., are now at work. These branches
will be a source of profit to the Association. A good
flouring-mill with two run of stone is now in operation, which
more than supplies the bread-stuffs. They expect shortly to have
four run of stone, when this branch will be of immense profit to
the Association. The mill draws the custom of the neighborhood
for a number of miles around. Two saw-mills are now in
operation, which cut six hundred thousand feet per year, worth
at least $3,000. The lumber is principally sent to Akron. A
shingle-machine now in operation, will yield a revenue of $3,000
or $4,000 per annum. Machinery for making wooden bowls has been
erected, which will also yield a revenue of about $3,000. An
ashery will yield the present season about $500. The
blacksmiths, shoemakers, and other branches are doing well. A
wagon-shop is in progress of erection, and a tan-yard will be
sunk and a house built, the second story of which is intended
for a shoe-shop.
"_Crops_: thirty acres of wheat, fifty acres of oats, seventy
acres of corn, twelve acres of potatoes, five acres of English
turnips, ten acres of buckwheat, five acres of garden truck,
one and a half acres of broom corn. There are five hundred young
peach trees in the nursery; two hundred apple trees in the old
orchard; (fruit killed this year). _Live Stock_: forty-five
cows, twelve horses, five yoke of oxen, twenty-five head of
cattle.
"From the above hasty sketch (for I can not find time to speak
of this flourishing Association as I should), it will be seen
that it stands firm. Under all the disadvantages of a new
movement, the members live together, in perfect harmony; and
what is gratifying, Mr. Van Amringe is there, cheering them on
in the great cause by his eloquence, and setting them an example
of devotion to the good of humanity.
J.D.T."
[Editorial in the _Harbinger_ August 23 1845.]
"TRUMBULL PHALANX.--We rejoice to learn by a letter just
received from a member of this promising Association, that they
are going forward with strength and hope, determined to make a
full experiment of the great principles which they have
espoused. Have patience, brothers, for a short season; shrink
not under the toils of the pioneer; let nothing daunt your
courage, nor cloud your cheerfulness; and soon you will joy with
the 'joy of harvest.' A few years will present the beautiful
spectacle of prosperous, harmonic, happy Phalanxes, dotting the
broad prairies of the West, spreading over its luxuriant
valleys, and radiating light to the whole land that is now in
'darkness and the shadow of death.' The whole American people
will yet see that the organization of industry is the great
problem of the age; that the spirit of democracy must expand in
universal unity; that cooperation in labor and union of
interest alone can realize the freedom and equality which have
been made the basis of our national institutions.
"We trust that our friends at the Trumbull Phalanx will let us
hear from them again at an early date. We shall always be glad
to circulate any intelligence with which they may favor us. Here
is what they say of their present condition: 'Our crops are now
coming in; oats are excellent, wheat and rye are about average,
while our corn will be superior. We are thankful that we shall
raise enough to carry us through the year; for we know what it
is to buy every thing. We are certain of success, certain that
the great principles of Association are to be carried out by us;
if not on one piece of ground, then on another. Literally we
constitute a Phalanx, a Phalanx which can not be broken, let
what will oppose. And this you are authorized to say in any
place or manner.'"
[Letter of N.C. Meeker to the _Pittsburg Journal_.]
"_Trumbull Phalanx, September 13, 1845._
"R.M. RIDDLE--Sir: I have the pleasure of informing the public,
through the columns of the _Commercial Journal_, that we
consider the success of our Association as entirely certain. We
have made our fall payment of five hundred dollars, and, what is
perhaps more encouraging, we are at this moment engaged in
industrial operations which yield us thirty dollars cash, each
week. The waters are now rising, and in a few days, in addition
to these works which are now in operation, we shall add as much
more to the above revenue. The Trumbull Phalanx may now be
considered as an entirely successful enterprise.
