Other Worlds / A story concerning the wealth earned by American citizens and showing how it can be secured to them instead of to the trusts

by Lena Jane Fry

Many children were adopted by the society when their mothers had been left destitute. These children were provided for by a special fund for that purpose. It took care of them until they were old enough to provide for themselves, but they were then bound to return to the fund a percentage of their earnings each day to keep up the same advantages for other children situated as they had been. Children adopted by the society were not taken away from their parents as they were from private persons, for the parent could live in the Colony, but the society could compel the children to live in the Colony until they had repaid it for any expense incurred in their childhood.

All young people who were employed by the society left a percentage of their earnings to be used for present necessities for either the aged or children, then they were exempt to the amount as well as the interest that would accrue from buying consumable shares, for the rising generation could do the same for them in their old age. This was one of the greatest advantages in the society, after the first generation of children were grown, for by that time the society knew the average expense of supporting each member.

The amount each member had to pay was so small that a large number invested their savings in factories. The stock was five dollars. That gave all a chance to invest. The poor man or woman who had their savings in the bank or those who lived on the investment of money, all had a chance to secure better interest. You see there was no risk. The market was already secured. Every member was interested.

Every dollar’s worth sold had to be by a member appointed by the President and approved by the members. For ten per cent on every dollar’s worth had to be allowed the society for securing the market. Ten per cent had to be allowed the member who bought from them also, but was not paid them in coin but added to the shares. That made it cheaper to them than advertising. The company had to employ the society’s members. Factories were started in the city, but only remained there until they were built in the Colony.

A committee of members could build a factory on the land secured by the society free from ground rent if it could be done without their going in debt, for no materials unpaid for could be brought upon the society’s land. This rule was made to prevent law suits that would endanger the society.

These members were allowed to make all they could out of it, within the rules, for a certain number of years, but had to sell to the society when the time was up, at the cost price of labor and materials, etc.

One or more people would take up the different branches and were given the exclusive right to sell to the society as long as they kept within the rules. The rules were that a member was to receive ten per cent on every dollar’s worth of goods they bought. This percentage was to be added to their shares. All goods to be sold at a price regulated by a committee of members and those who were investing in the enterprise. Dry goods of all kinds were represented, hardware, crockery, etc. A general overseer was appointed to see that a right percentage was paid to the society for securing the customers.

Three men started a hat factory, for both men and women’s hats. They were given the exclusive right to manufacture them as long as they kept within the rules of the society.

Two women started the millinery department. Four others dressmaking. Three men did tailoring, others took charge of the shoe department, all using their own capital, each group paying their share of the rent. Every line of business was represented that the members required.

It gave all a chance to invest their savings. As each business venture enlarged so that more partners were required to run it, the society took charge of it. In every instance those who started the business and had brought it to that point, were given charge of it at a percentage that paid them more than it would to keep on alone. The society had to pay cash for everything that it controlled; so did the members when they sold under the society’s patronage. If there was no debt there was no danger of the society being wrecked.