[UNIVERSITY OF LONDON 
 LIBRARY 
 
 GOLDSMITHS’ LIBRARY 
 
$4 
 
 MANIFESTO OF ROBERT OWEN 
 THE CIVILIZED WORLD: 
 
 A SOLUTION OF THE GREAT PROBLEM OF THE AGE, 
 
 OC^Tlie following article from the pen of Robert- 
 Owen will give the reader some idea of the extent and 
 character of that gentleman’s persevering efforts during 
 a period of near half a century'to. bring about what he 
 conceives to be a great moral and social change in hu¬ 
 man society.. The name of the writer is well known 
 to the'world, and his philanthropic efforts are known 
 and appreciated by the wise and good both in Europe 
 and America. Thousands who believe his plans for 
 the alleviation of Human, misery.to be chimerical or .uto¬ 
 pian entertain the" most profound respect for the charac¬ 
 ter of the writer, admire his philanthropy, and believe 
 him to be governed in all his efforts solely by a’desire 
 to benefit the human race. . 
 
 We confess that we have but an, imperfect knowl¬ 
 edge of the views of Mr. ^Owen’s plan of banishing 
 want and misery from the world; yet our acquaint¬ 
 ance with him has, produced, a conviction in our 
 mind that the world has produced few-men who have 
 sacrificed so much of time and money with a view to 
 alleviate the-sufferings of our race. When we see a 
 man whose character is above reproach, bend the whole 
 energy of his mind, expend a large fortune, and a half 
 a century of his life, in endeavoring to eradicate the 
 evils that afflict society, we feel as though we were 
 looking upon one of God’s noblest creatures. 
 
 Mr. Owen is nov/in this city, expecting soon to de¬ 
 part for England, and he has requested us to lay this 
 communication before our readers. ' Several communi¬ 
 cations from his pen have appearedin the Washington 
 Union, National Intelligencer, and National Era, 
 the publication of which shows the respect that the in¬ 
 telligent editors of these.journals entertain for the wri¬ 
 ter, no matter whether they agree with his views ful¬ 
 ly or not. 
 
 In publishing a long communication from Mr. Owen, 
 the editor of the Union prefaces it as follows 
 We cannot refuse to oblige a gentleman- like Mr. 
 Owen, for whose philanthropic cnaracterwe have so 
 much respect, whatever, rve think of the practicability 
 of his plans. His name is well known to the ..world, 
 and his productions have frequently appeared in the 
 Union. Our sole object being to oblige one whose phi¬ 
 lanthropic motives are so well known, and who has 
 thrown so many curious incidents into the communica¬ 
 tion which he now submits to the public. 
 
 •Thousands among us consider all plans-the object 
 of which is to produce a'social regeneration-of so¬ 
 ciety as visionary. They console’ themselves with the 
 belief that God has created a large portion of his crea¬ 
 
 tures to suffer and starve; and, therefore, that all plans for 
 the elevation of man, for the banishment of want, are 
 in direct violation of what the Creator intended. We 
 consider that all those who thus believe entertain opin¬ 
 ions at war with every attribute of Deity, God has 
 provided all of his creatures with ample means of sup¬ 
 port'. It is blaspheming the Creator to suppose that he 
 intended that the great mass of his creatures should 
 be deprived of the means and enjoyments of life, while 
 the few are surrounded with all its. luxuries. 
 
 The Problem of the Age Solved. 
 
 Manifesto of Robert Owen.to the Civilized World on 
 
 the approaching great and happy change in the gene- 
 . ral condition of human existence. : 
 
 How much longer must the world continue under the 
 •baneful influenced the fundamental errors, the most 
 demoralising in 1 their effects,‘which, while they shall 
 be as they have hitherto been supported by the author¬ 
 ities of the world, cannot fail to produce wide-spread 
 dis-union crimes and misery to the millions of all 
 countries over the earth ? Hitherto by the operations 
 of a system based solely on false conceptions and in¬ 
 experienced imaginations, the well-being and happi¬ 
 ness of mankind, and the best and highest interests of 
 humanity have been sacrificed, The human race, civ¬ 
 ilized and savage, have had their characters so mal¬ 
 formed, as to force them, through life to feel, think and 
 act always irrationally. At the present moment,' the 
 history of our race in the war now raging, (in this ad¬ 
 vanced stage toward a superior civilization) between 
 the United States and Mexico; the quarrel of two pow- 
 erful uations about the mere' marriage of some young 
 person; the supposed necessity, by other powerful na¬ 
 tions, for extinguishing the little Republic of Cracow 
 —the starving condition of the peasantry of Ireland, 
 whpst surrounded by means the most abundant for the 
 creation of illimitable wealth, these are a few amongst 
 the numberless proofs of the fundamental errors of the 
 existing system, as modified, even by the most advanced 
 nations of the, so called, civilized world. 
 
 It has now become most evident to. those acquainted 
 with the past and present history of mankind, that a 
 system based on falsehoods, opposed to all facts, now 
 so palpable to those who reflect without prejudice, can 
 never be made to'form the character of man to be ra¬ 
 tional in thought or conduct; can never conduct socie¬ 
 ty to virtue or to permanent prosperity and happiness. 
 The lamentable effects which this system, while main¬ 
 tained by the authorities, of the world, must produce 
 upon the human race have been always felt and de¬ 
 plored. They have been explained in different ways 
 at various periods in Europe and America, by the wri¬ 
 ter of this manifesto.; explained with the view to in¬ 
 duce the world, gradually to prepare wisely and with 
 foresight for the great coming change in human e'xist- 
 ance—a change which, more than thirty years ago, he 
 