"Our crops will be enough to carry us through. Last year we
paid over a thousand dollars for provisions. We have sixty-five
acres of corn, fifty-five of oats, twenty-four of buckwheat,
thirty of wheat, twenty of rye, twelve of potatoes, and two of
broom-corn. Our corn, owing to the excellent soil and superior
skill of the foreman of the farming department, is the best in
all this region of country. Thus we have already one of the
great advantages of Association, in securing the services of the
most able and scientific, not for individual, selfish good, but
for public good. We are fortunate, also, that we shall be able
to keep all our stock of fifty cows, etc., and not be obliged to
drive them off or kill them, as the farmers do around us, for we
have nearly fodder enough from our grains alone. Thus we are
placed in a situation for building up an Association, for
establishing a perfect organization of industry by means of the
groups and series, and in education by the monitorial
manual-labor system, and shall demonstrate that order, and not
civilization, is heaven's first law.
"Some eight or ten families have lately left us, one-fourth
because they had been in the habit of living on better food (so
they said), but the remainder because they were averse to our
carrying out the principles of Association as far as we thought
they ought to be carried. On leaving, they received in return
whatever they asked of us. They who enter Association ought
first to study themselves, and learn which stage of Association
they are fitted for, the transitional or the perfect. If they
are willing to endure privations, to eat coarse food, sometimes
with no meat, but with milk for a substitute (this is a glorious
resort for the Grahamites), to live on friendly terms with an
old hat or coat, rather than have the society run in debt, and
to have patience when many things go wrong, and are willing to
work long and late to make them go right, they may consider
themselves fitted for the transition-period. But if they sigh
for the flesh-pots and leeks and onions of civilization, feel
melancholy with a patch on their back, and growl because they
can not have eggs and honey and warm biscuit and butter for
breakfast, they had better stay where they are, and wait for the
advent of perfect industrial Association. I am thus trifling in
contrast; for there is nothing so serious, hearty, and I might
add, sublime, as the building up of a Phalanx, making and seeing
it grow day by day, and anticipating what fruits we shall enjoy
when a few years are past. Why, the heart of man has never yet
conceived what are the to-be results of the equilibrial
development of all the powers and faculties of man. It is like
endeavoring to comprehend the nature and pursuits of a spiritual
and superior race of beings.
"We are prepared to receive members who are desirous of uniting
their interests with us, and of becoming truly devoted to the
cause of industrial Association.
"Yours truly, N.C. MEEKER."
[From a letter to the _Tribune_, September 29, 1846.]
"The progress made by the Trumbull Phalanx is doing great good.
People begin to say, 'If they could hang together under such bad
circumstances for so long a time, and no difficulties occur,
what must we hope for, now that they are pecuniarily
independent?' You have heard, I presume, that the Pittsburghers
have furnished money enough to place that Association out of
debt. I may be over-sanguine, but I feel confident of their
complete success. I fear our Eastern friends have not sufficient
faith in our efforts. Well, I trust we may disappoint them. The
Trumbull, so far as means amount to any thing, stands first of
any Phalanx in the United States; and as to harmony among the
members, I can only say that there has been no difficulty yet.
"Yours truly, J.D.S."
[From the _Harbinger_, January 2, 1847.]
"We have received the following gratifying account of the
Trumbull Phalanx. Every attempt of the kind here described,
though not to be regarded as an experiment of a model Phalanx,
is in the highest degree interesting, as showing the advantages
of combined industry and social union. Go forward,
strong-hearted brothers, assured that every step you take is
bringing us nearer the wished-for goal, when the redemption of
humanity shall be fully realized. This is what they say:
"'We are getting along well. Our Pittsburg friends have lately
sent us two thousand dollars, and are to send more during the
winter. We are also adding to our numbers. We have an abundance
to eat of our own raising; but aside from this, our mill brings
sufficient for our support. We have put up a power-loom at our
upper works, and are about prepared to produce thereby
sufficient to clothe us. Hence, by uniting capital, labor and
skill in two mechanical branches, we secure, with ordinary
industry, what no equal number of families in civilization can
be said to possess entirely, a sufficient amount of food and
clothing. And these are items which practical men know how to
value; and we know how to value them too, because they are the
results of our own efforts.
"'We have two schools, one belonging to the district, that is, a
State or public school, and the other to the Phalanx, both
taught by persons who are members. In the latter school, among
other improvements, there are classes in Phonography and
Phonotopy, learning the new systems embraced by the writing and
printing reformation, the progress of which is highly
satisfactory.
