theories, so as to educe a system of practice conformable to the reality of things. If we are to be deterred from pointing out the absurdities of a social theory by respect for the character of its author, the advance of truth on the very imimportant subject with which Socialism deals would be seriously compromised. If it is true that there is in man a something essentially different from anything belonging to a machine, then a theory of human society, founded upon a philosophy which leaves out this something, cannot be a safe guide, although it may have exercised a very beneficial influence on those who embraced it, through its association with aspirations, practically belonging to this "something" which the theory left out. Mr. Robert Owen's theory of Socialism appears to me to be in the position thus described. Therefore do I attack it, while I respect the character of its propounder, and desire, as far as in me lies, to recognize the truth contained in his doctrine, in spite of its absurdities. EDWARD VANSITTART NEALE. (To the Editor of the "Working Man.") SIR,-As many inquiries have been made through the medium of the Working Man and Co-operator as to the most efficient mode of checks which could be put upon co-operative officials, and as I have never as yet seen any suggestion but what appeared far from being what was required, would you have the kindness to grant me a small space in your next issue, for the purpose of laying down a plan which I think will effectually meet the difficulty. I will suppose a society doing business at the rate of £6,000 per quarter, and suppose it to be done in the proportions as stated below, which I think are about the average for Provincial Societies :— From the foregoing table it will be seen that the total amount of depreciation on £6000 is £158 11s. 2d., which is two and nine-fourteenths per cent, on the gross amount. The above table is drawn, after carefully testing the various kinds of goods, by an EXPERIENCED MANAGER. (To the Editor of the " Working Man.") THE INFLUENCE OF NAMES. The term Natural v. the term Beast. The term Civilized v. the term Unnatural. "The influence of names is in exact proportion to the want of knowledge."-Paley. THERE are no terms which have a greater influence on the minds of ignorant men than the above. Ask any man who is influenced by such expressions, what he considers to be the meaning of the term "Natural," and he will explain that it is to do something which the lower animals or savages do, or it is not to do something which the lower animals or savages do not do. Ask the same man what he considers to be the meaning of the term "Beast," and he will give you the same explanation. Ask the same man the meaning of the term "Civilized," and he will say that it is human invention, producing a different state of things to what is experienced in a state of nature. Ask the same man the meaning of the term "Unnatural," and he will give you exactly the same explanation. Now the most extraordinary thing is this, that although the firstmentioned two terms, as well as the last-mentioned two terms, have exactly the opposite impression on the minds of ignorant men, their meaning is precisely the same. So powerful is the influence of big names. "You are worse than the brute beasts, for they do such and such things," says one man. "You are a beast," says another; "you are only fit to be classed with the lower animals, for it is such as they that do such and such things.' "You are not fit to live in a civilized country," says a third, "if you cannot restrain all your natural passions to meet the state of things produced by civilization." "You are an unnatural wretch," says a fourth, "if you resist those feelings given you by nature." So much for the influence of names, mere sounds used to induce men without money and education to act as those with money and education. Would that they should act, though they act on directly opposite principles themselves, and they are taught to restrain those animal passions which are not wanted by them, and to give full vent to those which they may consider useful, as when they find an animal passion useful, they hold it up, and it is then men are referred for an example to the brute beasts; but when they consider an animal passion not useful, then we are told that we should be becoming like unto the lower animals were we to give way to it. For instance, a labouring man's wife's passion for rearing up a family proves useful by replenishing the slave market, and then the lower animals are referred to as a good example; but should the lower animal (which is constantly the case) kill its young when apprehensive of danger, then the animal is referred to as a bad example. There is another reason besides the want of knowledge which cause men to be led by sounds, which depend upon the position in which a man is placed. Men struggle hard to encourage in their own breast opinions which are most convenient for them to hold in the particular position, occupation, or circumstances, under which they are placed; so do they bend to circumstances. "Convince a man against his will, and he will be of the same opinion still." Imagine a man in humble life, with a family of children living in one room, how fond he is of all of them, the repeated attention he pays to them, the hours he nurses the baby-this is a man's fondness for children in humble life. But stop! a distant relation dies, he comes into possession of a large fortune, how is he now? In a drawing room. Where are the children? Where is the baby? They are gone, not only out of his sight, but out of his hearing, too; his wife, who used to be such a fond mother, is with him; not a sound is heard, the children are in the nursery, and a poor man's wife is hired as a wet nurse, to rob her own child to nurture others. What they used to look upon as pleasure they now look upon as pain. I remember reading the following lines in Punch : MATRIMONY IN HIGH LIFE.