ABSTRACT
This chapter covers relationships and controversies between co-operators and late nineteenth century state socialists, who attempted to portray the co-operative movement as merely diversionary for the working class. It presents speech given by J.T.W. Mitchell at the 24th Annual Co-operative Congress, 1892. Mitchell’s connection with the co-operative movement began in 1853 when he joined the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers’ Society, which elected him to the board of the Co-operative Wholesale Society in 1869. Reproduced here is the speech he gave as president of the Rochdale Congress three years before he died in office. He quotes the clause from the Pioneers’ original rules referring to their aim of establishing a “home colony of united interests” in order to suggest that the wider vision was sustained, despite the success of storekeeping and dividend.