"'On the whole, we feel that our success is ensured beyond an
earthly doubt. Not but that we have yet to pass through trying
scenes. But we have encountered so many difficulties that we are
not apprehensive but that we are prepared to meet others equally
as great. Indeed we feel that if we had known at the
commencement what fiery trials were to surround us, we should
have hesitated to enter upon the enterprise. Now, being fairly
in, we will brave it through, and we think you may look to see
us grow with each year, adding knowledge to wealth, and
industrious habits to religious precepts and elevated
sentiments, till we shall be prepared to enter upon the combined
order, and, with our co-partners, who are now breast and heart
with us, lead the kingdoms of the earth into the regions of
light, liberty and love.'"
[From the _Pittsburg Post_, January 1847.]
"TRUMBULL PHALANX.--Several Pittsburgers have joined the
above-named Association: and a sufficient amount of money has
been contributed to place it upon a solid foundation. It is
pecuniarily independent, as we are informed; and the members are
full of faith in complete success. Several letters have been
received by persons in this city from resident members of the
Phalanx. We should like to have one of them for publication, to
show the feelings which pervade those who are working out the
problem of social unity. They write in substance, 'The
Association is prosperous, and we are all happy.'
"The Trumbull Phalanx is now in its third or fourth year, and so
far has met with but few of the difficulties anticipated by the
friends or enemies of the cause. The progress has been slow, it
is true, owing to a variety of causes, the principal one of
which has been removed, viz.: debt. Much sickness existed on the
domain during the last season, but no fears are felt for the
future, as to the general health of the neighborhood."
[From a letter of C. Woodhouse, July 3, 1847.]
"This Phalanx has been in existence nearly four years, and has
encountered many difficulties and submitted to many privations.
Difficulties still exist and privations are not now few or
small; but so great is the change for the better in less than
four years, that they are fully impressed with the promise of
success. At no time, indeed, have they met with as many
difficulties as the lonely settler in a new country meets with;
for in all their poverty they have been in pleasant company and
have aided one another. They are now surrounded by all the
necessaries and some of the comforts of life. Each family has a
convenient dwelling, and so far as I can judge from a short
visit, they enjoy the good of their labor, with no one to molest
or make them afraid. Several branches of mechanical industry are
carried on there, but agriculture is the staff on which they
principally lean. Their land is very good, and of their thousand
acres, over three hundred are improved. Their stock--horses,
cattle and cows--look very well, as the farmers say. The
improvements and condition of the domain bespeak thrift,
industry and practical skill. The Trumbullites are workers. I
saw no dainty-fingered theorists there. When such do come, I am
informed, they do not stay long. Work is the order of the day.
They would be glad of more leisure; but at this stage of the
enterprise they put forth all their powers to redeem themselves
from debt, and make such improvements as will conduce to this
end and at the same time add to their comforts. Not a cent is
expended in display or for knicknacks. The President lives in a
log house and drives team on the business of the Association.
Whatever politicians may say to the contrary, I think he is the
only veritable 'log-cabin President' the whole land can show."
[From a letter of the Women of the Trumbull Phalanx to the Women
of the Boston Union of Associationists, July 15, 1847.]
"It is plain that our efforts must be different from yours.
Yours is the part to arouse the idle and indifferent by your
conversation, and by contributing funds to sustain and aid
publications. Ours is the part to organize ourselves in all the
affairs of life, in the best manner that our imperfect
institution will permit; and, not least, to have faith in our
own efforts. In this last particular we are sometimes deficient,
for it is impossible for us with our imperfect and limited
capacities, clearly and fully to foresee what faith and
confidence in God's providence can accomplish. We have been
brought hither through doubts and dangers, and through the
shadows of the future we have no guide save where duty points
the way.
"Our trials lie in the commonest walks. To forego conveniences,
to live poorly, dress homely, to listen calmly, reply mildly,
and wait patiently, are what we must become familiar with. True,
these are requirements by no means uncommon; but imperfect
beings like ourselves are apt to imagine that they alone are
called upon to endure. Yet, perhaps, we enjoy no less than the
most of our sex; nay, we are in truth, sisters the world round;
if one suffers, all suffer, no matter whether she tends her
husband's dogs amidst the Polar snows, or mounts her consort's
funeral pile upon the banks of the Ganges. Together we weep,
together we rejoice. We rise, we fall together.
