ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author describes the various phases through which Cooperation has passed, and shows that many of the schemes which are known as cooperative only deserve the appellation in a modified sense. He aims to compare the benefits which will result from cooperation, with the disadvantages and difficulties which may impede its progress. Many of the disciples of Communism, although they had to witness the failure of their schemes, yet became permanently impressed with the advantages which working men would obtain by uniting for a common object. A moment’s reflection will show how great the influence is exerted by a Cooperative Store. The great industrial advantage of cooperation would operate, since all the labouring shareholders would be directly interested in the prosperity of the business. The cooperative trading societies in Paris are very numerous.
