THE WISCONSIN PHALANX.
This was one of the most conspicuous experiments of the Fourier epoch.
The notices of it in the _Phalanx_ and _Harbinger_ are quite
voluminous. We shall have to curtail them as much as possible, and
still our patchwork will be a long one. The Wisconsin had the
advantage of most other Phalanxes in the skill of its spokesman. Mr.
Warren Chase, a gentleman at present well known among Spiritualists,
was its founder and principal manager. Most of the important
communications relating to it in the socialistic Journals and other
papers, were from his ready pen. We will do our best to save all that
is most valuable in them, while we omit what seems to be irrelevant or
repetitious. It may be understood that we are indebted to the
_Phalanx_ and _Harbinger_ for nearly all our quotations from other
papers.
[From the _Green Bay Republican_, April 30, 1844.]
"WISCONSIN PHALANX.--We have just been informed by the agent of
the above Association, that the _locale_ has been chosen, and
ten sections of the finest land in the Territory entered at the
Green Bay Land Office. The location is on a small stream near
Green Lake, Marquette county. The teams conveying the requisite
implements, will start in a week, and the improvements will be
commenced immediately. We are in favor of Fourier's plan of
Association, although we very much fear that it will be
unsuccessful on account of the selfishness of mankind, this
being the principal obstacle to be overcome: yet we are pleased
to see the commendable zeal manifested by the members of the
Wisconsin Phalanx, who are mostly leading and influential
citizens of Racine County. The feasibility of Association will
now be tested in such a manner that the question will be
decided, at least so far as Wisconsin is concerned."
[From a letter in the _Southport Telegraph_,]
_Wisconsin Phalanx, May 27, 1844._
"We left Southport on Monday, the 20th inst., and arrived on the
proposed domain, without accident, on Saturday last at five
o'clock P.M. This morning (Monday) the first business was to
divide into two companies, one for finding the survey stakes,
and the other for setting up the tent on the ground designed for
building and gardening purposes. Eight men, with ox-teams and
cattle, arrived between nine and ten A.M. After dinner the
members all met in the tent and proceeded to a regular
organization, Mr. Chase being in the chair and Mr. Rounds
Secretary.
"A prayer was offered, expressing thanks for our safe protection
and arrival, and invoking the Divine blessing for our future
peace and prosperity. The list of resident members was called
(nineteen in number), and they divided themselves into two
series, viz., agricultural and mechanical (each appointing a
foreman), with a miscellaneous group of laborers, under the
supervision of the resident directors.
"A letter was read by request of the members, from Peter
Johnson, a member of the board of directors, relating to the
proper conduct of the members in their general deportment, and
reminding them of their obligations to their Creator.
"The agricultural series are to commence plowing and planting
to-morrow, and the mechanical to excavate a cellar and prepare
for the erection of a frame building, twenty-two feet by twenty,
which is designed as a central wing for a building twenty-two
feet by one hundred and twenty. There are nineteen men and one
boy now on the domain. The stock consists of fifty-four head of
cattle, large and small, including eight yoke of oxen and three
span of horses. More men are expected during the week, and
others are preparing to come this summer. Families will be here
as the building can be sufficiently advanced to accommodate
them.
"A few words in regard to the domain: There is a stream which,
from its clearness, we have denominated Crystal Creek; it has
sufficient fall and water supplied by springs, for one or two
mill-seats. It runs over a bed of lime-stone, which abounds
here, and can be had convenient for fences and building. There
is a good supply of prairie and timber. Every member is well
pleased with the location, and also the arrangements for
business. Up to this time no discordant note has sounded in our
company.
"We have begun without a debt, which is a source of great
satisfaction to each member; and we are certain of success,
provided that the same union prevails which has hitherto, and
the company incur no debt by loan or otherwise, in the
transaction of business. We expect to be prepared this summer or
fall to issue the prospectus of a paper to be published on the
ground.
"GEO. H. STEBBINS."
[From a letter of Warren Chase.]
"_Wisconsin Phalanx, September, 12, 1844._
"Our first company, consisting of about twenty men, arrived here
and commenced improvements on the 27th of May last. We put in
about twenty acres of spring crops, mostly potatoes, buckwheat,
turnips, etc., and have now one hundred acres of winter wheat in
the ground. We have erected three buildings (designed for wings
to a large one to be erected this fall), in which there are
about twenty families snugly stored, yet comfortable and happy
and busy, comprising in all about eighty persons, men, women,
and children. We have also erected a saw-mill, which will be
ready to run in a few days, after which we shall proceed to
erect better dwellings. We do all our cooking in one kitchen,
and all eat at one table. All our labor (excepting a part of
female labor, on which there is a reduction), is for the present
deemed in the class of usefulness, and every member works as
well as possible where he or she is most needed, under the
general superintendence of the directors. We adhere strictly to
our constitution and by-laws, and adopt as fast as possible the
system of Fourier. We have organized our groups and series in a
simple manner, and thus far every thing goes admirably, and much
better than we could have expected in our embryo state. We have
regular meetings for business and social purposes, by which
means we keep a harmony of feeling and concert of action. We
have a Sunday-school, Bible-class, and Divine service every
Sabbath by different denominations, who occupy the Hall (as we
have but one) alternately; and all is harmony in that
department, although we have many members of different religious
societies. They all seem determined to lay aside metaphysical
differences, and make a united social effort, founded on the
fundamental principles of religion.
"WARREN CHASE."
[From a letter in the _Ohio American_, August, 1845.]
"I wish, through the medium of your columns, to correct a
statement which has been going the rounds of the newspapers in
this vicinity and in other parts, that the Wisconsin Phalanx has
failed and dispersed. I am prepared to state, upon the authority
of a letter from their Secretary, dated July 31, 1845, that the
report is entirely without foundation. They have never been in a
more prosperous condition, and the utmost harmony prevails. They
are moving forward under a charter; own two thousand acres of
fine land, with water-power; twenty-nine yoke of oxen,
thirty-seven cows, and a corresponding amount of other stock,
such as horses, hogs, sheep, etc.; are putting in four hundred
acres of wheat this fall; have just harvested one hundred acres
of the best of wheat, fifty-seven acres of oats, and other
grains in proportion. They have been organized a little more
than a year, and embrace in their number about thirty families.