2 
 
 knew and foretold, from the then unheeded extension could he opened by some process that should not create 
 of E&sdjjgcted scientific power, and of the rapid in- too much hatred, anger, and violence to the opera- 
 crease among the people of general knowledge could tors, for such has been the nature of this mental mala- 
 not he long delayed: A short history of these explan- dy that to attempt its cure, created in the patients the 
 ations is now necessary as a preliminary to further im- most violent irritation and anger. To effect the object 
 portant measures for so directing this great and inevit- and prevent irrational excitement, an extended and accu- 
 able change that it shall consist in the adoption of rate practical knowledge of human nature, interminable 
 means, sure and certain, to make all, by a rational ed- perseverance, and an undeviating temper of charity 
 ucafion through superior external circumstances, intel- and kindness for all errors were absolutely necessary, 
 ligent, active, and good; to surround all with superior These qualities the writer ardently sought to acquire 
 
 wealth which will be justly distributed; to govern all and always endeavored to apply them to the proceed- 
 most beneficially for each, and to place all that they ings he is now narrating. In 1812, after he had had up- 
 shall be always, from their birth, within good and wise wards of twenty years extensive experience in forming 
 mid superior circumstances; the only practical means character and governing and upwards of thirty years, 
 by which men can ever be made to become good and in producing and distributing wealth, he opened this 
 wise and superior in the qualities of humanity. subject by publishing four essays entitled “A New 
 Are there any philanthropists, philosophers, states View of Society or the Formation of Character,” 
 men, experienced men of business or political econo- based'on the knowledge that an entirely new character 
 mists, who know how to effect this change in practice ? might and must be given to all, before society can be 
 The writer of this manifesto has been long anxious made to become good, wise, and happy. This work, 
 to discover them either in Europe or America; but hith- through the aid of the British government, under Lord 
 erto,he has sought for them in vain. His greatest Liverpool’s administration, was widely circulated 
 pleasure would have been unobtruavely to work with, among the governments, universities, and leading states- 
 to aid, and assist such favored individuals, and if this men of Europe; all of whom were requested to state 
 manifesto can bring them forth, such will yet be his their objections to these new views, if they had any, 
 greatest satisfaction, for he sets no value on wealth, on the alternate blank leaves, bound with the book for 
 honors, present popularity or futurefame. Thesefrom thispurpose. Noseriousobjectiontotheprinciples based 
 youth have appeared to him the mere playthings of early solely on the unchanging laws of nature, was, or could 
 infancy of mind. be made from any quarter. LordSidmouth,asSecreta- 
 
 He will now enter upon a short narrative of some of ty of State, sent a copy to all the'Archbishops and 
 his proceedings to gradually open the public mind in Bishops in England and Ireland. 
 
 Europe and .America to the enormous aid direful errors The principles advocated in these essays, which rap- 
 
 and evils of the system under which we have all hith- idly extended to five editions, made a convert of the 
 erto lived and suffered, and to prepare all classes, in all Prune Minister of England, and produced a favorable 
 countries, for the change which is inevitably coming effect upon a large majority of his cabinet. These es- 
 upon the world, and also to prove that he has not ta- sayswere well received by Mr. Wilberforce, to whom 
 kenup this subject prematurely or on a light foundation, one of them was dedicated; also by the late Archbish- 
 In 1791 the writer, at the age of twenty, having had op of Canterbury, and the late Dr. Ireland, Dean of 
 ten years previons experience in distibuting wealth Westminster. After a severe examination and most 
 among all classes as now practised, had a population interesting discussion with the late Bishop of Peter- 
 of five hundred men, women and children, and an borough, whenhe was Margaret Professor in the Uni- 
 important manufacturing establishment, placed un- versity of Cambridge, and who was deemed the most 
 der his sole direction, in Manchester, England. He learned theologian in Europe, having spent twelve 
 commenced to govern this population on principles years in the German universities, he frankly acknowl- 
 which to him then, as now, appeared to be true and edged, in his library, at midnight, after a second dis- 
 highly beneficial for practice, although in direct oppo- cussionof six hours, the unassailable truths of the 
 sition to the crude notions on which society had always principles, which he ascertained now, but never before 
 acted, and all around him were then acting. Inthisex- suspected, were based on unchanging laws of nature, 
 periment he was e m inently successful, for these prin- His Royal Highness the late Duke of Kent, was not 
 dples enabled him speedily to give an improved cha- only a disciple warmly attached to these principles and 
 racier to the population, and through them to the man- new views, but also the chairman of a committee 
 ufacture which was rapidly carried to a much higher formed to promote the writer’s plans for preparing the 
 state of perfection than had been previously attained, public to carry them into effect, as soon as they should 
 
 In 1799, another population at New Lanark in Scot- be sufficiently comprehended for practice, and their im- 
 land, also came under his sole direction. It conasted mense value to society could be made known. In fact, 
 at first of about thirteen hundred, and gradually ex- at this period, men in the upper ranks of life, of supe- 
 tended to two thousand five hundred. There he adopt- rior minds, who had time and inclination to investigate 
 ed tiie same principles and practices which became so a subject so new, and as it first apperaed, so strange, 
 successful in Manchester, with increasing beneficial became converts; as a long list of subscribers, with 
 effects; and this experiment so eminently successful large sums to their names, to forward the object, con- 
 hoth morally and pecuniarily, that for many yeare it tinues to testify. These sums, in the aggregate, 
 attracted the attention of strangers from all parts of amounted to fifty thousand pounds; but the writer, to 
 theworld,and continued until 1830. These experiments commence his experiment required two hundred and 
 which at their termination extended through forty yeara fifty thousand pounds, as the least that could be ap- 
 of extensive invaluable practice, forced upon him by plied to exhibit, even an imperfect model of the supe- 
 drcmnstances, were the foundation of all the writers rior arrangement, which he contemplated. The most 
 public proceedings; and such practice was necessary immediate practical effect of those essays was the eB- 
 to develope such results. tablishment, by the late King of Prussia, of a national 
 
 He had now ascertained that the world, through an- system of education, recommended in the work. An 
 other system, had a prize of inestimable value to obtain autograph from his-Majesty to the writer, conveyed 
 as soon as the deep-rooted prejudices of latitudes and through his Minister at London,Baron Jacobi, express- 
 longitndes, which are at the foundation of all individ- ed his entire approbation, and his determination to corn¬ 
 ual character, could be overcome, and the eyes of those mence a national system immediately; and this was the 
 trained from birth, gradually to become mentally blind, next year carried onto execution. 
 
