SOCIAL SOLUTIONS.
"I now wish," said Fern, "to consider the social and domestic interests
of the colony. How do you manage to keep up the necessary degree of
cleanliness, demanded by perfect sanitation in the living rooms of the
co-operators, without seriously disturbing the privacy of the family."
"That is a delicate matter, which by choice of the co-operators
themselves, easily adjusts itself to the requirements of the committee
members, who are chosen to take charge of the tri-weekly scrubbing and
sweeping. The detail for this work for each week, is made by the
assignment committee.
"They select from a class of workers, known as both skillful and
trustworthy. All rooms which the occupants desire to have cleaned, are
left open. All rooms that are found locked, are reported to the chairman
of the committee, whose duty it is to inspect them at a later period,
while the occupants are present. It is a matter which is well understood
by the members of the company, that rooms not accessible to the regular
cleaning force, must be kept sweet and tidy by the occupants themselves,
during hours which might be otherwise devoted to rest, amusement or
study.
"Under the pressure of such conditions, even the most exclusive, soon
voluntarily open all their rooms to the authorized force. Causes for
complaint against any member of the sanitary, inspection or assignment
committee, are corrected by the voters at monthly elections, held for
the purpose of selecting new committees. This system so appeals to that
innate sense of justice and harmony reigning in the hearts of our
people, that after a few months of experience, they are ready to
co-operate heartily in any sort of discipline which may be necessary to
secure the welfare of the entire colony.
"The peculiar charm of colony-life appeals to them so strongly, that to
be voted out of the organization on account of violation of rules, or of
any improper conduct, is universally considered as a most dreadful
calamity. The possibility of such a fate, like some hidden spectre, acts
as a restraining influence, which holds in check the most lawless,
stubborn, or self-opinionated. It soon makes them zealous, peace-loving
and obedient. Having once tasted the sweets of the co-operative system,
they have a wholesome dread of being obliged to return to the cruel
bitterness of the old competitive system!
"Among the most potent charms which have proved so attractive to Solaris
workers, is the condition of health, comfort and beauty, which surrounds
the laborer in every department of the farm.
"In store, work-shop, seed-room, dairy, mill, factory or packing-house,
the rooms are large, the light is abundant, ventilation perfect,
ceilings high; while both walls and ceilings are so beautifully and
artistically decorated, that love for the beautiful in the esthetic
nature, swells and grows to be a dominant passion. This passion soon
takes hold of both heart and brain, becoming the foundation of a
character-building-work of high order. Thus happily environed, our
people feast their eyes and merrily sing away the hours, which are
devoted to tasks they have learned to love. The tendency of these
things, is ever toward the good, the right, the pure and true! Under
such conditions, the demon of discontent, evil thinking and evil doing,
cannot thrive! His power wanes, he flies to the more congenial
surroundings which mark the dingy, ill smelling, overcrowded work-shops
of the competitive system!
"No wonder, when away from Solaris, our people are so anxious to return!
They come back convinced, that they have fortunately escaped from the
thralldom of a debasing, cruel system. A system which--utterly ignoring
the sacredness of human life--in a frenzy of selfish greed, has, so far
as the toilers of the world are concerned, turned the triumphs of modern
civilization into the mockery of a bitter curse! As affecting
themselves, our people perceive that, under the protecting mantle of
financial conditions which prevail here at Solaris, they, as members of
the company, are sure to secure every benefit, profit or advantage, that
may flow from the use of the best and most expensive kinds of
labor-saving machinery. Once aware of all the facts, thereafter, they
cannot under any circumstances, be induced to return to employment under
the old system.
"The advantage in favor of co-operative work is so great, that among our
women co-operators, there is a general desire to have it utilized to the
utmost; especially in all kinds of housework. The introduction of such a
wholesale system of house-cleaning, soon demands a better class of
sweepers, to take the place of the housewife's broom and dust pan.
"Large suction sweepers, worked by a powerful inhaling bellows, which
swiftly and silently suck up, from carpet, furniture, and curtains, all
particles of accumulated dust, are the perfected instruments chosen;
unlike the ordinary dust-raising machines, which must be followed by an
army of dusting cloths, these suction machines do perfect work, leaving
the air of the renovated room pure, wholesome and fairly free from
floating dust, with its accompanying cloud of disease-laden germs. Many
similar accomplishments in other departments of housework, soon convince
all opponents, that personal prejudice must not be allowed to interfere
with the working of the system."
"Pardon me Fillmore! If at this point I interrupt you, with a question
which I wish to preface with this remark! In the estimation of most
women, well-kept hands, are considered as a rule, to indicate the
measure of the owners refinement. According to my judgment, there is
nothing which so quickly destroys the contour and suppleness of the
hands, and that much prized, white, velvety smoothness of skin, as
dishwashing. As a matter of fact, the woman's self-respect is involved
in the loss. For this reason, I believe women dislike that disagreeable
part of housework more than any other. Premising that my theory is true,
how can you manage this matter at Solaris, in order to avoid trouble?"
