Cortland
Evening Standard, Wednesday, December 30, 1896.
TO TEST
SOCIALISM.
PECULIAR LITTLE COMMUNITY IN A NEW JERSEY
VILLAGE.
Law and Religion Unnecessary—Mrs.
Rybawkowski Seems to Rule the Roost, and Her Orders Appear to Be Law—The Neighboring
Farmers Fight Shy of Them.
Wyckoff,
Bergen county, N. J., is a pretty little township on the New York, Susquehanna and
Western railroad, about 15 miles from Paterson. The principal road in the town
makes a complete circle and terminates at the village of Campgow.
Just
midway between these villages, about two and a half miles from either, is the
old homestead of Peter Ward. For years the place has been vacant and its 225 acres of surrounding farmland unworked. At
present there is bustle about the place.
A few
weeks ago the residents of Wyckoff observed four grown persons and as many
children plodding along the road leading to the old homestead. With that neighborly
feeling that prevails in country communities they extended a cordial welcome and
proceeded to make the newcomers feel at home.
Several
days passed and the villagers became aware that there was something strange
about the newcomers. This suspicion was increased when it was observed that the
strange people did not attend church and seemed to have no hesitation in doing
chores about the place while their neighbors were attending Sunday worship.
This kind
of deportment resulted in a meeting of the leading farmers, and it was decided
to investigate. A few judicious inquiries brought out the information that the
newcomers were a band of socialists who came to put their theory of share and share
alike into practice. With this disclosure the friendly feeling between the
residents and colonists was at once dispelled.
Accompanied
by an artist a reporter visited the place to get an idea of the customs and
plans of the colonists. Two vicious dogs promptly resented the invasion of the
newspaper men and held them at bay until the colonists had called the dogs off.
The desire to protect personal belongings is not inculcated in the socialistic
creed and the actions of the dogs seemed at variance with their owners' views.
A few
steps brought the party into a dining room in which the communists practically
live. In it were six grown persons of varied nationalities and four small
children, all too young to appreciate the singular doctrines under which they will
be raised.
"Who
is the leader of this community?" was asked.
"We
are all leaders," replied one of the group. "This is the 'Free
Initiative Colony' and a branch of the one at Madison, Conn., from which we
came three weeks ago. We have no bosses here. Everything is shared in common,
and our purpose is to revise the social system of the country."
The
speaker proved to be Joseph Rybakowski, and while he would not admit it, it was
apparent that both he and his wife ruled the little community. Indeed, if
anything, Mrs. Rybakowski had all to say in the conversation that followed, and
as she interrupted her remarks by ordering the others about, it was plain that
she was the queen of the settlement.
"This
is Charles and Ellen Holland," she said, introducing the other couple, "and
those three little girls are their children. This little boy is mine. The
others have been sent to assist us in straightening things about the
place."
"Who
sent them?" was asked.
"Oh,
they were not exactly sent," was the reply. "They really came of
their own accord.
"Our
theory is that mankind can exist without law. Our earnings are to go into one
common fund, and by that means capitalistic and monopolistic power will be a thing
of the past.
"In
order to accomplish this religious superstition will have to be done away with.
Of course at present we have to live up to the laws, especially those referring
to marriage. These are sure to change as soon as the people realize that the
hand of a third party is not necessary for man and woman to be true and
faithful to each other."
Here Mrs.
Rybakowski stopped for the moment and addressed the help, who hurriedly left
the room. In a few minutes one returned with a scuttle of coal, while the other
prepared the table for supper.
"You
see we all work together," she continued.
"Each
does just as he or she wants to, and by that means we get along nicely. Since
we have been here we have built chicken coops, repaired the barn and have
gotten the place in good shape.
"In
the summer we intend to build a school house, and will invite the neighbors' children
to attend if they want to. This is about all there is to the place. It is
incorporated under the laws of the state. Of course we did not like that idea,
but it was necessary to protect our property.''
"But
if you don't believe in governing laws, what would you do with one of your colonists should he steal, or perchance commit
murder?"
"Why,
nothing but secure him. Crime is a disease. We would ascertain why he committed
it and show him where he did wrong."
