In cases where portions of time have been allowed to slaves, as
among the Spaniards, with a view to their working out their
freedom, it is believed that but few have availed themselves of
the opportunity by a voluntary industry; and such a result could
be less relied on in a case where each individual would feel that
the fruit of his exertions would be shared by others, whether
equally or unequally making them, and that the exertions of
others would equally avail him, notwithstanding a deficiency in
his own. Skilful arrangements might palliate this tendency, but
it would be difficult to counteract it effectually.[15]

The examples of the Moravians, the Harmonites, and the Shakers,
in which the united labours of many for a common object have been
successful have, no doubt, an imposing character. But it must be
recollected that in all these establishments there is a religious
impulse in the members of a religious authority in the head, for
which there will be no substitutes of equivalent efficacy in the
emancipating establishment. The code of rules by which Mr. Rapp
manages his conscientious and devoted flock, and enriches a
common treasury, must be little applicable to the dissimilar
assemblage in question. His experience may afford valuable aid in
its general organization, and in the distribution and details of
the work to be performed. But an efficient administration must,
as is judiciously proposed, be in hands practically acquainted
with the propensities and habits of the members of the new
community.

With reference to this dissimilarity, and to the doubt as to the
advantages of associated labour, it may deserve consideration
whether the experiment would not be better commenced on a scale
smaller than that assumed in the prospectus. A less expensive
outfit would suffice; labourers in the proper proportions of sex
and age would be more attainable; the necessary discipline and
the direction of their labours could be more simple and
manageable; and but little time would be lost; or, perhaps, time
gained; as success, for which the chance would, according to my
calculation, be increased, would give an encouraging aspect, to
the plan, and probably suggest improvements better qualifying it
for the larger scale proposed.

Such, Madam