"I accept your question as a welcome interruption! It gives me a chance
to tell you more about our kitchen work, which I feel sure will interest
you greatly!
"For reasons which I shall state presently, our women workers do not
desire to avoid frequent six-hour details as dishwashers at the
restaurant. By our new methods, the task is easily and quickly
accomplished.
"The washers are not required to put their hands into hot or cold water
during the process. Traveling carriers on either side of the dining
rooms, run to and from the kitchen. In one, the food comes to the
tables, in response to phone orders from the waiter. In the other, the
dishes are returned to the kitchen. There, the washers scrape the bones
and rejected food into the waiting barrels. These barrels when filled,
go to the feeding yards of the pigs and poultry.
"The dishes, after being scraped, are then placed in the washing
machine. This machine, run by electric power, is a wide, deep,
round-bottomed trough, built in a circle twenty feet in diameter. Along
the bottom of this trough, is a moving track, which travels slowly
around the circle with its train of metal carriers. On these carriers
are placed the dishes as they come from the hands of the scrapers. When
the carrier thus laden commences its circular journey, the
dishes--placed well apart--are subjected to dashing jets of warm, soapy
water, and then to more torrential jets of hot, and very hot pure water.
"Comfortably seated, at convenient points around the machine, the
washers control the force and quantity of the water jets, and whenever
necessary, assist the cleansing process with their long-handled swabs.
When this process is finished, the dishes arrive at the drying boards,
so hot that by the time the wipers with their thick towels have placed
them in the racks where they belong, all are perfectly clean and dry.
"Our pots, sauce pans, stew pans and kettles, are all designed for
electric cooking, and are made in shapes best adapted for easy cleaning.
For these, an additional washing-sink is provided. Over this sink,
connected with the electric wires, we have rigged three hanging
spindles, of as many different sizes. These spindles can be raised or
lowered by the operator, while they are in motion. Each spindle is
armed on every side with loose wings of alternating wire scrapers and
dish-cloths. The vessel to be cleansed is placed on the movable carrier
at the bottom of the sink. Passing under a spindle of the proper size,
the spindle is lowered, and at once begins to revolve with a strong,
rotary pressure. This searching, chafing pressure, in connection with
the hot-water jets, soon cleans and polishes the most obstinate among
the kettles.
"The kitchen and dish pantry combined, is a very large, well-lighted,
well-ventilated room. This room is constantly kept sweet and comfortable
by electric fans. The work is light, and never monotonous. Only two, of
the six hours devoted to kitchen duty, are spent in the active work of
dish washing. During the remaining hours, the washers take lessons in
cookery, from the chief and the two assistants. These three important
officials, are chosen from the ranks of competent volunteers. They are
responsible for the kitchen work. They plan all the meals, and direct
the work of the under cooks. The system soon comes to work like a charm!
I can truthfully say, that it gives general satisfaction.
"The success attending this extension of co-operative methods, to
embrace the entire list of worry-producing details which belong to
general house work, is hailed with delight by our matrons and maidens.
They keenly appreciate the great blessing of this movement, which has
rescued them from the harassing, health-destroying drudgery, of a house
wife on a small farm. They well know the sad story, which comes from
thousands of such farms, where isolated lives, overburden of cares and
long hours of irritating, never-ending toil, have produced such fearful,
mental depression, that as a result, we find six hundred farmers' wives,
among the inmates of asylums for the insane, in each one of the States
of Michigan and Kansas. The proportion for other agricultural States, is
doubtless much the same. What a horrible array of statistics, this is to
contemplate! What an indictment against existing agricultural
conditions! What a sad fate, to overtake the mothers of so many sons and
daughters of the farms of this Republic! Who can measure the intensity
of the agony and suffering, these children may thus inherit! What
possible argument, can speak more eloquently, or call more loudly, for
the immediate adoption of co-operative farming by our agricultural
people?
"In the matter of frequent bathing to maintain personal cleanliness; the
popularity, with both old and young, of our fine hot and cold, plunge,
swimming and shower baths, free to all, which are kept open in
connection with the laundry; proves conclusively, that the habit of
cleanliness, like all other habits, is the result of environment; or in
other words, of opportunity and the strong impulse of social example.
"In treating your question as though it contained several sub-divisions,
I may perhaps have made my answer too lengthy. Do you find it so?"
