566 INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONS. 



length to the literal working together for mutual benefit. 

 Says Mr. Schloss in his Methods of Industrial Itemunera- 

 tion 



&quot;The accepted theory of Industrial Co-operation proposes that the 

 actual workers in the co-operative business (a) are to be self -governed, 

 and (5) are to take an equitable share in the profits.&quot; 



As already pointed out, the idea of cooperative production 

 dates far back. Abortive attempts to put it in practice 

 were made during the earlier stages of the general move 

 ment; and, during its later stages, have been associated 

 with the more successful plans for what is distinguished as 

 cooperative distribution. It will suffice here to name the 

 efforts made by the &quot; Christian Socialists&quot;- a title quite 

 appropriate, since they were in large measure prompted by 

 beliefs concerning man and conduct like those embodied in 

 the Christian ethical doctrine. Though they did not pro 

 pose to &quot; take no thought for the morrow,&quot; or enjoin as a 

 duty &quot; Sell all thou hast and give to the poor; &quot; yet their 

 conception of social re-organization on a cooperative basis, 

 was pervaded by kindred disregard of economic principles 

 and the essential facts of human nature. The dozen bodies 

 of cooperators in one or other trade, formed in London by 

 Mr. F. D. Maurice and his friends, quickly displayed &quot;the 

 demons of internal discord and external rivalry.&quot; They 

 &quot; were actuated by a thoroughly mercenary competitive 

 spirit.&quot; Each of the three associations first formed &quot; had 

 quarrelled with, and turned out, its original manager within 

 six months.&quot; Within a year all three had broken up; and 

 within a few years the entire dozen had &quot; either dissolved 

 without trace, or degenerated into the profit-making under 

 takings of small masters.&quot; In sundry places in the pro 

 vinces like combinations were formed; but &quot; they failed as 

 the others had failed.&quot; In Lancashire, however, where the 

 combinations for distribution had succeeded so well, partial 

 success attended the combinations for production. Cotton 

 manufacture was entered upon. 



