_A._--It originated partly in New York City and partly in Albany, in the winter of 1842-3. We first held meetings in Albany, and agitated the subject of Socialism till we formed an Association. Our original object was to read and explain the doctrines of Charles Fourier, the French Socialist; to have lectures delivered, and arouse public attention to the consideration of those social questions which appeared to us, in our new-born zeal, to have an important bearing upon the present, and more especially upon the future welfare of the human family. In this we partly succeeded, and had arrived at the point where it appeared necessary for us to think of practically carrying out those splendid views which we had hitherto been dreaming and talking about. Hearing of a similar movement going on in New York City, we communicated with them and ascertained that they thought precisely as we did concerning immediate and practical operations. After several communications the two bodies united, with a determination to vent their enthusiasm upon the land. Our New York friends appointed a committee of three persons to select a desirable location, and report at the next meeting of the Society. _C._--What were the qualifications of the men who were appointed to select the location? I think this very important. _A._--One was a landscape painter, another an industrious cooper, and the third was a homoeopathic doctor! _C._--And not a farmer among them! Well, this must have been a great mistake. At what season did they go to examine the country? _A._--I think it was in March; I am sure it was before the snow was off the ground. _C._--How unhappy are the working classes in having so little patience. Every thing they attempt seems to fail because they will not wait the right time. Had you any capitalists among you? _A._--No; they were principally working people, brought up to a city life. _C._--But you encouraged capitalists to join your society? _A._--Our constitution provided for them as well as laborers. We wished to combine capital and labor, according to the theory laid down by Charles Fourier. _C._--Was his theory the society's practice? _A._--No; there was infinite difference between his theory and our practice. This is generally the case in such movements, and invariably produces disappointment and unhappiness. _C._--Does this not result from ignorance of the principles, or a want of faith in them? _A._--To some extent it does. If human beings were passive bodies, and we could place them just where we pleased, we might so arrange them that their actions would be harmonious. But they are not so. We are active beings; and the Sylvanians were not only very active, but were collected from a variety of situations least likely to produce harmonious beings. If we knew mathematically the laws which regulate the actions of human beings, it is possible we might place all men in true relation to each other.