"But
under your theory everybody can do just as he pleases, and should a man think
it right to kill there would be no authority to prevent it."
"We
have our ideas on that subject, and they consist of the belief that when the theory
of communism became universal there would be no incentive to commit crime."
Mrs.
Rybakowski is a pleasant looking little woman. During the interview she grew
animated as she explained the different points, and her earnestness was plain.
Her
husband is a Pole, and imbibed his socialistic ideas in a Russian prison
while incarcerated for political offenses. He is a civil engineer.
The farm
which this strange sect occupy is at present leased, but they expect to buy the
place outright before long. The price fixed is $7,000. At present the live
stock consists of two horses, a cow and some 50 chickens.
Every
Sunday friends and relatives of the colonists visit the farm and long debates
on the social system are held. Meanwhile the neighboring farmers view the
proceedings with interest.—New York World.
THREE FRIENDS TRIAL.
Will Probably Be Conducted on a New Charge.
CONSEQUENCES MORE SERIOUS.
Events
of the Day as Cabled From Cuba. Steamer Dauntless With a Cargo of Munitions of
War Asks For Her Clearance Papers.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.—The treasury department
and the department of justice expect that the prosecution of the alleged filibustering
steamer Three Friends will be under section 5,282 of the revised statutes. This
will be a new method of prosecution. Heretofore the proceedings have been
mainly under section 5,289, covering expeditions.
Section 5,282 is directed against the arming
and mounting of guns on a vessel intended to be used against a friendly nation.
As those on board the Three Friends have given circumstantial detail as to the mounting
and firing of a Hotchkiss rapid fire gun, it is believed by officials that
section 5,282 will apply to the case.
The proceedings against the vessel is much
more severe than in the case of a libel for fitting out an expedition. The statute
provides that on conviction the vessel and all tackle, etc., shall be forfeited
to the United States.
Dauntless'
Bold Stroke.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 30.—The master and
owner of the filibustering steamer Dauntless has presented a manifest of her cargo
and asked for clearance papers to Nuevitas, Cuba. The cargo consisted of arms
and ammunition. The collector refused clearance until he should hear from Washington
and a telegram was sent asking for instructions. No reply was received up to a
late hour.
In case clearance shall be refused the owners
of the Dauntless will bring suit against the government for damages.
Spanish
Operations In Cuba.
HAVANA, Dec. 30.—General Arlos with a force
of 6,000 Spanish troops of all arms has been reconnoitering the heights of Rubi.
Four insurgents were killed and several were captured during skirmishes among
the hills.
General Fuentes, while reconnoitering south
of Rubi, at Animas, Cuchillas de las Damas and the entire range of Rosario hills,
has destroyed several insurgent camps and has captured three prisoners, in
addition to killing some insurgents.
Joseph A. Springer, the United States vice
consul general, left for the United States on the steamer Olivette today.
An accidental fire has partially destroyed the
magnificent tobacco estate of Aguaga, near Cardenas, the proprietors of which
are Gabriel and Jose Carol.
By the steamer Santiago today there were
sent to Chafarinas 37 political prisoners and to Fernando Po nine cattle thieves
and 51 nanigos.
Two brothers named Fernando and Amado Pino,
who are negroes and naturalized Americans, charged with being nanigos, and
Tomos Analla of Colombia, have been expelled from the island.
HENRY
DELGADO'S CASE.
Secretary
Olney Receives a Report From the United States Consul.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.—Secretory Olney has
received a report from the United States consul at Havana regarding the case of
Henry Delgado, whose capture and confinement by the Spanish authorities the
secretary ordered investigated. The secretary subsequently made the following public
statement:
"It appears from a report of the Havana
consulate that Mr. Delgado was made a prisoner by the Spanish troops in course
of recent military operations in the province of Pinar del Rio; that he is reported
to have belonged to the staff of the insurgent Major General Maceo and to have
been in command of the artillery; and that a letter to Maceo and one from Maceo
to the prefect of Las Tumbas were found on his person. It being reported to the
consulate that Delgado is a native born American citizen, all the rights to which
he is entitled under our treaty with Spain and subsequent protocol have been claimed
for him."
