Sawdon, H.E.

A Practical Co-Operative System [and] The Co- Operative System [captions titles for two broadsides].

Chattanooga, TN: The author, nd [1910?]. Two printed broadsides, 8 1/2 x 10 7/8 and 14 1/2 x 10 inches, the first a caption title followed by 20 paragraphs of dense text printed in three columns separated by thin rules, the second a caption title followed by 19 paragraphs of dense text printed in four columns on the upper half of the sheet, the proposed group's constitution of three articles and a section of "by-laws and working plan" also printed in four columns on the lower half. OCLC locates one copy of the first broadside (Duke), but the second seems to be unrecorded there. OCLC locates three other publications, each in one location: Use Natural Law (California-Berkeley; printed in San Francisco, 1905; 39 pp.), The New Social System or the Correct Basis of Economics and Ethics (Wisconsin-Milwaukee; NP, ca. 1900-1910, 53 pp.), and "Best and Now" (Wisconsin Historical Society; printed in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, 1932; 4-page leaflet). Sawdon mentions "The New System" in the first broadside, offering copies for 20 cents. Sawdon advertised in a 1910 International Socialist Review for this Tennessee co-operative project, wrote a letter to the editor of The To-Morrow Magazine concerning the project in 1908, and donated a dollar for Soviet relief in 1922; we have found no other information about him. Poor quality paper browned and a little worn around the edges, but both are very good. Folded. Item #62133

Documenting an attempt to start a co-operative farming community in the Southeast, these two broadsides by Sawdon describe a community based on the principle that Time is the correct measure for determining work and pay and "the one vital principle that all progressive and good people should unite upon to get established, for its general use will abolish poverty and wars and transform the earth into a human paradise," summing up his pitch to prospective partners in the effort "Wanted — Socialist, anarchist, agnostic, fruitarian pards, affinities who believe in justice, liberty, reason, who are not addicted to strong drink nor tobacco, and only workers at physical work will receive full pay, for mental work will be done for pastime ... to build up splendid home in the beautiful Southeast. To plant orchards, raise gardens, hay, and farm products; get teams, cows, small cannery, etc., and study and prepare to live the very best, the easiest. Good living the one object." Apparently, there were not enough takers for the project, as we have found no evidence that any such community founded by Sawdon was ever created. In addition to a different pitch to prospective participants in the upper half of the second broadside, it includes a "Constitution" of three articles, outlining the Justice Association's purpose, its provision for land and labor sharing, and the member's responsibilities as a lease holder, by-laws that include definition of terms and codes of conduct, and prospects for the project's growth. (9081).

Price: $750.00