ABSTRACT
We do not pursue any further the allegory between the two sets of pilgrims : a different and simpler comparison will be sufficient for our purpose. In 1844, co-operation was no unknown thing. It was worse than that. As sometimes happens at the police courts, it had, like the prisoner at the bar, "been seen there before." Co-operation was an old offender ; it had been tried and condemned many times. Many workmen had lost by it ; more had suffered disappointment by it. It was regarded as an exploded scheme. To use a nautical phrase, the vessel was not seaworthy; in fact, co-operation was little better than a leaky, rickety cock boat, in which few would sail out into the sea of industry. It was doubtful whether it would ever get into port, and was sure to bo a long time about it, if ever it did arrive. However, a few resolute mariners, who could not be much worse off if they went to the bottom, made up their minds to the attempt.