3 
 
 ' In 1815, convinced through his own experience in these causes be, unwisely, permitted to remain. The 
 practice, and seeing the effects proved in other estab- report was considered of such national importance, 
 IiBhments, of the baneful general custom of employing that the chairman and committe recommended it should 
 children and young persons in factories and manufac- be submitted to the Great Poor Law Committee of the 
 tories, for so many hours daily as manufacturers were House of Commons, presided over by Mr. Sturges 
 then doing, the writer induced the late Sir Robert Peel- Bourne’, and known as Mr. Sturges Bourne’s committee, 
 to take charge, in the House of Commons, of a bill The writer being well known to all the mem. 
 which he had prepared for restricting the age of ad- bers of both houses of parliament, presented himself, 
 mission into factories to twelve, and the time per day with his report, and working plans to the committee, to 
 to ten hours, with provision, also, for both sexes being be examined as to the cause of, and remedy for pau- 
 instructed before entering the mills. He had previous- perism. At that period, this committee was deemed of 
 ly explained the injurious effects of these practices to the highest interest. It consisted of about forty mem- 
 the leading members of both houses and had obtained bers, of the first standing in the commons, and the mem- 
 the consent of a large majority of Lords and Commons bers had previously known of this intended examina- 
 to support the bill with the clauses as he had prepared tion, font created great excitement. The members 
 them. The bill, with these clauses, is now under dis- had therefore met in full committee. Soon after the 
 cussion in the House of Commons. It was, however, writer entered, he was requested by the chairman to 
 violently opposed by the wealthy and leading manu- withdraw into an adjoining apartment, whilst they 
 facturers all over the kingdom, aided by an active class should discuss the proper mode of proceeding on their 
 calling themselves political economists, men full of im- part, with respect to principles and plans, which if 
 aginary theories without any of them possessing prac- adopted, would require such extensive and fundamen- 
 tical knowledge of national economy or results, or of tal changes, as they knew the writer was about to re¬ 
 human nature. In consequence they were always commend. There were, as usual, two parties; one de- 
 found to be opposed to every measure of humanity, sired, and the other opposed examination. The com- 
 when it interfered with their ignorant notions, however mittee discussed this subject with closed doors the 
 beneficial it might be to the individuals whose health whole day, when Mr. Brougham, now Lord Brougham, 
 and happiness were to be destroyed to maintain their was directed by the committee, to inform the writer, 
 false theories. Through this obstinate opposition, the that the discussion was adjourned to the next morning, 
 bill was referred to a committee, and kept there through to be then resumed; and that he was requested to at- 
 three sessions of Parliament to create delay under pre- tend and aw^jt the result. He attendeded from 9 a. 
 tence of examining witnesses in order to prove it was m. to 5 p. m., waiting while the discussion continued; 
 detrimental to children from six to twelve years of age, at the termination of which, Mr. Brougham again came 
 to work them fourteen or fifteen hours per day. It to inform the Writer, that the committee had just then 
 was only after the fourth year of struggle that a most decided, by a very small majority, that he should not 
 imperfect act passed both houses. 1 n tlie two first ses- be examined. 
 
 sions, the writer was the only advocate attending the The impression out of doors was, that the committee 
 committee in favor ofthis bill to give some relief to the could not disprove the truth of tbe principles, or the 
 most injured of the working population in Great Brit- soundness of the plans for practice, even to prevent 
 ain. ' similar future distress; but that they'were too far in 
 
 In 1816, in an address delivered at New Lanark, in advance, for the aristocratic views of that period. 
 Scotland, on opening the first infant school, which the Had the plain, simple measures then proposed by 
 writer based on a new system of instruction by sensi- the writer, been carried into execution, Great Britain 
 ble signs, familiar conversation, without books or pun- would by this time have saved more than one hundred 
 ishment, and governed solely by undeviating kindness, and fifty millions sterling; crimes would have immense- 
 directed by the laws of nature, or an accurate knowl- ly diminished; a superior practical character would 
 edge of the qualities and faculties of humanity. In this have been formed for the poor; poverty would have 
 address, which was widely circulated, the causes of gradually disappeared, until poverty would have be- 
 good and evil, as experienced in society, were fully come unknown, and famine in Ireland or elsewhere, 
 explained, with the only remedy competent ever to re- would have been an impossible occurrence. Ireland 
 move the latter. must yet be saved, by precisely the same principles, 
 
 These schools thus commenced have become gene- with some modifications in practice, as then recom- 
 ral, but in principal and in practice, sadly inferior to mended and rejected. Through these means Ireland 
 the original. may be made to support more than four times its pre- 
 
 In this year, also, which was a period of great dis- sent population, in comfort and security hitherto un¬ 
 tress among the working classes over the kingdom, known in the history of that island, nor can it be made 
 not only in manufactures and trades, but also in the to become permanently prosperous by any other 
 agricultural districts. means. 
 
 At a public meeting held in the great room of the In 1817, as will appear by reference to the Times, 
 City of London tavern, to consider the cause of, and and every other daily morning and evening paper then 
 the remedy for, this unexampled distress in a time of published in London, the writer held public meetings 
 profound peace, the late Duke of York_ presiding, a in the City of London Tavern, of deep interest and 
 committee was appointed,(the late Archbishop of Can- high excitement to the political, religious, commercial 
 terbury chairman) to investigate this anomaly. The and social world. 
 
 writer was one of this committee, and at its first meet- He held these meetings to denounce, in the most 
 ing was requested to make a report on the subject in open and public manner, the fundamental errors of the 
 conformity with the explanations and new views res- existing system of the world, and to explain the causes, 
 pecting the progress and amount of mechanical power hidden from the multitude, of the ignorance, poverty, 
 which he had stated at the meeting. He made an elabo- discontent, crime and misery of which all then loudly 
 rate report upon the subject, explained in detail the complained, and again to propose the remedy which 
 causes of the general want of employment, and the could alone ever remove those evils, 
 principles and practices which could alone overcome This rejection and denunciation of the fundamental 
 the evil, and secure the population againBt a continual errors of latitudes and longitudes, alone then pre- 
 recurrence of it, and permanently protect society from vented, and until now have retarded, the adoption of 
 the necessarily increasing danger und distress, should hie plans for general practice. 
 