Mr. Delgado is confined in the military hospital
of San Ambrosio, outside of Havana. The rights spoken of in the statement consist
of a trial by the ordinary judicial authorities unless the prisoner is taken
with arms." Then he must be tried by council of war or courtmartial.
BREVITIES.
—The shoe
stores in Cortland will all be closed at noon on New Year's day.
—New
advertisements to-day are—Beard & Peck, special sale of furniture, page 6.
—The
ladies of the W. C. T. U. are making their annual Holiday visit at the county
almshouse this afternoon.
—All who
have in mind taking advantage of The STANDARD'S club rates should see to it at
once, as we shall send for all papers and magazines Jan. 1 and shall not send a
second time.
—The St.
Vitus Dancing club gave another very enjoyable party in C. A. A. hall last
evening. Thirty couples were in attendance and eighteen dances were on the
program. McDermott's orchestra furnished the music.
—The Young
Men's club of the First Baptist church will meet in the church parlor to-night.
Prof. Hendrick will lecture on "An Evening with Eugene Field." Members
are allowed to bring a friend. Lecture will begin at 8 o'clock.
PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.
◘ In 1822 when there was real
danger that Russia, Austria, Prussia and France would "not remain impassive"
if the United States recognized the independence of certain revolted Spanish
colonies in South America, President Monroe didn't hesitate to send a special
message to congress recommending that the independence of the Spanish American
states in question be at once recognized. Now a newspaper rumor, absurd enough
on its face, that banded Europe "cannot remain impassive'' if the United States
interferes with Spain's savagery in Cuba, will be quite enough to send the present
administration scuttling away from the Cuban question like a scared cat. The
United States seventy-five years ago was considerably smaller and less muscular
than it is to-day, but its nervous system was in better condition.
◘ The Troy Times has just issued
a beautiful sixteen-page illustrated supplement giving a history of the rise
and progress of the paper. The Times was founded in 1851 by Hon. John M.
Francis, who still controls it. It is now and always has been one of the very
best newspapers in the state, conspicuous by its able and forcible editorials,
its stalwart Republicanism and its remarkably thorough gathering and interesting
presentation of the news of the day, both local and general. The senior and
junior Francis will receive the congratulations of the entire newspaper fraternity
of the state on the handsome showing which this supplement makes of the
conspicuous past, prosperous present and promising future of The Times.
◘
Wong Chin Foo, an Americanized Chinaman, is at the head of a movement to
build a grand temple for the worship of Confucius in Chicago. He will rally the
true followers of the Chinese teacher around him, and from their temple as a center
will radiate rays of a light that will convert Americans to the true religion of
Confucius. Well, why not? Chicago is the place to start such a thing, for
Chicago needs all the religion it can get of any kind. Chinese religion is better
than none at all when Chicago is in question. Wong Chin Foo hopes to show
Americans how Confucius in his precepts anticipated many of the sublimest
teachings of the founder of Christianity as well as the wisdom of Solomon. We
have in the United States several Greek churches, the Christian Scientists have
founded a brand new denomination of their own, while a Mohammedan mosque will
at no distant time adorn New York city. We can stand a temple to Confucius too.
HOMER.
Gleanings
of News From Our Twin Village.
HOMER, Dec. 30.—Mrs. Kennedy and son of Cortland
were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Williams on King-st. yesterday.
Coon Bros., successors to Johnson Sisters,
have placed a new sign over their bakery on Main-st.
The following were present at the Young
Ladies' Literary circle held at the home of Miss Bertha Wiegand of Truxton last
evening: Misses Mabel Crane, Florence Mourin, Myrtle Stone, Addie Armstrong,
Eleanor Howard and Frances Pierce, Messrs. Harry Davis, Carl Dates, Lowell
Dates, Fred Newcomb, Carrol Landers, Louis Blaney, Willard Story, John Merrill,
Oliver Murray, Winifred Potter, Irving Steadman and Burr Johnson. ,
James Sherry of Onativia was in town
yesterday visiting at the home of Joseph Prentice on North Main-st.
Mr. Frank Hazard of Scott was in town yesterday.