"One very favorable feature in this institution is, that they
are entirely out of debt, and intend to remain so; they do not
owe, and are determined never to owe, a single dollar. An
excellent free school is provided for all the members; and as
they have no idle gentlemen or ladies to support, all have time
to receive a good education."
[From a letter of Warren Chase.]
"_Wisconsin Phalanx, August, 13, 1845._
"We are Associationists of the Fourier school, and intend to
reduce his system to practice as fast as possible, consistently
with our situation. We number at this time about one hundred and
eighty souls, being the entire population of the congressional
township. We are under the township government, organized
similar to the system in New York. Our town was set off and
organized last winter by the Legislature, at which time the
Association was also incorporated as a joint-stock company by a
charter, which is our constitution. We had a post-office and
weekly mail within forty days after our commencement. Thus far
we have obtained all we have asked for.
"We have religious meetings and Sabbath-schools, conducted by
members of some half-a-dozen different denominations of
Christians, with whom creeds and modes of faith are of minor
importance compared with religion. All are protected, and all is
harmony in that department. We have had no deaths and very
little sickness. No physician, no lawyer or preacher, yet
resides among us; but we expect a physician soon, whose interest
will not conflict with ours, and whose presence will
consequently not increase disease. In politics we are about
equally divided, and vote accordingly; but generally believe
both parties culpable for many of the political evils of the
day.
"The Phalanx has a title from Government to fourteen hundred and
forty acres of land, on which there is one of the best of
water-powers, a saw-mill in operation and a grist-mill
building; six hundred and forty acres under improvement, four
hundred of which is now seeding to winter wheat. We raised about
fifteen hundred bushels the past season, which is sufficient for
our next year's bread; have about seventy acres of corn on the
ground, which looks well, and other crops in proportion. We have
an abundance of cattle, horses, crops and provisions for the
wants of our present numbers, and physical energy enough to
obtain more. Thus, you see, we are tolerably independent; and we
intend to remain so, as we admit none as members who have not
sufficient funds to invest in stock, or sufficient physical
strength, to warrant their not being a burden to the society. We
have one dwelling-house nearly finished, in which reside twenty
families, with a long hall conducting to the dining-room, where
all who are able, dine together. We intend next summer to erect
another for twenty families more, with a hall conducting to
another dining-room, supplied from the same cook-room. We have
one school constantly, but have as yet been unable to do much
toward improving that department, and had hoped to see something
in the _Harbinger_ which would be a guide in this branch of our
organization. We look to the Brook Farm Phalanx for instruction
in this branch, and hope to see it in the _Harbinger_ for the
benefit of ourselves and other Associations.
"We have a well-regulated system of grouping our laborers, but
have not yet organized the series. We have no difficulty in any
department of our business, and thus far more than our most
sanguine expectations have been realized. We commenced with a
determination to avoid all debts, and have thus far adhered to
our resolution; for we believed debts would disband more
Associations than any other one cause; and thus far, I believe
it has, more than all other causes put together.
"WARREN CHASE."
From the Annual Statement of the Condition and Progress of the
Wisconsin Phalanx, for the fiscal year ending December 1, 1845.
"The four great evils with which the world is afflicted,
intoxication, lawsuits, quarreling, and profane swearing, never
have, and with the present character and prevailing habits of
our members, never can, find admittance into our society. There
is but a very small proportion of the tattling, backbiting and
criticisms on character, usually found in neighborhoods of as
many families. Perfect harmony and concert of action prevail
among the members of the various churches, and each individual
seems to lay aside creeds, and strive for the fundamental
principles of religion. Many have cultivated the social feeling
by the study and practice of vocal and instrumental music. In
this there is a constant progress visible. Our young gentlemen
and ladies have occasionally engaged in cotillions, especially
on wedding occasions, of which we have had three the past
summer.
"Our convenience for schools, their diminished expense, &c., is
known only to those acquainted with Association. We have done
but little in perfecting this branch of our new organization;
but having erected a school-house, we are prepared to commence
our course of moral, physical and intellectual education. For
want of a convenient place, we have not yet opened our
reading-room or library, but intend to do so during the present
month.
"The family circle and secret domestic relations are not
intruded on by Association; each family may gather around its
family altar, secluded and alone, or mingle with neighbors
without exposure to wet or cold. In our social and domestic
arrangements we have approximated as far toward the plan of
Fourier, as the difficulties incident to a new organization in
an uncultivated country would permit. Owing to our infant
condition and wish to live within our means, our public table
has not been furnished as elegantly as might be desirable to an
epicurean taste. From the somewhat detached nature of our
dwellings, and the consequent inconveniencies attendant on all
dining at one table, permission was given to such families as
chose, to be furnished with provisions and cook their own board.
But one family has availed itself of this privilege.
"In the various departments of physical labor, we have
accomplished much more than could have been done by the same
persons in the isolated condition. We have broken and brought
under cultivation, three hundred and twenty-five acres of land;
have sown four hundred acres to winter wheat; harvested the
hundred acres which we had on the ground last fall; plowed one
hundred and seventy acres for crops the ensuing spring; raised
sixty acres of corn, twenty of potatoes, twenty of buckwheat,
and thirty of peas, beans, roots, etc.; built five miles of
fence; cut four hundred tons of hay; and expended a large amount
of labor in teaming, building sheds, taking care of stock, etc.
"We have nearly finished the long building commenced last year
(two hundred and eight feet by thirty-two), making comfortable
residences for twenty families; built a stone school-house,
twenty by thirty; a dining-room eighteen by thirty; finished one
of the twenty-by-thirty dwellings built last year; expended
about two hundred days' labor digging a race and foundation for
a grist-mill thirty by forty, three stories high, and for a
shop twenty by twenty-five, one story, with stone basements to
both, and erected frames for the same; built a wash-house sixty
by twenty-two; a hen house eleven by thirty, of sun-dried brick;
an ash-house ten by twenty, of the same material; kept one man
employed in the saw-mill, one drawing logs, one in the
blacksmith shop, one shoe-making, and most of the time two about
the kitchen.