These proceedings were widely circulated wherever all the ex-Presidents then living, from John Adams the 
 the English language was known, and they were tans- elder to John Quincy Adams, the younger, including Mr. 
 laled'into many other languages; but they were natu- Monroe, the then President,and tp. the.leading public 
 rally opposed by old vested rights, the ignorant, and by men of the tinted States. In the spring of1825, he deliv- 
 the educated errors of latitudes and longitudes. The ered to a numerous audience, including President Mon- 
 world has been hitherto governed by these local errors; roe, and the President elect, John Quincy Adams, the 
 the time has arrived for it to he governed by universal, Judges of the Supreme Court, members of Congress, &c., 
 unchanging principles, favorable to permanent virtue, two lectures from the Speaker’s chair in the House of 
 excellence and happiness. Representatives, Henry Clay being Speaker at the first 
 
 In 1818 he visited the continent of Europe, and on lecture, and Secretary of State at the second, given a 
 his tour he addressed two memorials to the Congres of week subsequent to the firist. In these lectures, the fun- 
 Sovereigns, held in Aix-la-Chapelle, which memorials damental errors,whence arise all the evils of the existing 
 were presented to the Congress by the late Lord Cas- state of society, were fully explained, with the causes 
 tlereagh. They explained in detail the causes of the which have produced them; and, also, the truths and 
 continually increasing distress of the producing classes, benefits of the new system, with the means of obtain- 
 and the future danger of the non-producing classes, un- ing them in practice. These lectures were most nu- 
 less the governments could and would provide means meroudy attended, and extremely well received; and 
 to stay arid prevent this evil and danger. These mem- such were the impressions made by them, that the 
 orials were afterwards stated to be the most interest- Judges of the Supreme Court, on the morning after the 
 ing documents presented at that Congress. concluding lecture, came in a body to the writer’s ho- 
 
 On this tour, which was made in company with the tel, with Chief Justice Marshall at their head, to thank 
 celebrated Cuvier and Professor Pictet, of Geneva, the him, in an especial manner, for the lectures which he 
 writer was introduced to Laplace, Humboldt, and the had delivered upon subjects so interesting and nation- 
 ]eadingministers,statesmen,andphilosophersofFrance ally important After visiting Mr. Adams, Mr. Jcffer- 
 and Switzerland, and, among others, through the late son and Mr. Madison, he lectured generally to large 
 Duke of Kent to the then Duke of Orleans, now his audiences throughout the United States—from New 
 Majesty the Eng of the French. The writer’s chief Orleans in the Sonth, to Boston in the North—from 
 object in taking this journey was to ascertain the actual Illinois in the West, to New York in the East; pass- 
 stale of education as it existed in the most celebrated ing several times between the United Slates and Great 
 establishments in France, Switzerland and Germany. Britain from 1825 to 1828. 
 
 Professor Pictet having been several years in France, In 1828, official parties connected with Mexico and 
 one of the four commissioners of education, as well as some of the South American States, with several large 
 ten years Member of the Tribunate in France, and for proprietors of lands granted to them by the Mexican 
 many years, at the head of literature in Switzerland, government in Texas, applied to the writer and urired 
 The writer had by this time ascertained from his own him, with great earnestness, to ask from the govern- 
 experience the overwhelming influence and importance mentof Mexico, as a free gift, the province of Coa- 
 of education; and how easily, by a proper combination huila and Texas, in which to establish a government 
 of circumstances, it would be to make any population of peace (on the principles so long advocated by him) 
 rational or irrational; but that hitherto the principles between the then Republic of Mexico and the United 
 and practices competent to produce the former charac- States of North America. He investigated the motives 
 ter, had been unknown, or withheld from the public, of these parties, found them sincere and wcll-intcn- 
 and therefore all nations were systematically educated tioned; he then communicated the subject to the Brit- 
 to think and act irrationally on principles of some of ish and North American governments, and was encour- 
 the local errors of latitude and longitude. aged by them to proceed; he then addressed a memo- 
 
 Toknow what was doing in the most advanced edu- rial to the Mexican government, Victoria being Prcsi- 
 cational establishments, he visited the principal semi- dent, and a liberal administration in power. In a month 
 naries of instruction in Paris, and Switzerland. The after forwarding' the memorial to Mexico, the writer 
 best he saw were FeBenbergs, at HofweB, Pestalozzi, followed it, and was extremely well received by the 
 at Yuverden, and Father—at Friburg. These, for their authorities there, who became greatly interested in 
 respective objects, were good in manner, and for the his views; he was informed that the gilt of the govern- 
 attainment of particular branches of knowledge, but ment and territory of Coahuila and Texas was not with 
 the essential principles for forming a superior charac- the general Government, but at the disposal of the 
 ter in temper, mind, charitable spirit, and conduct, population of the province. The Government of Mcx- 
 were unknown there, as now every where over the ico, being however very desirous that the writer should 
 world. establish the practical system of peace which he pro- 
 
 In 1820, through a report, requested from him by posed, between the two republics; that such a govern- 
 the county of Lanark, Scotland, .he gave the full de- ment might become an example to themselves and olh- 
 fails of a plan for relieving the public distress then er civilized nations, offered him, as a free gift,the fron- 
 prevalent throughout Great Britian and Ireland. This tier territory on the American border of the Mexican 
 report was widely circulated among the authorities republic, extending fifty leagues in breadth, and from the 
 of Europe and America, as well as among the popuh- Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific ocean, bordering the 
 tion of Great Britian. In an official report of a com- whole-way on the'-United States, which territory the 
 mittee appointed by the county this report was highly General' Government has retained to be atils-’own 
 commended. disposal. This liberal offer was accepted, on the 
 