"Oh no! On the contrary it is clear, brief, interesting and to the
point! You have told me just what I most desired to know! I perceive
that the practical working of a co-operative colony, answers a great
many puzzling questions, which hitherto, we have passed by as hopeless
problems. From the commencement of this work, I have been concerned,
lest the discipline necessary to maintain a proper working harmony in
such a large colony, should prove a fruitful source of discontent. I am
rejoiced to find that my fears were groundless!
"This brings me to my second question. Do you find homesickness among
the colonists, a frequent cause of discontent?"
"On the contrary, the number of such cases has been surprisingly small.
Owing, doubtless, to the marked change from isolated conditions of small
farm life, to the superior advantages for education, amusement, social
enjoyment, and the all-pervading enthusiasm of congenial, co-operative
work; which here at Solaris, leaves no time for such fits of brooding
over the past, as usually result in that severe mental depression, which
we call homesickness. Perhaps one individual in fifty, is so constituted
that homesickness becomes a serious illness. In such cases, the
executive committee is authorized to grant the necessary leave of
absence. Always providing of course, that the applicant is willing to
comply with a rule of the organization, which assigns the pay of the
absentee to the general service fund, for the number of days such
absence may continue. A strict observance of this rule, leaves no cause
for complaint by those who remain.
"In considering the question from another standpoint, we find the
general tone and disposition of our people, has been raised to a much
higher, happier pitch, by the evolution of the musical spirit,
introduced and inspired by the work of the dancing and musical clubs.
Stimulated by the prizes offered by the general manager, a great number
of beautiful farm songs have been completed, and adapted to a large
variety of farm work. These songs have been taken up by a goodly number
of glee clubs, organized for the purpose from among those members of the
musical club, who had the good fortune to possess a fine quality of
voice.
"Careful training and steady practice, soon enabled these lesser vocal
organizations, to render the entire list of songs, with a mellow
smoothness, an inspiring swing of rythm, and a well rounded tone of
perfection, which was really quite surprising. These vocalists,
scattered through the fifties and hundreds of farm workers in the hay,
harvest, corn and cotton fields; the nursery, gardens, orchards and
vineyards; the dairy, mills, factories and packing-houses; the brick
works, mines and quarries; the workshops of the store, and the assembly
meetings of the co-operators; became competent teachers, who, by their
leadership and example, soon made it possible for every member of the
colony, to master both words and music of all the songs. This course of
vocal training proved so fascinating, that our people literally absorbed
it! The children, even more quickly than the adults!
"Thoroughly tested in the practical work of every department of the
farm; the beneficial effect has proved a marvel, which has far exceeded
the expectations of our musical enthusiasts. Many fine voices have been
discovered, developed and trained. The benign influence of this musical
wave, has shown a constant tendency to extend its sway in all
directions. This blending of voices, has added a hitherto unknown zest
to the work; and a stronger tie to every association connected with it.
Best of all, as directly affecting the question under discussion! It has
proved a most potent factor in driving away the spirit of ill-humor,
inharmony, and discontent; also in breaking the charm of old
associations, home ties, and retrospective, social memories, so
conducive to attacks of homesickness. The exhilarating, helpful rythm,
of these inspiring songs, has given an added force to the working power
of the farm. It has largely reduced the fatigue, and increased the
amount of work that can be performed in a given time. Further, we find
the general mental, physical and spiritual health of our people,
correspondingly improved.
"A curious fact, is disclosed by these vocal experiments. It is this,
that the vibration of musical tones, in the blending voices of a mixed
multitude, produces a moral, mental and spiritual harmony, such as
cannot be achieved in any other way. In point of fact, we get a
composite expression of the highest soul element of the mass--a new
phase of the exceeding fruitfulness of co-operative effort! It may be
stated in conclusion, that there comes to the minds of our people, an
added power, flowing from the general hypnotic effect, of harmonious
co-operation. This power brings with it a right conception of human
life, in which a certain amount of necessary, productive labor, becomes
the keynote, which completes a perfect anthem, and more symmetrically
rounds out the full measure, melody and grandeur, of an individual
existence. What think you of these results?"
"They are very wonderful indeed! They reflect much credit on the
excellent work inspired by the dancing and musical clubs; also on the
genius and culture of the vocalists, and the marvelous efficiency of a
well-directed co-operative effort. This triumph in a new field, which so
increases the possibilities of soul expression, suggests the use of
music as a prime factor in all future systems for ethical culture.
"Now Fillmore, please tell me. How has the example of Solaris farm,
affected the industrial, social, and political situation in this town
and county?"
