J.L. Joynes, Edward
R. Pease, Frank Podmore, R.B.P. Frost, and Hamilton Pullen.

"The proceedings were begun by the reading of Mr. Thomas Davidson's
paper 'The New Life,' read by him at a former assemblage, and after
it of the Draft of a proposed constitution (Sketch No. 2). [This has
not been preserved.]

"A general discussion followed on the question as to what was
possible of achievement in the way of founding a communistic society
whose members should lead the new higher life foreshadowed in the
paper just read. The idea of founding a community abroad was
generally discredited, and it was generally recognised that it would
not be possible to establish here in England any independent
community. What could be done perhaps would be for a number of
persons in sympathy with the main idea to unite for the purpose of
common living as far as possible on a communistic basis, realising
amongst themselves the higher life and making it a primary care to
provide a worthy education for the young. The members would pursue
their present callings in the world, but they would always aim to
make the community as far as practicable self-contained and
self-supporting, combining perhaps to carry on some common business
or businesses.

"It was eventually arranged to further discuss the matter at another
meeting which was fixed for a fortnight hence (Wednesday, 7th
November). Mr. Podmore consented to ask Miss Owen [afterwards Mrs.
Laurence Oliphant] to attend then and narrate the experiences of the
New Harmony Community founded by [her grandfather] Robert Owen.

"It was suggested--and the suggestion was approvingly received--that
undoubtedly the first thing to be done was for those present to
become thoroughly acquainted with each other. A general introduction
of each person to the rest of the company was made and the business
of the meeting being concluded conversation followed,"

On November 7th, the second meeting was held, when a number of new
people attended, including Hubert Bland, who, I think, had been one of
the original Davidson group. Miss Owen was unable to be present, and a
draft constitution was discussed.

"A question was then raised as to the method of conducting the
proceedings. The appointment of a chairman was proposed, and Mr.
Pease was appointed. It was suggested that resolutions should be
passed constituting a