 In 1822 he visited Ireland, examined the causes of condition that the Mexicans and all others, who 
 its discontent, poverty of the poor, and danger to the should settle witfiin this territory, should enjoy perfect 
 aristocracy; held most exciting meetings, fuBy at-reBgious liberty. The President then informed the 
 tended by aB ranks, in the Rotunda, in Dublin, and writer that he and his cabinet had,- after considering 
 there explained the causes of, and remedies for the the writer's memorial, determined to introduce, to 
 sufferings of the poor and-the fears of the rich. These the next Congress, a-bill to place the religion of 
 proceedings were also widely circulated in the news- Mexico upon the same liberal foundation as it was 
 papers and other more permanent publications. In then in the United States of North America. With 
 1824 he, for the first time, crossed the Atlantic to the this promise the writer was satisfied, The Govem- 
 UEit.edStates-<ranfflnEic5t?dhi5 ideas confidentially to ment faithful to it, brought in the bill,™ opposed 
 
and defeated by the great exertions of the Catholic tion was in progress in these States, to abandon old er- 
 priesthood, and in consequence, this liberal government rors and the practices founded on them, and to adopt 
 was overthrown, and did not return to power for some true principles and the corresponding beneficial prac- 
 time. tices. The writer’s personal communications on these 
 
 The writer deemed it useless, under the then superior subjects, with Prince Metternich, in Vienna ; Baron 
 power of the catholic church, to attempt to pursue this Humboldt, in Berlin; the King of Bavaria at his coun-. 
 measure further, as, although unknown to the priest- try residence: the Prime Minister of Saxony in Dres- 
 hood, as now taught, no permanent good cau be effect- den; M. Salvandy, and other of the then Ministers of 
 ed while they so carefully keep the mind in bondage, France, with the British Ambassadors to these govern- 
 aud thus ensure the permanent irrationality of all. ments, convinced him that much more preparation to 
 In 1829, returning from Mexico, he held for eight create a. general sound public opinion was necessary, 
 days, a most formal public discussion, continued morn- before the great change in principle and practice, to 
 mg and evening, in the city of Cincinnati, with the which he looked forward, could, be accomplished in 
 ' Rev. Alexander Campbell, to demonstrate the truth of peace and without confusion or disorder. That before 
 tile principles which he advocated, and’value of the this change, from old errors to new truths, could be 
 practices which would necessarily emanate from them, effected, the sufferings of the many must continue to 
 By this discussion he gained a much desired opportu- increase, until the fears of those in power, for them- 
 nity of placing, in the most conspicuous manner before selves and families, would prove sufficiently strong to 
 i the public, these invaluable truths, which, as truth, is induce them to consent to make the desired change; 
 certain ultimately to prevail, must ere long, overcome and then it would be discovered that all would be per-' 
 the mere created errors'and prejudices of .all latitudes manently benefitted to an extent, even now, except by 
 and longitudes, and instead thereof, introduce universal a few unimagined. The period for this entire change 
 unchanging troths. . is evidentiy approaching, and the condition of Ireland, 
 
 Discovering the long • continued and increasing hos- will prove the turning point to bring about this most to 
 tile feeling which at this time existed between the Go- be desired of all events; and thus will permanent good 
 vernment of Great Britain and the United States, and arise from temporary evils, 
 knowing the evils thence arising to both countries, the On the writer’s return to Great Britain, he continued 
 writer proceeded from Cincinnati to Washington, and to instruct the industrious' classes, as far as they could 
 by his representations, induced the American, and af- receive and understand his instructions, under the very 
 terwards the British Government, to abandon this false unfavorable circumstances in which they have been 
 position, and to become cordial friends, as members of placed. He explained to them the causes in progresss, 
 the same original family, whose interests wers so inter- which must, at no distant period, compel many of them 
 woven, that they could not continue enemies to each to offer their labor even at slow starving prices, and 
 other, without entailing grievous evils upon the popu- this time is now come. 
 
 latidnof both countries. And this good feeling be- In this course the writer persevered until 1844, when 
 tween the two Governments continued unbroken for he dgain crossed the Atlantic to the United Stales, with 
 many years, and it is hoped it may now be renewed and a view of calling the attention of all classes to the 
 strengthened, and made permanent for the advantage of mental bondage and physicial disadvantages which 
 all nations. ' . they experienced from fundamental errors, which per- 
 
 Finding that the upper classes had made a greater petuated prejudices of education and local errors of 
 progress than the industrious classes, in a knowledge mere latitude and longitude. The present generation 
 of these “ new views,” advocated by the writer, and are taught to believe, as any generation can easily be 
 knowing that, previous to success, the prejudices of all taught to believe, any thing however inconsistant and 
 parlies must be overcome, he turned his attention-from 'opposed to facts, that they possessed a constitution 
 1820, for several years, to arduse the dormant faculties which gave equal, rights to. all, while, in practice, it’ 
 of the working class of Great Britain, and through has no pretension to secure a just equality of rights, 
 them of other'countries, to the fearful position which The s 3 ’slcm of society throughout the most civilized 
 the rapid extension of mechanical and chemical sci- parts of the world, while based on these fundamental 
 encc, and power thenpc resulting, was preparing for errors, will not admit of any practice approaching to a 
 them—a power so overwhelming that it would grad- just equality, yet a just practical equality can alone 
 ually reduce the marketable value of manual labor ever produce virtue and happiness, 
 to the lowest state of mere animal existence. ’ By va- This evil is now strongly felt throughout all the 
 lions means—forming societies, holding public meet- States of the Uhion; and many crude, undigested, and 
 ings, giving lectures, publishing articles in such news- ill-prepared atletnpts are making by various well mean- 
 papers as, would ventnre to insert heterodox opinions iiig reformers, to produce consistency between the dec- 
 opposed to long-established errors—he aroused a laration of Independence and the'practice,.laws and 
 new reflective and charitable spirit in this class and customs of society. These parlies fail in their object 
 introduced temperate and superior habits in ljieir pub- because they.do not understand, the laws of human na r -.. 
 lie meetings and places of amusements—inducing them,’ ttirc, or comprehend the extent of the change which is 
 on these occasions, to exchange ale, spirits and'vio- necessary'to form a permanent prosperous state of so- 
 lence for tea, coffee and moderation. Many most im- ciety; orhow to create that change in practice. The 
 portant benefits resulted frotri.ihis new instruction of .same crude attempts are,also now being lnadein Eng- 
 thc working classes, and which are now in active pro- land, France, Germany, and throughout Europe, 
 gress. He also taught them that no permanent good To prepare the American publje.gradually to com-,... 
 could arise to themselves or families from violence, prebend the change now required, lie held conventions, 
 nor until a'superlorcharactercould be created for them, public meetings, lectured to’ large'audiences, wrote 
 that would enable them wisely to unite in well-arrang- many articles lor the newspapers, and adopted all oth- 
 cd practical measures; to well educate, employ, place, cr means in his power to arouse the attention of all ■ 
 and govern themselves;.based on principles of equal classes and parties, to the errors and evils of the exist- 
 justice to all. ' j ■ i ing system. He returned to Europe in the spring of 
 