"The estimated value of our property on hand is $27,725.22,
wholly unincumbered; and we are free from debt, except about
$600 due to members, who have advanced cash for the purchase of
provisions and land. But to balance this, we have over $1,000
coming from members, on stock subscriptions not yet due.
"The whole number of hours' labor performed by the members
during the past year, reduced to the class of usefulness, is
102,760; number expended in cooking, etc., and deducted for the
board of members, 21,170; number remaining after deducting for
board, 81,590, to which the amount due to labor is divided. In
this statement the washing is not taken into account, families
having done their own.
"Whole number of weeks board charged members (including children
graduated to adults) forty-two hundred and thirty-four. Cost of
board per week for each person, forty-four cents for provisions,
and five hours labor.
"Whole amount of property on hand, as per invoice, $27,725.22.
Cost of property and stock issued up to December 1, $19,589.18.
Increase the past year, being the product of labor, etc.,
$8,136.04; one-fourth of which, or $2,034.01, is credited to
capital, being twelve per cent. per annum on stock, for the
average time invested; and three-fourths, or $6,102.03 to labor,
being seven and one-half cents per hour.
"The property on hand consists of the following items:
1,553 acres of land, at $3.00 $4,659.00
Agricultural improvements 1,522.47
Mechanical improvements 8,405.00
Personal property 10,314.01
Advanced members in board, etc. 2,824.74
---------
Amount $27,725.22
"W. CHASE, _President_."
[From a letter of Warren Chase,]
_Wisconsin Phalanx, March 3, 1846._
"Since our December statement, our course and progress has been
undeviatingly onward toward the goal. We have added eighty acres
to our land, making one thousand six hundred and thirty-three
acres free of incumbrance. We are preparing to raise eight
hundred acres of crops the coming season, finish our grist-mill,
and build some temporary residences, etc. We have admitted but
one family since the 1st of December, although we have had many
applications. In this department of our organization, as well as
in that of contracting debts, we are profiting by the experience
of many Associations who preceded or started with us.
"We pretend to have considerable knowledge of the serial law,
but we are not yet prepared, mentally or physically, to adopt it
in our industrial operations. We have something in operation
which approaches about as near to it as the rude hut does to the
palace. Even this is better than none, and saves us from the
merciless peltings of the storm.
"Success with us is no longer a matter of doubt. Our questions
to be settled are, How far and how fast can we adopt and put in
practice the system and principle which we believe to be true,
without endangering or retarding our ultimate object. We feel
and know that our condition and prospects are truly cheering,
and to the friends of the cause we can say, Come on, not to join
us, but to form other Associations; for we can not receive
one-tenth of those who apply for admission. Nothing but the
general principles of Association are lawful tender with us.
Money will not buy admission for those who have no faith in the
principles, but who merely believe, as most of our neighbors do,
that we shall get rich; this is not a ruling principle here.
With our material, our means, and the principles of eternal
truth on our side, success is neither doubtful nor surprising.
"We expect at our next annual statement, to be able to represent
ourselves as a minimum Association of forty families, not fully
organized on Fourier's plan, but approaching to, and preparing
for it.
W. CHASE."
From the Annual Statement of the Condition and Progress of the
Wisconsin Phalanx, for the fiscal year ending December 7, 1846.
"The study and adoption of the principles of industrial
Association, have here, as elsewhere, led all reflecting minds
to acknowledge the principles of Christianity, and to seek
through those principles the elevation of man to his true
condition, a state of harmony with himself, with nature and with
God. The Society have religious preaching of some kind almost
every Sabbath, but not uniformly of that high order of talent
which they are prepared to appreciate.
"The educational department is not yet regulated as it is
designed to be; the Society have been too busily engaged in
making such improvements as were required to supply the
necessaries of life, to devote the means and labor necessary to
prepare such buildings as are required. We have not yet
established our reading-room and library, more for the want of
room, than for a lack of materials.
"The social intercourse between the members has ever been
conducted with a high-toned moral feeling, which repudiates the
slanderous suspicions of those enemies of the system, who
pretend that the constant social intercourse will corrupt the
morals of the members; the tendency is directly the reverse.
"We have now one hundred and eighty resident members; one
hundred and one males, seventy-nine females; fifty-six males and
thirty-seven females over the age of twenty-one years. About
eighty have boarded at a public table during the past year, at a
cost of fifty cents per week and two and a half hours' labor;
whole cost sixty-three cents. The others, most of the time, have
had their provisions charged to them, and done their own cooking
in their respective families, although their apartments are very
inconvenient for that purpose. Most of the families choose this
mode of living, more from previous habits of domestic
arrangement and convenience, than from economy. We have resident
on the domain, thirty-six families and thirty single persons;
fifteen families and thirty single persons board at the public
table: twenty-one families board by themselves, and the
remaining five single persons board with them.
"Four families have left during the past year, and one returned
that had previously left. One left to commence a new
Association: one, after a few weeks' residence, because the
children did not like; and two to seek other business more
congenial with their feelings than hard work. The Society has
increased its numbers the past year about twenty, which is not
one-fourth of the applicants. The want of room has prevented us
from admitting more.
"There has been 96,297 hours' medium class labor performed
during the past year (mostly by males), which, owing to the
extremely low appraisal of property, and the disadvantage of
having a new farm to work on, has paid but five cents per hour,
and six per cent. per annum on capital.
"The amount of property in joint-stock, as per valuation, is
$30,609.04; whole amount of liabilities, $1,095.33. The net
product or income for the past year is $6,341.84, one-fourth of
which being credited to capital, makes the six per cent.; and
three-fourths to labor, makes the five cents per hour. We have,
as yet, no machinery in operation except a saw-mill, but have a
grist-mill nearly ready to commence grinding. Our wheat crop
came in very light, which, together with the large amount of
labor necessarily expended in temporary sheds and fences, which
are not estimated of any value, makes our dividend much less
than it will be when we can construct more permanent works. We
have also many unfinished works, which do not yet afford us
either income or convenience, but which will tell favorably on
our future balance-sheets.
"The Society has advanced to the members during the past year
$3,293, mostly in provisions and such necessary clothing as
could be procured.
