he
use of the town officials, for which a moderate rent is paid from the
town-treasury. The county officers have secured one hundred acres of
land two miles from Solaris, just outside the farm limits. On this, they
propose to erect a suitable brick building for the county offices. The
farm company, now has the contract to furnish the brick and erect the
building. Pending its completion, the county officials occupy rented
quarters in Solaris, which is by far the largest business center in the
county. From this statement of the situation, you will observe that our
co-operative vote already holds a balance of power, which controls the
policy of both town and county. With the advent of Colony number 2, the
interests of co-operation in this county, are secure for all time.
Meanwhile, we are encouraged to hope that before the close of the
twentieth century, what co-operation has already achieved at Solaris,
may be accomplished in every town, county and state in the Republic!

"You ask, what disposition is made of the salaries of such co-operators
as are elected to fill town and county offices?

"They are paid in scrip. The salaries or fees which they receive from
town or county, are turned into the company treasury. As these
co-operators, in holding such offices, are in a position to materially
aid the co-operative movement. They are justly excused from farm-work,
whenever their official duties require attention."

"Splendid! my dear Fillmore! Your report is very interesting, and even
more encouraging! It seems the beginning of a fulfillment of my father's
hopes, dreams and prophecies! I am anxious for the time to come, when he
can tell you how much he is pleased with your work!"

CHAPTER XXXIII.

SOLARIS SCRIP.

"Returning again, Fillmore, to the financial operations of the farm;
with such a volume of business to transact, how do you manage to get
along without having recourse to some local bank?"

"To a large extent, we do our own banking business. Our treasurer, has
his office in the cash room of the store. In this room we have a large
vault, containing a fire-proof safe of the latest type. The books,
records and funds of the company, are all kept in this safe. For our
commercial business, we have selected one of the principal banks of St.
Louis as our bank of deposit. A large percentage of purchases for the
store and farm are made in that city, which is also a market for the
bulk of our farm produce.

"T