A colt belonging to John Sweeney was sold at
a sheriffs sale at the Mansion House
stables yesterday afternoon. It was bought by Geo. Thompson for $22.
Mrs. Willis Fisk died at her home on Clinton-st.
yesterday morning at about 9 o'clock.
She had been unwell for the past week, but it was thought Monday night that
there was a decided change for the better and that a speedy recovery was
certain. Mr. Fisk went to his work yesterday morning as usual leaving his wife
in care of her mother. At about 7:30 A. M. Tuesday she began to grow worse very
rapidly. Mr. Fisk was sent for and also Dr. Whiting. Both arrived just as she
was dying. She leaves two daughters, one 9 and the other 13 years old.
Mr. Wade Stephenson, clerk in the law office
of Carley & Turner of Syracuse, is spending some time with his people, Mr. and
Mrs. W. S. Stephenson, on Elm-ave.
George W. Ripley has made arrangements to
receive the New York Sunday papers on the milk train arriving at 4:30. P. M.
beginning with next Sunday.
Mr. Philo Jones, who has been confined to
his home for the past week with the grip, is again able to be out.
George Sullivan of Willimantis, Conn., was in
town this morning.
Richard
Savage, wife and daughters of Syracuse were in town yesterday.
The marriage of Miss Orrie Preston to Mr.
John Webster occurred at the home of the bride this afternoon. Mr. Webster was
formerly of this village, but for the past two or three years has lived in
Little York.
Mrs. E. W. Hyatt left for Fulton this morning
to attend the funeral of her uncle Mr. William Richardson.
Dr. R. A. Goodell, Frank Rice and Mr. J. M. Schermerborn
are among the Homer people in Syracuse to-day.
Mr. Allen and son of James-st. went to Little
York this morning.
Miss Marion Warne of Preble is in town to-day.
Mr. Cluster Johnson of Albany was in Homer
on business this morning.
TAYLOR.
TAYLOR, Dec. 28.—Quarterly meeting services
were held at the W. M. church Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. Clarence McCallam of Whitney Point and Miss
Nina Wire were united in marriage at the home of the bride's father, Dec. 23,
by Rev. Mr. Benton. No one was present but the immediate relatives of the bride.
The home of the young people will be in Whitney Point. The many friends of the
bride here wish her much joy.
Mrs. Lovicy Alexander and her sister, Miss
Mary Brown of Worcester, Mass., passed through town to-day and called on old
friends. They will occupy their farm near Taylor Center until a suitable tenant
can be found.
Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Bennett spent Saturday night
with Loren Anderson in
Pitcher,
who is very ill and whom it is feared will not recover.
Miss Hattie Whitney, who has been absent
from home since last October, returned Saturday.
A quiet wedding occurred at the home of Frank Ripley, Dec. 24. Their
eldest daughter Alice was united in marriage to Mr. John Ripley. The bride was
attired in blue broadcloth trimmed with white silk. Both are highly esteemed and
their many friends extend congratulations.
The Epworth league meeting was led by A. K.
Bennett, Sunday evening. The next leader is Henry Temple.
Lucian Birdlebough, who met with such a
painful accident, is doing as well as can be expected.
Mrs. Lydia Humphrey has moved from East
Freetown to this place.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dodge, Dec. 23, a
son.
Edwin Lewis, who has been ill the greater
part of the winter, died last Monday about 1 o'clock. He was nearly 80 years of
age, was born in DeRuyter and was one of six children. Two brothers are still
living in DeRuyter and the only sisters in Canandaigua. He was united in
marriage to Miss Henrietta Cole in 1855 and they went to Broome county to live
where they remained seventeen years when they removed to this place where they
have since resided. He was respected by all for his strict integrity and honor,
and a large circle of friends extend their sympathy to the bereaved widow and
other near relatives. The funeral services were held at his late residence,
Wednesday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. John Pudney. The remains were taken
to DeRuyter for interment.
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Weaver attended the funeral
of her grandfather, Jason Rice, in Cincinnatus,
Thursday.
A cottage prayer-meeting will be held at the
M. E. parsonage Wednesday evening.
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