"It would afford us much pleasure could we be associated
together. Could all the women fitted to engage in Social Reform
be located on one domain, one can not imagine the immense
changes that would ensue. We pray that we, or at least our
children, may live to see the day when kindred souls shall be
permitted to cooperate in a sphere sufficiently extensive to
call forth all our powers."
(From a letter of N.C. Meeker, August 11, 1847.)
"Our progress and prosperity are still continued. By this we
only mean that whatever we secure is by overcoming many
difficulties. Our triumphs, humble though they be, are achieved
in the same manner that the poet or the sculptor or the chemist
achieves his, by labor, by application; and we believe that to
produce the most useful and beautiful things, the most labor and
pains are necessary.
"Our present difficulties are, first, want of a sufficient
number to enable us to establish independent groups, as Fourier
has laid down. The present arrangement is as though we were all
in one group; what is earned by the body is divided among
individuals according to the amount of labor expended by each.
Were our branches of business fewer (for we carry on almost
every branch of industry necessary to support us) we could
organize with less danger of interruption, which at present
must be incessant; yet, at the same time there would be less
choice of employment. Our number is about two hundred and fifty,
and that of laboring men not far from fifty. This want of a
greater number is by no means a serious difficulty; still, one
we wish were corrected by an addition of scientific and
industrious men, with some capital.
"Again, when the season is wet, we have the fever and ague among
us to some extent, though previous to our locating here the
place was healthy. Whether it will be healthy in future we of
course can not determine, but see no reason why it may not. The
ague is by no means dangerous, but it is quite disagreeable, and
during its continuance, is quite discouraging. Upon the approach
of cold weather it disappears, and we recover, feeling as strong
and hopeful as ever. Other diseases do not visit us, and the
mortality of the place is low, averaging thus far, almost four
years, less than two annually, and these were children. We are
convinced, however, that all cause of the ague may be removed by
a little outlay, which of course we shall make.
"These are our chief incumbrances at present; others have
existed equally discouraging, and have been surmounted. The time
was when our very existence for a period longer than a few
months, was exceedingly doubtful. Two or three heavy payments
remained due, and our creditor was pressing. Now we shall not
owe him a cent till next April. By the assistance of our
Pittsburg friends and Mr. Van Amringe, we have been put in this
situation. About half of our debt of about $7,000 is paid. All
honor to Englishmen (William Bayle in particular), who have
thus set an example to the 'sons of '76.'"
[From a report of a Socialist Convention at Boston, October
1847.]
"The condition and prospects of the experiments now in progress
in this country, especially the North American, Trumbull and
Wisconsin Phalanxes, were discussed. Mr. Cooke has lately
visited all these Associations, and brings back a large amount
of interesting information. The situation of the North American
is decidedly hopeful; as to the other two, his impressions were
of a less sanguine tone than letters which have been recently
published in the _Harbinger_ and _Tribune_. Yet it is not time
to despair."
The reader will hardly be prepared for the next news we have about the
Trumbull; but we have seen before that Associations are apt to take
sudden turns.
[Letter to the _Harbinger_ announcing failure.]
"_Braceville, Ohio, December 3, 1847._
_To the Editors of the Harbinger_,
"GENTLEMEN: You and your readers have no doubt heard before this
of the dissolution of this Association, and the report is but
too true; we have fallen. But we wish civilization to know that
in our fall we have not broken our necks. We have indeed caught
a few pretty bad scratches; but all our limbs are yet sound, and
we mean to pick ourselves up again. We will try and try again.
The infant has to fall several times before he can walk; but
that does not discourage him, and he succeeds; nor shall we be
so easily discouraged.
"Some errors, not intentional though fatal, have been committed
here; we see them now, and will endeavor to avoid them. I
believe that it may be said of us with truth, that our failure
is a triumph. Our fervent love for Association is not quenched;
we are not dispersed; we are not discouraged; we are not even
scared. We know our own position. What we have done we have done
deliberately and intentionally, and we think we know also what
we have to do. There are, however, difficulties in our way: we
are aware of them. We may not succeed in reorganizing here as we
wish to do; but if we fail, we will try elsewhere. There is yet
room in this western world. We will first offer ourselves, our
experience, our energies, and whatever means are left us, to our
sister Associations. We think we are worth accepting; but if
they have the inhumanity to refuse, we will try to build a new
hive somewhere else, in the woods or on the prairies. God will
not drive us from his own earth. He has lent it to all men; and
we are men, and men of good intentions, of no sinister motives.