"The following schedule shows in what the property of the
Society consists, and its valuation:
1,713 acres of land, at $3.00 $5,139.00
Agricultural improvements 3,206.00
Agricultural products 4,806.76
Shops, dwellings, and out-houses 6,963.61
Mills, mill-race and dam 5,112.90
Cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, &c. 3,098.45
Farming tools, &c. 1,199.36
Mechanical tools, &c. 367.26
Other personal property 715.70
----------
Amount $30,609.04
"W. CHASE, President."
In the _Harbinger_ of March 27, 1847, there is a letter from Warren
Chase giving eighteen elaborate reasons why the Fourierists throughout
the country should concentrate on the Wisconsin, and make it a great
model Phalanx; which we omit.
[From a letter of Warren Chase.]
"_Wisconsin Phalanx, June 28, 1847._
"We have now been a little more than three years in operation,
and my most sanguine expectations have been more than realized.
We have about one hundred and seventy persons, who, with the
exception of three or four families, are contented and happy,
and more attached to this home than to any they ever had before.
Those three or four belong to the restless, discontented
spirits, who are not satisfied with any condition of life, but
are always seeking something new. The Phalanx will soon be in a
condition to adopt the policy of purchasing the amount of stock
which any member may have invested, whenever he shall wish to
leave. As soon as this can be done without embarrassing our
business, we shall have surmounted the last obstacle to our
onward progress. We have applications for admission constantly
before us, but seldom admit one. We require larger amounts to be
invested now when there is no risk, than we did at first when
the risk was great. We have borne the heat and burden of the
day, and now begin to reap the fruits of our labor. We also must
know that an applicant is devoted to the cause, ready to endure
for it hardships, privations and persecution, if necessary, and
that he is not induced to apply because he sees our physical or
pecuniary prosperity. We shall admit such as, in our view, are
in all respects prepared for Association and can be useful to
themselves and us; but none but practical workingmen need apply,
for idlers can not live here. They seem to be out of their
element, and look sick and lean. If no accident befalls us, we
shall declare a cash dividend at our next annual settlement.
"W. CHASE."
[From a letter in the New York _Tribune_.]
"_Wisconsin Phalanx, July 20, 1847._
"I have been visiting this Association several days, looking
into its resources, both physical and moral. Its physical
resources are abundant. In a moral aspect there is much here to
encourage. The people, ninety of whom are adults, are generally
quite intelligent, and possess a good development of the moral
and social faculties. They are earnest inquirers after truth,
and seem aware of the harmony of thought and feeling that must
prevail to insure prosperity. They receive thirty or forty
different publications, which are thoroughly perused. The
females are excellent women, and the children, about eighty,
are most promising in every respect. They are not yet well
situated for carrying into effect all the indispensable agencies
of true mental development, but they are not idle on this
momentous subject. They have an excellent school for the
children, and the young men and women are cultivating music. Two
or three among them are adepts in this beautiful art. While
writing, I hear good music by well-trained voices, with the
Harmonist accompaniment.
"I do believe something in human improvement and enjoyment will
soon be presented at Ceresco, that will charm all visitors, and
prove a conclusive argument against the skepticism of the world
as to the capability of the race to rise above the social evils
that afflict mankind, and to attain a mental elevation which few
have yet hoped for. I expect to see here a garden in which shall
be represented all that is most beautiful in the vegetable
kingdom. I expect to see here a library and reading-room, neatly
and plentifully furnished, to which rejoicing hundreds will
resort for instruction and amusement. I expect to see here a
laboratory, where the chemist will unfold the operations of
nature, and teach the most profitable mode of applying
agricultural labor. I expect to see here interesting cabinets,
where the mineral and animal kingdoms will be presented in
miniature. And I expect to see all the arts cultivated, and
every thing beautiful and grand generally appreciated.
HINE."
On which the editor of the _Tribune_ observes: "We trust the remark
will be taken in good part, that the writers of letters from these
Associative experiments are too apt to blend what they desire or hope
to see, with what they actually do see."
[From a letter of J.J. Cooke in the _Tribune_.]
"_Wisconsin Phalanx, August 28, 1847._
"_Editor of the New York Tribune_:
"DEAR SIR: I have just perused in your paper, a letter from Mr.
Hine, dated at this place. Believing that the letter is
calculated to leave an erroneous impression on the mind of the
reader, as to the true condition of this Association, I deem it
to be my duty to notice it, for the reason of the importance of
the subject, and the necessity of true knowledge in reference to
correct action.
"It is now twelve days since I arrived here, with the intention
of making a visit sufficiently long to arrive at something like
a critical knowledge of the experiment now in progress in this
place. As you justly remark in your comments on Mr. Hine's
letter, 'the writers of letters from these associative
experiments are too apt to blend what they desire or hope to
see, with what they actually do see.' So far as such a course
might tend to induce premature and ill-advised attempts at
practical Association, it should be regarded as a serious evil,
and as such, should, if possible, be remedied. I presume no one
here would advise the commencement of any Association, to pass
through the same trials which they themselves have experienced.
I have asked many of the members this question, 'Do you think
that the reports and letters which have been published
respecting your Association, have been so written as to leave a
correct impression of your real existing condition on the mind
of the reader?' The answer has invariably been, 'No.'"
The writer then criticises the water-power, climate, etc., and
proceeds to say:
"The probability now is, that corn will be almost a total
failure. 'Their present tenements,' says Mr. Hine, 'are such as
haste and limited means forced them to erect.' This is
undoubtedly true, and I will also add, that they are such as few
at the East would be contented to live in. With the exception of
the flouring-mill, blacksmith's-shop and carpenter's-shop, there
are no arrangements for mechanical industry. This is not
surprising, in view of the small means in their possession. 'In
a moral aspect,' Mr. Hine says, 'there is much to encourage.' It
would not be incorrect to say, that there is also something to
fear. The most unpleasant feelings which I have experienced
since I have been here, have been caused by the want of neatness
around the dwellings, which seems to be inconsistent with the
individual character of the members with whom I have become
acquainted. This they state to be owing to their struggles for
the necessaries of life; but I have freely told them that I
considered it inexcusable, and calculated to have an injurious
influence upon themselves and upon their children. 'They are
earnest inquirers after truth,' says Mr. Hine, 'and seem aware
of the harmony of thought and feeling that must prevail, in
order to insure prosperity.' This I only object to so far as it
is calculated to produce the impression that such harmony really
exists. That there is a difference of feeling upon, at least,
one important point, I know. This is in reference to the course
to be pursued in relation to the erection of dwellings. I
believe that a large majority are in favor of building only in
reference to a combined dwelling; but there are some who think
that this generation are not prepared for it, and who wish to
erect comfortable dwellings for isolated households. A portion
of the members go out to labor for hire; some, in order to
procure those necessaries which the means of the Association
have been inadequate to provide; and others, for want of
occupation in their peculiar branches of industry. Mr. Hine
says, 'They have an excellent school for the children.' I had
thought that the proper education of the children was a want
here, and members have spoken of it as such. They have no public
library or reading-room for social re-union, excepting the
school-room; and no room which is convenient for such purposes.
