The Straight Edge People.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 243, 22 October 1901, Page 1

The Straight Edge People.

Tins is the name chosen by :i little,' hand of co-operators who have their bench|waiters at New York. They claim to he associated “for the purpose of living and working together harmoniously and establishing industrial enterprises upon correct - fundamental principles.” For a year or more they have published a little paper entitled the Straight Edge, the object of which, as set forth in the paper, is “ to make suggestions and formulate plans for the application of the golden rule to business and social relations." The subscription price is designed 10 pay the cost of paper, ink, postage, aud Is lid an hour to each worker for the time spent in the mechanical and clerical work of publishing the paper. If the receipts exceed the cost of these items, the surplus is divided among the subscribers. If they fall short, the subscribers are apprised of the deficiency, and those who want to apply the golden rule will know what to do. There are no paid con tributors and “ there is no space for sale for any purpose or at any price.” “Nobody is ever in debt for the Straight Edge. It is easier and cheaper to forgive debts than to keep books.” These people profess to believe it both possible and practicable to apply in actual business and social affairs the principle enunciated in the sermon on the mouut, and to do this without running away from civilization. They call their institution a " school of methods,” designed to instruct people in the best ways of doing this. At present the Straight Edge people, for economic reasons, are living in a communal home; but their plan contemplates complete economic independence of the workers. Each worker, young or old, regardless of occupation or skill, receive.' Is lid an hour, which such worker is free to use in establishing a home outside. They believe in large individual freedom, and encourage individual initiative in all matters, Any surplus of earnings, over and above the Is lid an hour, for each worker employed, goes to provide like industrial opportunities for other workers. Llnse people have a unique way of distributing their work and responsibilities. J.hey have a “suggestion box” into which my member may put anonymous written suggestions regarding the distribution and ixeeiition of the work to be done. These luggestions are taken up and discussed at 1 he weekly business meeting. Each worker voluntarily assumes the responsibility for

sucb work as he feels himself best fitted tc do, and all arrangements arc subject tc criticism by any of the members. flic more disagreeable work is shifted at often as practicable, so as to equalise the burden. When one has chosen his work, he is trusted to do it without supervision, buf encouraged to consult his fellow-workmen in case of dou6t as to best methods. This plan of dispensing with a boss is said to work well and to have a wholesome and stimulating effect upon the workers. A system of time-cards enables each member to keep his own record, which is criticised, amended, and endorsed at the weekly meeting, and all payments are based on the number of hours so returned. The organisation started less than two years ago, with £l2 borrowed capital, and only four members. There are now twelve adult members, all at work in New York city. Several additional workers will be taken on co operatively, to develop the industries on a farm.