Our rights are as good in his eyes as those of our brothers.
"We do not deem it necessary here to give a detailed account of
our affairs and circumstances. It will be sufficient to say
that, however unfavorable they may be at present, we do not
consider our position as desperate. We think we know the remedy;
and we intend to use our best exertions to effect a cure. It may
be proper also to state that we have not in any manner infringed
our charter.
"I do not write in an official capacity, but I am authorized to
say, gentlemen, that if you can conveniently, and will, as soon
as practicable, give this communication an insertion in the
_Harbinger_, you will serve the cause, and oblige your brothers
of the late Trumbull Phalanx.
G.M.M."
After this decease, an attempt was made to resuscitate the
Association; as will be seen in the following paragraphs:
[From a letter in the _Harbinger_, May 27, 1848.]
"With improvident philanthropy, the Phalanx had admitted too
indiscriminately; so that the society was rather an asylum for
the needy, sick and disabled, than a nucleus of efficient
members, carrying out with all their powers and energies, a
system on which they honestly rely for restoring their race to
elevation and happiness. They also had accepted unprofitable
capital, producing absolutely nothing, upon which they were
paying interest upon interest. All this weighed most heavily on
the efficient members. They made up their minds to break up
altogether.
"A new society has been organized, which has bought at auction,
and very low, the domain with all its improvements. We, the new
society, purpose to work on the following foundation: Our object
is to try the system of Fourier, so far as it is in our power,
with our limited means, etc."
[From a letter in the _Harbinger_, July 15, 1848.]
"With respect to our little society here, we wish at present to
say only that it is going on with alacrity and great hopes of
success. We are prepared for a few additional members with the
requisite qualifications; but we do not think it expedient to do
or say much to induce any body to come on until we see how we
shall fare through what is called the sickly season. To the
present date, however, we may sum up our condition in these
three words: We are healthy, busy and happy."
This is the last we find about the new organization. So we
conclude it soon passed away. As it is best to hear all sides,
we will conclude this account with some extracts from a
grumbling letter, which we find among Macdonald's manuscripts.
[Account by a Malcontent.]
"A great portion of the land was swampy, so much so that it
could not be cultivated. It laid low, and had a creek running
through it, which at times overflowed, and caused a great deal
of sickness to the inhabitants of the place. The disease was
mostly fever and ague; and this was so bad, that three-fourths
of the people, both old and young, were shaking with it for
months together. Through the public prints, persons favorable to
the Association were invited to join, which had the effect of
drawing many of the usual mixed characters from various parts of
the country. Some came with the idea that they could live in
idleness at the expense of the purchasers of the estate, and
these ideas they practically carried out; whilst others came
with good hearts for the cause. There were one or two designing
persons, who came with no other intent than to push themselves
into situations in which they could impose upon their fellow
members; and this, to a certain extent, they succeeded in doing.
"When the people first assembled, there was not sufficient house
room to accommodate them, and they were huddled together like
brutes; but they built some log cabins, and then tried to
establish some kind of order, by rules and regulations. One of
their laws was, that all persons before becoming members must
pay twenty-five dollars each. Some did pay this, but the
majority had not the money to pay. I think most persons came
there for a mere shift. Their poverty and their quarrelling
about what they called religion (for there were many notions
about which was the right way to heaven), were great drawbacks
to success. Nearly all the business was carried on by barter,
there was so little money. Labor was counted by the hour, and
was booked to each individual. Booking was about all the pay
they ever got. At the breaking up, some of the members had due
to them for labor and stock, five or six hundred dollars; and
some of them did not receive as many cents.