-Wife to her Husband.-" Oh! dear Charles, can you show me the way to the nursery, I have not seen the children for ever so long; I really am getting quite anxious," So do our opinions alter, when the causes which originated and encouraged their formation have flown. Men act more from habit than reflection. "Man is a bundle of habits."-Paley. 3, North Place, Kennington Road, Lambeth, 1862. W. H. PEAKOME. THE WORKING MAN'S CENTRAL CIRCULATING LIBRARY. Working Men's Societies and Institutes, Co-operative Societies, Reading Clubs, &c., can be supplied with a weekly parcel of Books for One Guinea per annum. For particulars, rules, and catalogues, apply to the Librarian, "Working Man" Office, 335, Strand, W.C. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *** All letters not duly pre-paid will be returned. We ask a little care to be observed. OUR Correspondents are particularly requested to address their letters to the Editor of the Working Man, 335, Strand, and not to the Publisher, as it causes confusion and delay. Our space being, now that we appear but once a month, very limited, we must beg our friends to be as concise as possible, and to send their communications early in the month; all that reaches us after the 14th has very little chance of insertion. J. C. FARN.-Please send earlier in future. W. H. PEA KOMES.-Received. A SUBSCRIBER.-We shall ask for the Balance Sheet, as you request, of the International Welcome Committee. The WORKING MAN is sold in London by ford-street. Mr. Ferguson, Goldsmith-row, Hackney-rd. | Mr. Hammond, 56, Seymour-place, Craw- E. Gardener, 45, Paddington-st. Marylebone Mr. Jenkins, 274, Strand, Mr. Nye, 75, Theobald's Road. Newsvendors' Company, 147, Fleet-street. Swinton. Mr. Shepherd. Yorkshire. Mr. Tipping, South Eston. Manchester.-Abel Heywood, Oldham-st. ***Agents willing to sell the "Working Man" are requested to send their names and addresses forthwith. The Working Man's Co-operative and Labour Tracts. Co-operative Societies can be supplied with these Tracts and have their name, address, &c., printed at the back without extra charge. Apply to the Editor of the " Working Man." Tract No. I, “Annals of Labour.” To be followed by No. 2, "UNION IS STRENGTH," and others. Price 6d. per 100 or 4s. per 1,000. LA DR. R. SMITH has just published a FREE EDITION of 20,000 copies of his valuable work, THE PRIVATE MEDICAL FRIEND (116 pages), on the Self-cure of Nervous Debility, Loss of Memory, Dimness of Sight, Lassitude, &c. Copies may be had free, by sending a stamped directed envelope to the author's residence, 8, Burton-crescent, London, W.C. THE CO-OPERATOR, 1d. Monthly, 16 pp., royal 8vo., edited by Henry Pitman. Published by F. Pitman, 20, Paternoster-row, London, E.C. PERSONS OF NEGLECTED EDUCATION, and others. TPERSONS setters (short) at 2s. per dozen. Lectures, Sermons, &c, &c., copied. French translated. Debts colleeted. Wills searched and copied. Terus moderate. Apply to M. M., at Mrs. Ireland's, 26A, London-street. near Fitzroy-square, London. Letters written, &c., &o., and sent to any part of the United Kingdom, THE BEST REMEDY FOR INDIGESTION!! NORTON'S CAMOMILE PILLS Are confidently recommended as a simple but certain remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject, being a medicine so uniformly grateful and beneficial, that it is with justice called the "Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach." NORTON'S PILLS act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient; are mild in their operation; safe under any circumstances; and thousands of persons can now bear testimony to the benefits to be derived from their use.-Sold in Bottles at 1s. 1 d., 2s. 9d., and 11s. each, in every town in the kingdom. CAUTION!-Be sure to ask for "NORTON'S PILLS," and do not be persuaded to purchase the various imitations. RUPTURES.-BY ROYAL LETTERS PATENT. HITE'S MOC-MAIN LEVER TRUSS is allowed by upwards of WE 200 Medical Gentlemen to be the most effective invention in the curative treatment of HERNIA. The use of a steel spring, so hurtful in its effects, is here avoided: a soft bandage being worn round the body, while the requisite resisting power is supplied by the MOC-MAIN PAD and PATENT LEVER, fitting with so much ease and closeness that it cannot be detected, and may be worn during sleep. A descriptive circular may be had. and the Truss (which cannot fail to fit) forwarded by post, on the circumference of the body, two inches below the hips, being sent to the Manufacturer, MR. JOHN WHITE, 228, PICCADILLY, LONDON. Price of a Single Truss, 16s., 21s., 26s. 6d., and 31s. 6d. Postage 18. ELASTIC STOCKINGS, KNEE-CAPS, &c., &c., VARICOSE VEINS, and all cases of WEAKNESS, and SWELLING of the LEGS, SPRAINS, &c. They are porous, light in texture, and inexpensive, and are drawn on like an ordinary stocking. Price, from 4s. 6d. 7s. 6d., 10s., to 16s. each. Postage 6d. JOHN WHITE, MANUFACTURER, 228, PICCADILLY, LONDON. TO CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES. DIES AND METALLIC TICKETS FOR CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, manufactured in Tin, Brass, and Copper; also Seals and Presses for Documents, Note-headings, &c., &c.