There are no Associational guarantees in reference to sickness
or disability in the charter (which is the constitution) of this
Phalanx.
"From the above statement, you can judge somewhat of the present
foundation of Mr. Hine's hopes of 'soon' seeing the realization
of the beautiful picture which he has drawn.
JOSEPH J. COOKE."
In the _Harbinger_ of January 8, 1848, Warren Chase replied to Mr.
Cooke's criticisms, admitting the general truth of them, but insisting
that it is unfair to judge the Association by eastern standards. In
conclusion he says:
"There is a difference of opinion in regard to board, which,
under the law of freedom and attraction, works no harm. Most of
our families cook their board in their rooms from choice under
present circumstances; some because they use no meat and do not
choose to sit at a table plentifully supplied with beef, pork
and mutton: others because they choose to have their children
sit at the table with them, to regulate their diet, etc., which
our circumstances will not yet permit at our public table;
others because they want to ask a blessing, etc.; and others
because their manner of cooking and habits of living have become
so fixed as to have sufficient influence to require their
continuance. Some of our members think all these difficulties
can not be speedily removed, and that cheap and comfortable
dwellings, should be built, adapted to our circumstances, with a
unitary work-house, bakery and dairy, by which the burdens
should be removed as fast as possible, and the minds prepared by
combined effort, co-operative labor, and equitable distribution,
for the combined dwelling and unitary living, with its variety
of tables to satisfy all tastes. Others think our devotion to
the cause ought to induce us to forego all these attachments and
prejudices, and board at one table and improve it, building none
but unitary dwellings adapted to a unitary table. We pursue both
ways in our living with perfect freedom, and probably shall in
our building; for attraction is the only law whose force we
acknowledge in these matters. We have passed one more important
point in our progress since I last wrote you. We have adopted
the policy to refund all investments to any member when he
chooses to leave.
W. CHASE."
[From a letter of Warren Chase.]
"_Wisconsin Phalanx, August 21, 1847._
"We are in the enjoyment of an excellent state of health, owing
in part to our healthy location, and in part to the diet and
regimen of our members. There is a prevailing tendency here to
abandon the use of animal food; it has been slowly, but steadily
increasing for some time, and has been aided some by those
excellent and interesting articles from the pen of Dr. Lazarus
on 'Cannibalism.' When we have to resort to any medical
treatment, hydropathy is the system, and the _Water-cure
Journal_ very good authority. Our society will soon evince
symptoms of two conditions of Associative life, viz.: physical
health and material wealth. By wealth I do not mean burdensome
property, but an ample supply of the necessaries of life, which
is real wealth.
"I fully believe that nine out of ten organizations and attempts
at Association would finally succeed, even with small means and
few members, if they would adhere strictly to the following
conditions:
"First, keep free from debt, and live within their means;
Second, not attempt too much in the commencement.
"Great changes require a slow movement. All pioneers should
remember to be constructive, and not merely destructive; not to
tear down faster than they can substitute something better.
Every failure of Association which has come to my knowledge, has
been in consequence of disregarding these conditions; they have
all been in debt, and depended on stock subscriptions to relieve
them; and they have attempted too much. Having, in most cases,
torn down the isolated household and family altar (or table),
before they had even science enough to draft a plan of a
Phalanstery or describe a unitary household, they seemed in some
cases to imagine that the true social science, when once
discovered, would furnish them, like the lamp of Aladdin, with
all things wished for. They have awakened from their dreams; and
now is the time for practical attempts, to start with, first,
the joint-stock property, the large farm or township, the common
home and joint property of all the members; second, cooperative
labor and the equitable distribution of products, the large
fields, large pastures, large gardens, large dairies, large
fruit orchards, etc., with their mills, mechanic shops, stores,
common wash-houses, bake-houses, baths, libraries, lectures,
cabinets, etc.; third, educational organization, including all,
both children and adults, and through that the adoption of the
serial law, organization of groups and series; (at this point
labor, without reference to the pay, will begin to be
attractive;) fourth, the Phalansterian order, unitary living. As
this is the greatest step, it requires the most time, most
capital, and most mental preparation, especially for persons
accustomed to country life. In most cases many years will be
required for the adoption of the second of these conditions, and
more for the third, and still more for the fourth. Hence the
necessity of commencing, if the present generation is to realize
much from the discovery of the science.
"Let no person construe these remarks to indicate an advanced
state of Association for the Wisconsin Phalanx. We have taken
the first step, which required but little time, and are now
barely commencing the second. We have spent three years, and
judging from our progress thus far, it will doubtless take us
from five to ten more to get far enough in the second to
commence the third. We have made many blunders for the want of
precedents, and in consequence of having more zeal than
knowledge. Among the most serious blunders was an attempt at
unitary living, without any of the surrounding circumstances
being adapted to it. With this view we built, at a cost of more
than $3,000, a long double front building, which can not be
ventilated, and is very uncomfortable and extremely
inconvenient for families to live in and do their cooking. But
in this, bad as it is, some twenty of our families are still
compelled to live, and will be for some time to come. This, with
some other mistakes, will be to us a total loss, for the want of
more knowledge to commence with. But these are trifling in
comparison with the importance of our object and the result for
a series of years. No true Associationist has been discouraged
by these trials and losses; but we have a few among us who never
were Associationists, and who are waiting a favorable
opportunity to return to civilization; and we are waiting a
favorable opportunity to admit such as we want to fill their
places.
