The Utopian Dream of the Credit Foncier

There has been launched in this city a co-operative colony by George Venable Smith and others, on the plan of the 'Credit Foncier of Sinaloa' or Pacific Colony instituted by A.K. Owen, Esq., the chief engineer of the American and Mexican Railroad. The plan and principles of integral co-operation are fully set forth in a book of 300 pages, entitled 'Integral Co-operation.' The colony has procured a townsite to be divided into three thousand lots, which are to be sold in six series. The money received from the sale of lots will be used for the payment of the townsite and public improvements. The colony, through business officers selected by the colonists, will carry on and conduct all business, industries, and affairs of the city. The city will be laid out with a view to health, comfort, and beauty. There will be co-operative kitchens for several residences and model homes. The plan of co-operative living is said to secure the utmost privacy and independence of home life, while the co-operation affords supplies cheaper, better, and more convenient than can be done at home, and it effectively solves the difficult servant problem. About twenty families in Seattle have joined the colony, and much interest is manifested in it.