-HENRY SMITH, 17, HAMPTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM. N.B.-Samples and Prices post free. HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.-Coughs, Influenza. The soothing properties of these medicaments render them well worthy of trial in all diseases of the lungs. In common colds and influenza, the Pills internally and the Ointment rubbed externally are exceeding efficacious. When influenza is epidemic this treatment is easiest, safest, and surest. Holloway's Pills and Ointment purify the blood, remove all obstructions to its free circulation through the lungs, relieve the over-gorged air-tubes, and render respiration free, without reducing the strength, irritating the nerves, or depressing the spirits; such are the ready means of saving suffering persous when afflicted with colds, coughs, bronchitis, and other chest complaints, by which so many are seriously and permanently afflicted in this climate. FOR OR Good, Cheap, and Fashionable CLOTHING, order from WM. TURNBULL, 39, Maddox-street. Regent-street, W.C. A CLEAR COMPLEXION!! GODFREY'S EXTRACT OF ELDER FLOWERS Is strongly recommended for Softening, Improving, Beautifying, and Preserving the SKIN, and giving it a blooming and charming appearance. It will completely remove Tan, Sunburn, Redness, &c., and by its Balsamic and Healing qualities, render the skin soft, pliable and free from dryness, &c., clear it from every humour, pimple, or eruption, and by continuing its use only a short time, the skin will become and continue soft and smooth, and the complexion perfectly clear and beautiful.—Sold in Bottles, prices 2s. 9d., by all Medicine Vendors and Perfumers. PRIZE MEDAL, AWARDED FOR THE GLENFIELD STARCH, By the Jurors of class 2, International Exhibition 1862. USED IN THE ROYAL LAUNDRY, And pronounced by Her Majesty's Laundress to be the finest Starch she ever used. Her Majesty's Lace Dresser Declares it to be the best she has tried, and the above award by some of the most eminent scientific men of the age, confirms its superiority. Sold in Packages at d., 1d., 2d., 4d., and 8d. each, By Grocers, Chandlers, Chemists, Oilmen, &c., and Wholesale by Robert Wotherspoon & Co., Dunlop St., Glasgow, & 66, Queen St., City, London. MERIT ACKNOWLEDGED. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1862. The Jurors of Class III. have, after a searching series of analysis, awarded a For the "Purity and Excellence of Quality" of WOTHERSPOON'S VICTORIA LOZENGES, Purchasers of which may rest assured that all are made of equal quality to those exhibited. They are flavored with Peppermint, Cinnamon, Rose, Lemon, Musk, Lavender, Clove, and Ginger, and are to be had only in Packets labelled 'Wotherspoon's Victoria Lozenges,' at 1d., 2d., 4d., 8d., and 1s. 4d. each, of all respectable Grocers, Confectioners, Druggists, &c. Robert Wotherspoon & Co., 46, Dunlop St., Glasgow, & 66, Queen St., City, London. Samples may be bought at the International Bazaar, opposite the Exhibition. LIFE AND FIRE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, 78, CANNON STREET WEST, AND QUEEN STREET, LONDON CHAIRMAN-Ebenezer Clarke, Esq., Walthamstow. The Quarterly Life and Fire Receipts are now ready for delivery at the Head Office, and by the Agents throughout the United Kingdom.-Policies issued for large or small premiums, and premiums payable half-yearly or quarterly, if preferred.-A rapidly increasing business, 2,217 Life Policies having been issued during the past year.-Seventy per cent. of the profits given to the Assured.Policies made payable during the lifetime of the Assured, without extra premiums.-Quarterly payments for a sum payable at death, or if living, at a given age : Claims paid to the Policy-holder within fourteen days after proof of death.-Stamps and Medical Fees paid by the office.-Loans granted on real and personal security.-Fire Insurance at the usual rates. Prospectuses and Proposal Forms forwarded on application to Agents wanted in districts not already represented. EBENEZER CLARKE, Jun., Sec. STRAND PRINTING OFFICE, 385, STRAND, OPPOSITE SOMERSET HOUSE. Trade Rules, Prospectuses, Pamphlets, Circulars, Hand-bills, &c., at the lowest cash prices. Every description of work for Friendly, Co-operative, Loan, and other Societies. Rules revised and prepared for Registration. Account and Contribution Books, Cards, Scrips, Debentures, &c. Check-books for Co-operative Purchasers (consecutively numbered), in lieu of Metallic Checks. Tables and Payments arranged for Sick, Burial, and other Societies, &c, &c. Estimates free by return of post. Printed at the Strand Printing Office, 335, Strand, London, W.C. |
