OLD IDEALS AND NEW CONDITIONS 



which adjusts itself to tho old ideal of individual in- 

 dependence and of giving the laborer the full fruit of 

 his toil, yet provides for that economic solidarity which 

 forms so conspicuous and reasonable a part of tho de- 

 mands of radical social reformers. In this case, unlike 

 Socialism, solidarity is effected without weakening tho 

 power of tho community by first weakening tho power 

 of the individuals who compose the community. 



Co-operation is no idle dream or vague speculation. 

 It is one of the fixed facts in the world's economy. In 

 one form or another it flourishes in many countries, but 

 it has found most fertile soil among English-speaking 

 peoples. Reference has already been made to what has 

 been accomplished in Utah and in Ireland among agri- 

 cultural populations, and by building and loan societies 

 in cities and towns throughout the United States. In 

 England co-operation has assumed enormous proportions, 

 and is extending rapidly in every direction. It conducts 

 stores, farms, and all varieties of shops, factories, and 

 mills. In some instances it even maintains railroad and 

 steamship lines. It has surplus profits to invest in new 

 enterprises, in model town and suburban homes for the 

 workers, and even in a delightful summer retreat for 

 convalescents among the Scottish Highlands. Mr. Henry 

 D. Lloyd's recent book on Labor Copartnership did much 

 to enlighten the world concerning tho wonderful but si- 

 lent movement which is enabling the British masses to 

 help themselves and each other along the upward path 

 of improved social and industrial conditions. 



The growth of co-operative fruit exchanges in Califor- 

 nia is another luminous instance which goes to prove the 

 capacity of our race to settle its own problems through 

 u 305 