W. CHASE."
From the Annual Statement of the Condition and Progress of the
Wisconsin Phalanx, for the fiscal year ending December 6, 1847.
"The number of resident members is one hundred and fifty-seven;
eighty-four males and seventy-three females. Thirty-two males
and thirty-nine females are under twenty-one years, fifty-two
males and thirty-four females over twenty-one years, and
eighteen persons above the age of twenty-one unmarried. The
whole number of resident families is thirty-two. We have
resident with us who are not members, one family and four single
persons. Four families and two single persons have left during
the year, the stock of all of whom has been purchased, except of
one family, and a single person; the former intends returning,
and the latter owns but $25.00.
"The number of hours' labor performed during the year, reduced
to the medium class, is 93,446. The whole amount of property at
the appraisal is $32,564.18. The net profits of the year are
$9,029.73; which gives a dividend to stock of nearly 7-3/4 per
cent., and 7-3/10 cents per hour to labor.
"The Phalanx has purchased and cancelled during the year $2,000
of stock; we have also, by the assistance of our mill (which has
been in operation since June), and from our available products,
paid off the incumbrance of $1,095.33 with which we commenced
the year; made our mechanical and agricultural improvements, and
advanced to members, in rent, provisions, clothing, cash, etc.,
$5,237.07. The annexed schedule specifies the kinds and
valuation of the property on hand:
1,713 acres of land at $3.00 $5,139.00
Agricultural improvements 3,509.77
Agricultural products 5,244.16
Mechanical improvements 12,520.00
Live stock 2,983.50
Farm and garden tools 1,219.77
Mechanical tools 380.56
Personal property, miscellaneous 1,567.42
----------
Amount $32,564.18
"BENJ. WRIGHT, President."
In June, 1848, Warren Chase sent a letter to the _Boston
Investigator_, complaining of the _Harbinger's_ indifference to the
interests of the Wisconsin Phalanx; and another writer in the
_Investigator_ suggested that this indifference was on account of the
irreligious character of the Phalanx; all of which the _Harbinger_
denied. To the charge of irreligion, a member of the Phalanx
indignantly replied in the _Harbinger_, as follows:
"Some of us are and have been Methodists, Baptists,
Presbyterians, Congregationalists, etc. Others have never been
members of any church, but (with a very few exceptions) very
readily admit the authenticity and moral value of the
Scriptures. The ten commandments are the sum, substance and
foundation of all true law. Add to this the gospel law of love,
and you have a code of laws worthy of the adoption and practice
of any man or set of men, and upon which Associationists must
base themselves, or they can never succeed. There are many
rules, doctrines and interpretations of Scripture among the (so
denominated) Orthodox churches, that any man of common sense can
not assent to. Even they can not agree among themselves; for
instance the Old and New School Presbyterians, the Baptists,
Methodists, etc. If this difference of faith and opinion is
infidelity or irreligion, we to a man are infidels and
irreligious; but if faith in the principles and morality of the
Bible is the test, I deny the charge. I can scarcely name an
individual here that dissents from them.
"I have been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for
about twenty years, and a Methodist local preacher for over
three years, and am now Secretary of the Association. I
therefore should know somewhat about this matter."
[From the New York _Tribune_, July, 1848.]
"WISCONSIN PHALANX.--Having lately seen running around the
papers a statement that the last remaining 'Fourier
Association,' somewhere in Illinois, had just given up the
ghost, we gladly give place to the following extracts from a
private letter we have just received from a former fellow
citizen, who participated in two of the earlier attempts
(Sylvania and Leraysville) to establish something that
ultimately would or might become an Association after the idea
of Fourier. After the second failure he attached himself to the
communistic undertaking near Skaneateles, New York, and when
this too ran aground, he went back perforce to the cut-throat
system of civilized competition. But this had become unendurably
hateful to him, and he soon struck off for Ceresco, and became a
member of the Wisconsin Phalanx at that place, whereof he has
now for some months been a resident. Of this Association he
writes:
"I have worked in the various groups side by side with the
members, and I have never seen a more persevering, practical,
matter-of-fact body of people in any such movement. Since I came
here last fall, I see a great improvement, both externally and
internally. Mr. Van Amringe, the energetic herald of national
and social reform, did a good work by his lectures here last
winter; and the meetings statedly held for intellectual and
social improvement, have an excellent effect. All now indicates
unity and fraternity. The Phalanx has erected and enclosed a new
unitary dwelling, one hundred feet long, two stories high, with
a spacious kitchen, belfry, etc. They have burnt a lime-kiln,
and are burning a brick-kiln of one hundred thousand bricks as
an experiment, and they bid fair to be first-rate. All this has
been accomplished this spring in addition to their agricultural
and horticultural operations. Their water-power is small, being
supplied from springs, which the drought of the last three
seasons has sensibly affected. In adding to their machinery,
they will have to resort to steam.
"The location is healthy and pleasant. The atmosphere is
uniformly pure, and a good breeze is generally blowing. I doubt
whether another site could be found combining so many natural
advantages. I have visited nearly all the associative
experiments in the country, and I like this the best. I think
it already beyond the possibility of failure.
D.S."
Mr. Van Amringe spent considerable time at Ceresco, and sent several
elaborate articles in favor of the Phalanx to the _Harbinger_. One of
the members wrote to him as follows:
"Since you left here a great change has taken place in the
feelings and tastes of the members, and that too for the better.
You will recollect the black and dirty appearance of the
buildings, and the wood-work inside scrubbed until it had the
appearance of a dirty white. About the first of May they made a
grand rally to alter the appearance of things. The long building
was white-washed inside and out, and the wood-work of nearly all
the houses has been painted. The school-house has been
white-washed and painted, the windows white, the panels of the
wood-work a light yellow, carvings around a light blue, the
seats and desks a light blue; this has made a great change in
its appearance. You will recollect the frame of a new building
that stood looking so distressed; about as much more was added
to it, and all covered and neatly painted. The corridor is now
finished; a handsome good kitchen has been put up in the rear of
the old one, with a bakery underneath; a beautiful cupola is on
the top, in which is placed a small bell, weighing one hundred
and two pounds, about the size of a steamboat bell; it can be
heard on the prairie. The blinds in the cupola windows are
painted green. Were you to see the place now you would be
surprised, and agreeably so, too. Some four or five have left
since spring; new members have been taken in their stead, and a
good exchange, I think, has been made. Two or three tailors,
and the same number of shoemakers, are expected shortly."