 In 1838 and’39 the writer visited as many of the Eu- 1845, to promote these views; re-crossed the Atlantic 
 ropean governments as his time and means would per- in the autumn of the same year; always, writing dur- 
 mit, including France, Prussia, Bavaria, Austria, and ring these voyages articles for the public press, which 
 Raxonf) with the view of naceflainl&g if any prepaid were published after his landing, in the leading free 
 
6 
 
 press of New York, and in tie Union and National of this, by far now, tie most important and deeply in- 
 intelligencer, in Washington. teresting of all subjects—but he found the war, and 
 
 In the winter of this same year, while attending to the coming Presidential election, had pre-occupied the 
 the proceedings of Congress, in Washington, he pre- Senator’s attention who, in fact, were unprepared for 
 pared a constitution in perfect accordance with the such national investigation, which they said constitu- 
 prinaples so beautifully expressed in their public pro- tionally belonged to the State governments, 
 ceedings by the founders of this republic; a constitu- This is the outline of some of the measures adopted 
 tion intended by them, evidently, to become, as knowl- by the writer, preparatory to those now to be explain- 
 edge increased, a pure democracy of equal rights, and ed in this manifesto. 
 
 a just practical equality. To the constitution proposed It is evident, the world is now in a dilemma. It 
 by the writer, he-appended detailed reasons for each continually exclaims that something is fundamentally 
 law; showing their uniform consistency with each wrong. The new facts discovered, and the progress of 
 other, with the laws of nature, and with the fundamen- science within the last century, are too much opposed 
 tal facts from which those laws have been deduced, to old mysteries, and doctrines to be reconciled. 
 
 And there is no other sure criterion of truth, than this The world must return back to imaginary fables, 
 undeviating consistency. This constitution he recom- and authoritative instruction in mystics, or it must ad- 
 mended for conaderation to the New York State Con- vance to anew era, based on facts, supported by “ truth 
 vention, which had met at Albany, to consider what without mystery, mixture of error, or fear of man.” 
 changeorimpravementcouldbemadeintheconstitution But the world cannot now return back, it must 
 of that State. The writer afterwards twice attended the therefore advance, and progress from error to truth, 
 convention in person, and delivered a discourse to its It may be asked, who are the proper parties to lead 
 members in their hall, granted for that purpose. Ma- the way to accomplish this great moral victory for the 
 ny members approved of this new constitution, but the world ? 
 
 minds of others were, on State affairs, quite inexpe- The answer is obvious, the great public assemblies 
 rienced, and altogether unprepared for the considera- of the three most advanced nations of modern times— 
 tion of such important national measures. In conse- namely, the Parliament oi Great Britain, the' Legisla- 
 quence, small benefit was derived from that fine oppor- tures of the United States of North America, and Legis- 
 tunity to form a consistent and superior constitution lative Chambers of France, 
 for the State of New York The great revolution approaching thecivilized world, 
 
 The Oregon question now threatened war between must be yet wisely and temperatly introduced, and 
 the United States and Great Britain, and two nations conducted by these safe conservative powers, whose 
 springing from the same origin were about to injure pnblic discussions will gradually prepare the public 
 each other to the extent of their power, aided by many for the great inevitable change in principle and prac- 
 newly invented weapons of warfare of fearful destine- tice, which the advanced state of science, and the edi¬ 
 tion ; and thus plnnge into a conflict of unknown re- sequences with which it is fraught, now imperatively 
 stilts disastrous to both parties, for a territory of little demand for all nations. 
 
 value, and of less consequence to their respective pop- The materials for permanent universal prosperity, 
 illations to which Government it might now be nomi- and great improvements in the character of the human 
 nally appropriated. race, are superabundant in all nations; and it is the in- 
 
 To preventthis mad proceeding the writer interested terests. of governments and people, that open pub- 
 himtplf with considerable effect on both sides of the tic measures to effect the change should be no longer 
 water; and for this purpose passed over early iq the delayed. 
 
 spring of 1846 to Great Britain, returning, after a few This manifesto is now published to introduce the 
 days residence in London, to the United States. subject into these Legislative assemblies which take 
 
 On his arrival he found the United States had com- the lead in the civilized world, 
 meneed war with Mexico; and being apprehensive It is true, it is not upon record, that any member of 
 that these hostile proceedings might lead to a war with either of these assemblies has ever uttered one sentence, 
 Great Britain, the writer again returned to London to indicative that he understood the real cause of the mise- 
 explain to the new administration, such views as oc- lies of life, or the only remedies for them; and yet, their 
 enrred to him of the impolicy, inutility and injustice w ant of moral courage, or their prudence not prema- 
 of interference. His own conviction was that the war turely to oppose the prejudices of latitude and longi- 
 would soon sicken both parties of these worse than tude, or local ignorances, may have restrained them 
 useless contests, and thus prepare the way for a better from openly declaring these all-important truths, and 
 feeling, and by degrees, a cordial union between the kept their language witliinjtheir known, and well under- 
 two republics, highly beneficial to both, and to the stood, conventionalities of each assembly, but which 
 world. ought no longer to exist. 
 
