Piet Vlag

“ The working people of the United States are certainly not poorer than the working people of Germany, Belgium and Denmark. The working people of Europe managed to raise sufficient capital to establish some of the largest and most powerful distributive co-operatives in the world. There is, perhaps, one difference. The German party press officially urged the people to join the co-operative and stand together solidly. We have as yet not been able to induce the Socialist press in the United States to take any such stand. ”

“ Many people seem to believe that the American Wholesale Co-operative is a concern started by a few well-meaning individuals to benefit society at large. Let us assure you, once for all, that the American Wholesale Co-operative is no such paternalistic institution. ”

“ The relation between the retail organizations and the American Wholesale Co-operative is the same as the relation between the consumers and the retail stores. A wholesale profit is made and declared in the same manner to the stores, as the stores declare their dividends to the consumers. ”

“ Many people with a considerable amount of gray matter under their hair have told us that co-operation could not be practiced in the United States as it was practiced in Europe, because different conditions exist here, and therefore different methods must be employed. ”

“ Strange as it may seem, we are led to believe that with all the enlightenments on the subject the Socialists do not as yet understand the capitalist system. Many still prefer to give their little savings to a bank, where they receive 3% or 4%, or nothing at all. ”

“ For two very good reasons: First, because there are so very few paternalists; and, secondly, because we do not believe that any movement can gain real force until it is operated by and for the people. ”

“ A woman who has purchased during the six months $200 worth from the co-operative, and thus saved from about $40 to $50, is taxed with $6, or 3%, on $200 to pay the running expenses. There is no fear that she will not pay this, as her original investment of $10 covers her share of the operating expenses. Unless she pays she cannot continue to deal with the society, and her membership money is forfeited. ”

“ These banks loan their money to small stores, larger stores and manufacturers at 6% to 7%. The stores use this money in turn to exploit the working class, or the original investors of the money, out of from 20% to 25%. ”

“ Then each member orders his goods through the secretary in bulk, weekly, semi-monthly or monthly—whatever is decided upon by the local organization. These bulk orders are combined by the secretary so that they form wholesale quantities. A wholesale quantity means an unbroken package. ”

“ No profit is added. In this manner the consumers save directly from 20% to 25% on their purchases. The cost of operation is very low, and usually amounts to about 3% to 4%. It is low because no store is needed. A packing room is sufficient, and the putting up of the orders can be done in the evening by some one after work, at a very low cost. ”