From the Annual Statement of the Condition and progress of the
Wisconsin Phalanx, for the fiscal year ending December 4, 1848.
"Religious meetings are sustained by us every Sabbath, in which
the largest liberty is extended to all in the search for truth.
In the educational department we do no more than sustain a
common school; but are waiting, anxiously waiting, for the time
when our condition will justify a more extended operation. In
the absence of a reading-room and library, one of our greatest
facilities for knowledge and general information is afforded by
a great number and variety of newspapers and periodical
publications, an interchange of which gives advantages in
advance of the isolated family. The number of resident members
is one hundred and twenty, viz.: sixty-three males and
fifty-seven females. The number of resident families is
twenty-nine. We have resident with us, who are not members, one
family and twelve single persons. Six families and three single
persons have left during the year, a part of whose stock we have
purchased. We have lost by death the past year seven persons,
viz.: one married lady (by consumption), one child two years of
age, and five infants. The health of the members has been good,
with the exception of a few cases of remittent and billious
fevers. The Phalanx has sustained a public boarding-house the
past year, at which the majority of the members have boarded at
a cost not exceeding seventy-five cents per week. The remaining
families board at their own apartments.
"The number of hours' labor performed during the year, reduced
to the medium class, is 97,036. The whole amount of property at
the appraisal, is $33,527.77. The net profits of the year are,
$8,077.02; which gives a dividend to stock of 6-1/4 per cent.,
and 6-1/4 cents per hour to labor. The annexed schedule
specifies the kinds and valuation of property on hand:
Real estate 1,793 acres at $3.00 $5,379.00
Live Stock 3,117.00
Mechanical tools 1,866.34
Farming tools 1,250.75
Mechanical improvements 14,655.00
Agricultural improvements 2,298.90
" products 3,161.56
Garden products 1,006.13
Miscellaneous property 793.09
-----------
Total amount $33,527.77
"S. BATES, President."
The following anonymous summary, well written and evidently authentic,
is taken from Macdonald's collection:
[History of the Wisconsin Phalanx, by a member.]
"In the winter of 1843-4 there was considerable excitement in
the village of Southport, Wisconsin (now Kenosha City), on the
subject of Association. The subject was taken up with much
feeling and interest at the village lyceum and in various public
meetings. Among the advocates of Association were a few persons
who determined in the spring of 1844 to make a practical
experiment. For that purpose a constitution was drawn up, and a
voluntary Association formed, which styled itself 'The Wisconsin
Phalanx.' As the movement began to ripen into action, the
friends fell off, and the circle narrowed down from about
seventy to twenty persons. This little band was composed mostly
of men with small means, sturdy constitutions, below the middle
age, and full of energy; men who had been poor, and had learned
early to buffet with the antagonisms of civilization; not highly
cultivated in the social and intellectual faculties, but more so
in the moral and industrial.
"They raised about $1,000 in money, which they sent to the
land-office at Green Bay, and entered a tract of land selected
by their committee, in a congressional township in the
north-west corner of Fond du Lac County, a township six miles
square, without a single inhabitant, and with no settlement
within twenty miles, except a few scattered families about Green
Lake.
"With teams, stock, tents, and implements of husbandry and
mechanism, they repaired to this spot in the latter part of May
1844, a distance of about one hundred and twenty-five miles from
their homes, and commenced building and breaking up land, etc.
They did not erect a log house, but split out of the tough burr
and white oak of the 'openings,' shingles, clapboards, floors,
frames and all the materials of a house, and soon prepared a
shelter. Their families were then moved on. Late in the fall a
saw-mill was built, and every thing prepared as well as could be
for the winter. Their dwellings would have been unendurable at
other times and under other circumstances; but at this time
zeal, energy, excitement and hope kept them from complaining.
Their land, which was subsequently increased to 1,800 acres,
mostly at $1.25 per acre, consisted of 'openings,' prairie and
timber, well watered, and with several small water-powers on the
tract; a fertile soil, with as healthy a climate as could be
found in the Western States.
"It was agreed to name the new town Ceresco, and a post-office
was applied for under that name, and obtained. One of the
members always held the office of post-master, until the
administration of General Taylor, when the office was removed
about three-quarters of a mile to a rival village. In the winter
of 1844-5, the Association asked the Legislature to organize
their town, which was readily done under the adopted name. A few
settlers had by this time moved into the town (which, owing to
the large proportion of prairie, was not rapidly settled), and
in the spring they held their election. Every officer chosen was
a member of the society, and as they were required to elect
Justices and had no need of any, they chose the three oldest
men. From that time until the dissolution of the society nearly
every town-office of importance was filled by its members. They
had also one of their members in both Constitutional Conventions
of the State, and three in the State Senate for one term of two
sessions. Subsequently one of their members was a candidate for
Governor, receiving more votes in his town than both of the
other candidates together; but only a small vote in the State,
as he was the free-soil candidate.
"The Association drew up and prepared a charter or act of
incorporation upon which they agreed, and applied to the
Legislature for its passage; which was granted; and thus they
became a body corporate and politic, known in the land as the
'Wisconsin Phalanx.' All the business was done in accordance
with and under this charter, until the property was divided and
the whole affair closed up. One clause in the charter prohibited
the sale of the land. This was subsequently altered at the
society's request, in an amendatory act in the session of
1849-50, for the purpose of allowing them to divide their
property.
