THE HUMAN ELEMENT 285 



The fact is now recognised by the leaders 

 of the new economic movement in Ireland that 

 one of the most effectual means of checking 

 this constant emigration to the United States 

 will be found in improving the conditions of 

 rural life in Ireland, by cultivating afresh not 

 alone material advantages, but also those social 

 instincts which form so characteristic a phase 

 of the Irishman's natural temperament. Thus 

 it comes that rural co-operative societies are 

 fulfilling much more than a purely commercial 

 purpose. Some of them have provided halls 

 and recreation rooms ; others utilize the offices 

 connected with the creameries for dances and 

 other gatherings ; and about fifty of them have 

 opened libraries in the interests of their members. 



All these things increase the attachment felt 

 towards the societies, and the combination of 

 what may be called the human with the business 

 element is having the best of results, alike for 

 the people themselves and for the enterprises 

 in which they have embarked. In other coun- 

 tries such combination might not be either 

 necessary or desirable ; but to the Irish peasantry 

 it appeals with special force. Experience gained 

 in organizing the new movement has shown that 

 in the poorest districts particularly it is of little 

 use to appeal only to the personal interests of 



