680 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
lost some 40,000. However, there was such religious disci- pline there, and the leaders had such good sense, that they were enabled to institute a system of rigid economy in the colony which put them on their feet once more. There was no reli- gious discipline at Ruskin, but an economic control would, I think, have answered the purpose.
Another serious evil that colonies have to contend with is the political ring. This will spring up in favorable soil, and it has a tendency to put incompetent men into office, who can do the colony serious injury.
The successful co-operative village furnishes more opportu- nities for economy, culture, and amusement than any other vil- lage of its size. It creates neither beggars nor tramps, but, recognizing its duty toward dependents and defectives, it sup- ports them in a rational way. It gives security of employment and of a livelihood. The intelligent and strong help those who are not so fortunate. It is in many respects like a large family, and tends to restore some of the good features of mediaeval family life. It is, therefore, a subject worthy of further experi- ment by intelligent and successful business people.
J. W. BRAAM.
CHICAGO.
