110 them with its gladdening smile, the cup of privation and suffering was held to their lips, and they were made to drink to the dregs. But although poor and humble, they were not entirely friendless. A distant stranger, by chance hearing of the distress of these poor German emigrants, sent provisions for their relief—an incident long remembered and related by them with tears of gratitude. For about eighteen months they toiled, in separate families, but unable thus to sustain, themselves in this then new country, the idea was suggested to combine and conquer by the. mighty enginery of associated effort. A con-, stitution was adopted, formed on purely' republican and democratic principles, under which they have, lived to the present time. By it they held all property in common. Their principal officers are an agent and. three trustees, upon whom devolves the management of the temporal affairs of the community. Their offices are elective, females voting as well as males. The trustees serve three years, one vacating annually and a new election being held. For years the colony struggled against the current, but their economy, industry and
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=