 From this mission the writer again returned to the The proceedings of these assemblies hitherto, have 
 United States, arriving at New York in September last; been mere surface legislation, with speeches on the 
 thus crossing the Atlantic four times in less than six most useless or petty affairs, and always on false prin- 
 months. ciples; hence the present ignorance, poverty, disunion, 
 
 ' On his arrival in New York, many articlisof a pub- crime and misery so general throughout Christendom 
 lie character, preparatory to the present object which and all nations, and hence the language of falsehood, 
 he had written during tire return voyage, were publish- and conduct of deception, prevalent among all people; 
 ed in the daily papers of that city, while others were with wars to murder, plunder and oppress each other; 
 afterwards published in thcUnion and National Inldli- all demonstrative proof of the past and present rnisera- 
 gencer, at the city of Washington, where he arrived ble irrationality of the human race, 
 just previous to the Meeting of Congress, the proceed- The famine of Ireland, amid a world of wealth, ils 
 ings of which he carefully watched. illimitable means of increase, and the general disorder 
 
 Perceiving by the signs of the times in Europe as ed condition of society, will terminate this unnatural 
 well as in America, that a new era in the history of and irrational slate of human existence. It is known 
 nations was approaching, and the causes of revolu- that wealth may be easily created annually, greatly to 
 tions rapidly advancing, he presented two memorials exceed the wants of rational desires of society—and 
 to the Senate of this Coagrssj with a view, if possible) Shed it may be beneficially and justly distributed to the 
 fsiestipts 1331 holy to enter ink; a M inreetlgatisn satisfaction of all; 
 
That the means are now well known to give to all a be formed from birth for all ; or that some, through the 
 valuable physical,[mental, moral and practical character, neglect of society or by design, should have bad or in- 
 That most advantageous employment, physical and interior characters formed for them.’—16th. Is it the 
 mental, wisely combined, may be permanently provided interest of society that some should be born to poverty, 
 for all. '' and placed from birth amidst inferior and vicious cir- 
 
 That each one may be well governed and cared for, cumstances, or that all should be bom to affluence and 
 from birth, beneficially for the individual and so- placed from birth amidst superior and virtuous circum- 
 ciety, stances, only ?—17th. Has society the means and pow- 
 
 That, in fact, the means abound to well-place each er to place all from birth amidst inferior and vicious, 
 one from birth to death, greatly to the well being and or superior and virtuous circumstances!—18th. Are 
 happiness of all. inferior and vicious circumstances, or superior and vir- 
 
 The accomplishment of these results may be now tuous circumstances the most economical19th. Are 
 made, upon proper principles, more easy of practice inferior and vicious, or superior and virtuous circum- 
 than to construct railways. < stances the most easily to be controlled and well-gov- 
 
 There is now a superfluity of land, and materials of erned20th. Is it for the interest of society that any 
 every description, of manual labor, of scientific power, one of its members should be placed from birth in the 
 of skill, and capital, with means of illimitable increase, midst of inferior circumstances, seeing that man is, to 
 to commence this change over Europe and America, an illimitable extent, the creature of circumstances; 
 without delay. The poverty, crimes, and degradation and more especially, when society has the most ample 
 of humanity, cry aloud for its commencement to stay means and power to place all, from and before birth, in 
 the miseries of the millions, and the trained extrava- the midst ot superior, virtuous and most rational circum- 
 gant disunion and destructive contests arising from the stances:—21st. Does it indicate a knowledge of hu- 
 ignotant competition of all. man nature in the governments and people who permit 
 
 These are some of tile leading subjects which neces- the continuance of such places as the Five Points in 
 sity will henceforth make the chief objects of discus- New York; St. Giles in London; or similar places 
 sionin these popular assemblies of the civilized world; any where.’—22d Is it the most desirable for the 
 if, indeed, such a state of existence as that now suffer- family of man to be trained from birth in the pure 
 ed by Ireland can be called civilized. language of truth and the straight forward conduct of 
 
 But the questions of paramount importance, which honesty, and placed within circumstances devoid of 
 should first engage the attention of these assemblies, motives to falsehood or any practice of dishonesty; or 
 are—1st. What are the unchanging laws of nature to be regularly initiated in the language of falsehood, 
 respecting humanity ’—2d. Has society been hitherto and the conduct of deception .’—23. What is the differ- 
 based on those laws or upon human imaginations .’—3. ence in money value to society, between a human be- 
 Would not the laws of nature, if universally establish- ing trained from his birth, within circumstances to 
 ed, terminate forever falsehood, ignorance, poverty, make him ignorant, idle, to acquire bad habits; and 
 disunion, the evil passions and all crimes.’—4th, Is it one placed within other circumstances, to form him to 
 not now the interest of all that these laws, and not acquire real knowledge—to be beneficially active, 
 men’s laws in opposition to them, should govern all the without inferior and with good habits, temper and man- 
 proceedings of the human race ’—5th. Are there any ner .’—24th. And with a view to conscious existence 
 real obstacles, except ignorance to prevent the introduc- hereafter, succeeding the death of the individual, which 
 tion of these laws, and the superior practices which of these two characters will be the best prepared for 
 would necessarily emanate from them.’—6th. Are not future happiness ? 
 