"The effect has been favorable in every way! The attractiveness of our
social organization! the financial success which has crowned our farming
and manufacturing operations; the opportunities offered for young men to
learn so much of the industrial arts; the short hours of light labor;
the long hours of leisure for rest, study and amusement; the
educational, health-giving character, of the amusements; the
fascination, of the club-system of education for adults; the
irresistible charm, of the dancing and vocal entertainments; the
generous wages paid to the co-operators, which affords for them such an
abundant supply of food, clothing and books; the fine quality and
perfect reliability of the large assortment of goods in the farm-store;
the advantages of a rational scheme of insurance, which stands as an
absolute safe-guard against accidents, sickness and old-age; the
improved conditions for women, which largely relieves them from the
irritating, nerve-destroying worry, of a constant burden of household
cares; the fostering care for children, which insures for them ideal
opportunities for birth, unfoldment and education; the manifest
advantage of farming on a scale large enough to allow the use of the
latest and best labor-saving machinery; the astonishing array of huge,
modern barns, storing, curing and packing houses; the wonderful
cheapness and utility of the electric power; the long list of farm
implements, many of them especially invented, which followed the
introduction of this magic-working power; the wide publicity given to
these things through the columns of the Solaris Sentinel, our weekly
farm paper, sent free to friends of the colonists, and to all who ask
for it; considered altogether as a comprehensive whole, is a startling
combination, which has arrested the attention, aroused the interest and
provoked the astonishment of surrounding communities, far and near. As a
consequence, our office has been overwhelmed with a flood of
correspondence from interested enquirers, followed by an ever-increasing
stream of visitors to Solaris, to see for themselves, the verity of this
twentieth century model of farm innovation. In order to answer the great
bulk of queries, emanating from these two sources, a series of articles
describing the object and purpose, and explaining the details of the
enterprise, has been prepared for the columns of the Sentinel. With an
extra large edition of this newspaper, we are prepared to supply as many
interested people as may apply.
"The applications to join the company, made by progressive young farmers
in this and adjacent counties, have become so frequent and persistent,
that finally we have consented to prepare the leaders for another
co-operative colony, which we propose to locate on a certain one, of the
nine remaining Fenwick-farm-sites, which happens to be in this county,
only ten miles distant from Solaris. This preparatory class, is limited
to fifty people; one-half females, married couples ranging from eighteen
to twenty-five years of age, preferred. The course for this class,
contemplates one year of practical work, embracing all departments of
the farm.
"The membership of this class, was filled six months ago. Six months
hence, the graduates will be prepared to organize the new colony. I am
greatly interested in the scheme, and have promised to aid in every
possible way.
"To this body of pupils, is referred all applications from prospective
co-operators. Judging from the mass of applications already accumulated,
when the time of organization for the new colony arrives, the list of
eligible applicants will probably contain a thousand names. The outlook
for the new farm company, seems unusually bright!
"Both board and tuition for these pupils, are donated by Solaris Farm.
At the end of the year, $100 in Solaris scrip, will be paid to each one,
as some sort of compensation for the year's work. This arrangement is
accepted by the pupils, as fair and perfectly satisfactory.
"Referring to the relations existing between the Solaris Farm Company,
and the township and county officials. It is noteworthy, that no serious
friction has arisen. One year ago, a large proportion of town officers,
including the assessor, town clerk, magistrate and chairman of the Board
of Supervisors, were chosen from Solaris. Owing to the small,
much-scattered, population of this county, the present county sheriff,
auditor and treasurer, are also Solaris co-operators. The manifest
integrity of this institution, seems to be accepted by the voters of the
county, as a guarantee of the honesty and ability of its members. The
significance of this approval, so early in the history of the movement,
augurs well for the future dominancy of our social and industrial
system, as a political factor in both town and county.
"The Solaris Company has erected a roomy, substantial building, for the
use of the town officials, for which a moderate rent is paid from the
town-treasury. The county officers have secured one hundred acres of
land two miles from Solaris, just outside the farm limits. On this, they
propose to erect a suitable brick building for the county offices. The
farm company, now has the contract to furnish the brick and erect the
building. Pending its completion, the county officials occupy rented
quarters in Solaris, which is by far the largest business center in the
county. From this statement of the situation, you will observe that our
co-operative vote already holds a balance of power, which controls the
policy of both town and county. With the advent of Colony number 2, the
interests of co-operation in this county, are secure for all time.
Meanwhile, we are encouraged to hope that before the close of the
twentieth century, what co-operation has already achieved at Solaris,
may be accomplished in every town, county and state in the Republic!
"You ask, what disposition is made of the salaries of such co-operators
as are elected to fill town and county offices?
"They are paid in scrip. The salaries or fees which they receive from
town or county, are turned into the company treasury. As these
co-operators, in holding such offices, are in a position to materially
aid the co-operative movement. They are justly excused from farm-work,
whenever their official duties require attention."
"Splendid! my dear Fillmore! Your report is very interesting, and even
more encouraging! It seems the beginning of a fulfillment of my father's
hopes, dreams and prophecies! I am anxious for the time to come, when he
can tell you how much he is pleased with your work!"