"In the spring of 1845, after their organization under the
charter, they had considerable accession to their numbers, and
might have had greater; but were very careful about admitting
new members, and erred very much in making a property
qualification. About this time (1845) a question of policy arose
among the members, the decision of which is supposed by many
good judges to have been the principal cause of the ultimate
division and dissolution; it was, whether the dwellings should
be built in unitary blocks adapted to a common boarding-house,
or in isolated style, adapted to the separate family and single
living. It was decided by a small majority to pursue the unitary
plan, and this policy was persisted in until there was a
division of property. Whether this was the cause of failure or
not, it induced many of the best members to leave; and although
it might have been the true policy under other circumstances and
for other persons, in this case it was evidently wrong, for the
members were not socially developed sufficiently to maintain
such close relations. Notwithstanding this, they continued to
increase slowly, rejecting many more applicants than they
admitted; and often rejecting the better and admitting the
worse, because the worse had the property qualifications. In
this way they increased to the maximum of thirty-three families.
They had no pecuniary difficulties, for they kept mostly out of
debt.
"It was a great reading Community; often averaging as many as
five or six regular newspapers to a family, and these constantly
exchanging with each other. They were not religious, but mostly
rather skeptical, except a few elderly orthodox persons. [This
hardly agrees with the statement and protest on the 436th page.]
"They were very industrious, and had many discussions and warm
arguments about work, manners, progress, etc.; but still they
continued to work and scold, and scold and work, with much
energy, and to much effect. They raised one season ten thousand
bushels of wheat, and much other grain; had about seven hundred
acres under cultivation; but committed a great error in
cultivating four hundred acres on the school lands adjoining
their own, because it lay a little better for a large field.
They had subsequently to remove their fences and leave that
land, for they did not wish to buy it.
"Their charter elections were annual, and were often warmly
contested, and turned mainly on the question of unitary or
isolated households; but they never went beyond words in their
contentions.
"They were all temperance men and women: no ardent spirits were
kept or sold for the first four years in the township, and never
on the domain, while it was held as joint-stock.
"Their system of labor and pay was somewhat complicated, and
never could be satisfactorily arranged. The farmers and
mechanics were always jealous of each other, and could not be
brought to feel near enough to work on and divide the profits at
the end of the year; but as they ever hoped to get over this
difficulty, they said but very little about it. In their system
of labor they formed groups for each kind of work; each group,
when consisting of three or more, choosing its own foreman, who
kept the account of the time worked by each member, and reported
weekly to a meeting of all the members, which regulated the
average; and then the Secretary copied it; and at the end of the
fiscal year each person drew, on his labor account, his
proportion of the three-fourths of the increase and products
which was allotted to labor, and on his stock shares, his
proportion of the one-fourth that was divided to stock. The
amount so divided was ascertained by an annual appraisal of all
the property, thus ascertaining the rise or increase in value,
as well as the product of labor. The dividend to capital was,
however, usually considered too large and disproportionate.
"The books and accounts were accurately kept by the Secretary,
and most of the individual transactions passed through this
form, thus leaving all accounts in the hands of a disinterested
person, open to inspection at all times, and bringing about an
annual settlement which avoided many difficulties incident to
civilization.
"The table of the Community, when kept as a public
boarding-house, where the families and visitors or travelers
were mostly seated, was set with plain but substantial food,
much like the tables of farmers in newly settled agricultural
States; but it often incurred the ridicule of loafers and
epicures, who travel much and fare better with strangers than at
home.
"They had among their number a few men of leading intellect who
always doubted the success of the experiment, and hence
determined to accumulate property individually by any and every
means called fair in competitive society. These would
occasionally gain some important positions in the society, and
representing it in part at home and abroad, caused much trouble.
By some they were accounted the principal cause of the final
failure.
"In the summer and fall of 1849 it became evident that a
dissolution and division was inevitable, and plans for doing it
within themselves, without recourse to courts of law, were
finally got up, and they determined to have it done by their
legal advisers as other business was done. At the annual
election in December 1849, the officers were elected with a view
to that particular business. They had already sold much of the
personal property and cancelled much of the stock. The highest
amount of stock ever issued was about $33,000, and this was
reduced by the sale of personal property up to January 1850, to
about $23,000; soon after which the charter was amended,
allowing the sale of real estate and the discontinuance of
annual settlement, schools, etc.
"In April 1850 they fixed on an appraisal of their lands in
small lots (having some of them cut into village and farm lots),
and commenced selling at public sale for stock, making the
appraisal the minimum, and leaving any lands open to entry,
after they had been offered publicly. During the summer of 1850
most of the lands were sold and most of the stock cancelled in
this way, under an arrangement by which each stockholder should
receive his proportional share of any surplus, or make up any
deficiency. Most of the members bought either farming lands or
village lots and became permanent inhabitants, thus continuing
the society and its influences to a considerable extent. They
divided about eight per cent. above par on the stock.
"Thus commenced, flourished and decayed this attempt at
industrial Association. It never attempted to follow Fourier or
any other teacher, but rather to strike out a path for itself.
It failed because its leading minds became satisfied that under
existing circumstances no important progress could be made,
rather than from a want of faith in the ultimate practicability
of Association.
"Many of the members regretted the dissolution, while others who
had gained property and become established in business through
the reputation of the Phalanx for credit and punctuality, seemed
to care very little about it. Being absorbed in the world-wide
spirit of speculation, and having their minds thus occupied,
they forgot the necessity for a social change, which once
appeared to them so important."
The writer of the foregoing was probably one of the leading members.
In a paragraph preceding the account he says that the Wisconsin
Phalanx had these three peculiarities, viz:
"1. The same individual who was the principal originator and organizer
of it, was also the one, who, throughout the experiment, had the
entire confidence of the members and stockholders; and finally did
nearly all the business in the closing up of its affairs.
"2. At the division of its property, it paid a premium on its stock,
instead of sustaining a loss.
"3. Neither the Association nor any of its members ever had a lawsuit
of any kind during its existence, or at its close.
"The truth is," he adds, "this attempt was pecuniarily successful; but
socially, a failure."
Macdonald concludes with the following note: "Mr. Daniels, a gentleman
who saw the whole progress of the Wisconsin Phalanx, says that the
cause of its breaking up was speculation; the love of money and the
want of love for Association. Their property becoming valuable, they
sold it for the purpose of making money out of it."
This explanation of the mystery of the failure agrees with the hints
at the conclusion of the previous account.
On the whole, the coroner's verdict in this case must be--'DIED, not
by any of the common diseases of Associations, such as poverty,
dissension, lack of wisdom, morality or religion, but by deliberate
suicide, for reasons not fully disclosed.'