 all men now made of necessity, creatures of the latitude Other equally important questions, of lasting inter- 
 and longitude in which they are born, trained and educa- est to the human race, will necessarily arise from these, 
 ted.’—7th. Does not education, imperfect as it hither to and supersede the past and present erroneous, injurious, 
 has been, made the chief difference between the ignorant and far worse than useless legislation, about questions 
 peasant and polished prince?—8th. Could not all be, of mere party politics, or how to punish crime, partially 
 advantageously for all, well educated .’—9th. Has any relieve poverty, or make useless laws on false princi- 
 human being ever yet been educated in any part of pies always productive of evil; or how, by artificial 
 the world, except on principles of falsehood and de- means, to overcome nature’s unchanging laws, which 
 ception.’ If practicable by a change of irrational for can alone make man good, charitable, kind, healthy, 
 rational crcumstances, would it not be most desirable wise, and happy—or how’to train all from birth in false 
 to educate all from birth on principles of truth and horn principles, ana most injurious feelings for each other, 
 esty.’—10th. Would itnot be advantageous to give asu- on account of absurd mystic notions, which no one has 
 perior character for practice, to all as far as their natu- ever yet comprehended—orto promote measures, which 
 ral powers would admit.’—11th. With the immense of necessity, create the oppressor or the oppressed—the 
 superfluous means, acquired through the progress of rich or the poor to the great injury of both; or to make 
 science and of general knowledge to create wealth, is interminable laws of inconsistency, calculated to create 
 there any natural necessity or one good reason why contests and endless evils, 
 any individual Bhould be so placed as to be liable to ex- As soon as these public assemblies of the three most 
 perience, the evils of poverty, or at any time, the fear advanced'nations toward liberty of thought, expression 
 of it ?—12th. With the newly acquired knowledge of and action, can be made to approach the first common 
 the science or manufacture of character, is there any ideas of truth and rationality, they will ascertain that 
 real necessity, or utility, in permitting one individual, all they have now to do, to permanently secure the 
 henceforth, to have an inferior character formed for well-being and happiness of all people, is to make prac- 
 him, much less to be allowed to grow up in ignorance, tical laws. First, to well educate from birtb; second, 
 and to acquire bad and evil habits.’—13th. Has society to well employthrough life; third, to well place; and 
 or the individual the most power in creating the cir- fourth, to 1 X 611 govern each from birth to death; and 
 cumstances which form the character of each.’—14th. this is all they will ever have to do. And this plain. 
 In this respect, what power, from birth, has the indi- practical proceeding may be effectually accomplished 
 vidual in the formation of his own character opposed in any one session of their annual meetings, and thus 
 to society, and what power has society in opposition secure greater advantages for all, than their past cen¬ 
 to the individual .’—15th. Is it the highest permanent turies of false legislation has effected, or if pursued, 
 interest of society that a good practical character should the same errorneous notions will effect through all time. 
 
lie'writer of this manifesto is prepared to prove the when they imagined it, .been based on falsehood, now 
 truth of these statements to their fall extent, and to most palpable to those who can accurately observe 
 demonstrate that Ihe means of permanent prosperity facts and derive self-evident conclusion from them, 
 and universal happiness are now at the immediate com- The necessary consequences of these fundamental er- 
 mand and control of society ; that the famine, poverty, rors, have been the ignorance, poverty, disunion, ha- 
 and crimes of Ireland are the necessary results of the tred, anger, and crime, now so prevalent among all na- 
 ialse principles on which society has ever been based, tions and people, and the inferior divisions, circumstan- 
 and, consequently, on the erroneous mode of governing ces as extensively everywhere existing, and which 
 flat island by Great Britain. He now asks the author- perpetuates the sins and miseries which all suffer and 
 ities of the world, why in the name of common sense, deplore. 
 
 should the present pandemonium state of society longer From these fundamental falsehoods have arisen, the ■ 
 be maintained, when the means exist in superfluity to parties, classes and sects which keep society in a per- 
 speedHy form it into a terrestial paradise. petual, yet ever changing turmoil, to the derangement 
 
 Great, dorious, and magnificent as these truths are, of the rational faculties of all, and the destruction of 
 and highly henefieient as they will prove in practice, their happiness. 
 
 through all future generations, to every child of man. See the direful effects of party, class and sect upon 
 yet this is the earliest period in the history of the hu- the mind, temper, spirit and conduct of all at this day. 
 
 if the millions appear to 
 
 New York, April 6,1S47. rive advantages, while, in fact, this few are in a pitia- 
 
 _ ble condition, compared to that, in which ALL may be 
 
 Robert Owen on tbe Evil Effect of Party Politics securely placed under a system of society based solely 
 • and Disunion 011 tn ™> demonstrated by never changing facts, and 
 
 Society in Europe and America has obtained new ge^ticeswhich would necessarily emanate from 
 
 sJ Wn dental principles by toe virtuous superior circum- 
 ■ r-.r . nmvomtF nraefjciut stances which wjll as naturally emanate from true fun- 
 
 bobebtowen. 
 
 men, and the limited experience of our early ancestors New lork City, 12th April, 1847. 
 
 New York, April 14th, 1847. stacles in the want of freedom of the press and of as- 
 
 While this pamphlet was printing this morning, the sociation in France and in the poverty of the Commun- 
 following letter arrived from Paris, written by a gen- ists. 
 
 tlemanunknown to the author: - An account of your life and labors drawn up by 
 
 Paris, January 25,1847. yourself, is greatly desired. It is to.be hoped you 
 Dear Sir: will he able to execute so useful and instructive a 
 
 , I have just published an abridgment of your TVOr l ; - 
 
 '“Book of the New M. World” in French, compiled I hope you meetwith encouraging success in Ameri- 
 with great care^so as to give a faithful representation a 5 any favorable intelligence from that quarter will 
 if yonr social system. I endeavor to circulate itwide- he received with joy by continental socialists. If you 
 y in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Ac. It has been have leisure and will be kind enough to write me a line, 
 inch approved by socialists generally: amongst oth- I shall esteem it a very great favor, 
 is by Sir. Joseph Rey, of Grenoble, who in 1828 in- With sincere wishes for your combined health and 
 _ioduced your ideas here, which he esteems highly. happiness, Ibeg.to assure you of my unfeigned respect 
 Cammnnian is spre ad ing gradually and surely on and high estimation, 
 the Continent In England yonr persevering efforts T. W. THOKNTON, 
 
 you in England some years ago, may be considered the 
 head of the French Communists. He appeared to be xt 
 very zealous and laborious, hut meets with great oh- 64,1817. 
 
 * LeLivredu Nouveau Monde Moral contenant le Sys- 
 
 Social Rationne], base sur les loia de laNati 
 
 
 1