"To give an idea of the state of things, I may mention that
there was a shrewd Yankee there, who established a
boarding-house and pretended to accommodate boarders at very
reasonable charges. He was poor, but he made many shifts to get
something for his boarders to eat, though it was but very
little. There was seldom any butter, cheese, or animal food upon
the table, and what he called coffee was made of burnt bread. He
had no bedding for the boarders; they had to provide it for
themselves if they could; if not, they had to sleep on the
floor. For this board he charged $1.62 per week, while it was
proved that the cost per week for each individual was not more
than twenty cents. This man professed to be a doctor, (though I
believe he really knew no more of medicine than any other person
there); and as there were so many persons sick with the ague, he
got plenty of work. Previous to the breaking up, he brought in
his bills to the patients (whom he had never benefited),
charging them from ten to thirty dollars each, and some even
higher. But the people being very poor, he did not succeed in
recovering much of what he called his 'just dues;' though by
threats of the law he scared some of them out of a trifle. There
was another keen fellow, a preacher and lawyer, who got into
office as secretary and treasurer, and kept the accounts. When
there was any money he had the management of it; and I believe
he knew perfectly well how to use it for his own advantage,
which many of the members felt to their sorrow. The property was
supposed to have been held by stockholders. Those who had the
management of things know best how it was finally disposed of.
For my part I think this was the most unsatisfactory experiment
attempted in the West.
"J.M., member of the Trumbull Phalanx."
What a story of passion and suffering can be traced in this broken
material! Study it. Think of the great hope at the beginning; the
heroism of the long struggle; the bitterness of the end. This human
group was made up of husbands and wives, parents and children,
brothers and sisters, friends and lovers, and had two hundred hearts,
longing for blessedness. Plodding on their weary march of life,
Association rises before them like the _mirage_ of the desert. They
see in the vague distance, magnificent palaces, green fields, golden
harvests, sparkling fountains, abundance of rest and romance; in one
word, HOME--which also is HEAVEN. They rush like the thirsty caravan
to realize their vision. And now the scene changes. Instead of
reaching palaces, they find themselves huddled together in loose
sheds--thirty-five families trying to live in dwellings built for one.
They left the world to escape from want and care and temptation; and
behold, these hungry wolves follow them in fiercer packs than ever.
The gloom of debt is over them from the beginning. Again and again
they are on the brink of bankruptcy. It is a constant question and
doubt whether they will "SUCCEED," which means, whether they will
barely keep soul and body together, and pacify their creditors. But
they cheer one another on. "They _must_ succeed; they _will_ succeed;
they _are_ already succeeding!" These words they say over and over to
themselves, and shout them to the public. Still debt hangs over them.
They get a subsidy from outside friends. But the deficit increases.
Meanwhile disease persecutes them. All through the sultry months which
should have been their working time, they lie idle in their loose
sheds, or where they can find a place, sweating and shivering in
misery and despair. Human parasites gather about them, like vultures
scenting prey from afar. Their own passions torment them. They are
cursed with suspicion and the evil eye. They quarrel about religion.
They quarrel about their food. They dispute about carrying out their
principles. Eight or ten families desert. The rest worry on through
the long years. Foes watch them with cruel exultation. Friends shout
to them, "Hold on a little longer!" They hold on just as long as they
can, insisting that they are successful, or are just going to be, till
the last. Then comes the "break up;" and who can tell the agonies of
that great corporate death!
If the reader is willing to peer into the darkest depths of this
suffering, let him read again and consider well that suppressed wail
of the women where they speak of the "polar snows" and the "funeral
pile;" and let him think of all that is meant when the men say, "If we
had known at the commencement what fiery trials were to surround us,
we should have hesitated to enter on the enterprise. _But now being
fairly in, we will brave it_ _through!_" See how pathetically these
soldiers of despair, with defeat in full view, offer themselves to
other Associations, and take comfort in the assurance that God will
not drive them from the earth! See how the heroes of the "forlorn
hope," after defeat has come, turn again and reorganize, refusing to
surrender! The end came at last, but left no record.
This is not comedy, but direst tragedy. God forbid that we should
ridicule it, or think of it with any feeling but saddest sympathy. We
ourselves are thoroughly acquainted with these heights and depths.
These men and women seem to us like brothers and sisters. We could
easily weep with them and for them, if it would do any good. But the
better way is to learn what such sufferings teach, and hasten to find
and show the true path, which these pilgrims missed; that so their
illusions may not be repeated forever.