The president was appointed for five years with this proviso: That he proved himself capable of directing the affairs of the Colony in a satisfactory manner to at least three-fourths of the members; that he had the ability to manage so as to ensure the returns from the money or labor invested that the society guaranteed to its members; that he was working for the advantage of the largest number instead of a privileged few; that he was keeping all revenue on record as well as expenditure, so that the members could at any time have the accounts audited; that his security was increased as the wealth of the Colony advanced, so that he could not endanger the members’ shares as so many people have done; that when the temptation became too strong (from the members’ indifference or overconfidence) he could not if he would “feather his own nest” by neglecting the members’ interests.
Tom Vivian made these rules, not to protect the members against himself, but all members in all societies that were formed later. He saw the temptations that inexperienced members left in his hands, and he knew that riches harden the majority of people’s minds, so he intended to protect them in every possible way that he could think of.
A president had to be an honorable member of society, and not addicted to any habits that would bring disgrace upon said society. He had to be honest and truthful in his dealings. He had to live in the Colony that he was overseeing and give his undivided attention to its interests (except in its beginning when he had to provide for his living as well), attending to the society’s business transactions, etc. The president had to be free from all burdens that would interfere with his giving his whole attention to the society except as stated in the first year or two, or as long as it took him to place it on a paying basis.
The president being organizer as well as manager of the society was allowed a percentage of shares instead of a salary. The members realizing that he had devoted several years of his time and energy to the cause, presented them to him when the first farm was secured. He, realizing that he had to be self-sustaining at first when he took up his duties on the farm, purchased enough cows to supply the members with milk and butter. He also bought poultry (particularly hens), as milk and eggs were always in demand, they helped to secure him an income. He was also given the benefit of all the garden truck he produced the first two years, the members being allowed 10 per cent on anything they bought from the society. He also received a percentage on each member that was enrolled on the day the society was organized.
This percentage was one dollar per member, but was not paid in coin but was allowed him on the purchase of permanent shares. In paying for labor on his personal account he could sell these shares, excepting the amount the society compelled him as well as all other members to keep in the society.
He could issue scrip with the consent of the members to the amount of his personal wealth or security.
The third year the society was able to buy out both the hennery and dairy, for they were in a position then to give him a percentage of all its business transactions. Several farms had to be secured at this time for pasture lands, and a separate place for the hennery. The president secured a large number of shares by the transaction, but he could not exact money. His shares secured him a suite of rooms in an apartment house, then the percentage he received on all the business he managed for the society secured him a better income.
CHAPTER IV.
There is a direct law of attraction that very few people recognize. In the beginning of the society, if Tom Vivian had been told that he would marry soon, he would have scorned the idea. “I am devoted to the cause of the people,” he would have told you, “and I have no time to devote to love affairs,” and yet he was the first to succumb. Nellie Gaylord was a friend of Scoris Vivian, and when the society was started she took an active interest in it. It was soon seen that Tom Vivian referred oftener to Nellie’s opinion than he did to others in cases of importance, until he believed that she was necessary to the success of the society. That he was in love no one doubted, and it was a satisfaction to many members when they were able to say: “Didn’t I tell you so? Oh, you can’t fool me.”
Nellie’s life had been a sad one in some respects before she became identified with the society, then everything changed for the better. She had some one to love, honor, yes, almost worship, in Tom Vivian. I am going back in her life, though, to the time when she was earning her living before she was married. She had been a stenographer and when her eyesight troubled her she found that she would have to take employment in something that would require less application. At this time she was in a factory where she was head forewoman over a large number of girls, all running power sewing machines, making ladies’ underwear. Her duty was to inspect the work and see that no one wasted time. She sometimes regretted that she had to work among a class who never seemed to think of anything beyond pay-day or “their fellows,” as they expressed it. The idea of bettering their condition never seemed to enter their mind unless it was perhaps some day to marry a rich man like some other girl they had heard of. To marry one day was fully expected, but pay-day generally outweighed all other considerations. Today, however, she was thinking of herself as this was her twentieth birthday and it brought up the sad memories of a time when her mother used to remember it by some little gift, or her father would arrange to take her to some amusement in honor of the occasion. Now both had gone from her and she was among a lot of girls to whom she thought she couldn’t possibly talk of the things that interested her most. She looked up presently and saw two girls holding out a silk waist for the admiration of their friends. “I am thirty-six bust measure and will try it on if you like,” she said, as they were looking at her after asking who was that measurement.