“Yes, or perhaps the bondholders! You could invest your wages in stock in that corporation if you chose. You cannot invest them in the Association. But after investing in the cotton company you are liable to be frozen out by the big holders. Now, frankly, do you not see that you may work forty years for your company and then in old age have not enough to sustain life from day to day? This could not occur in our system. We exact now twenty-five years’ work of each member and then he is free. After he has given us twenty-five years’ work he becomes entitled to his dividend for the rest of his life just the same as if he worked.” “That sounds well, Mr. Braden. But have you any such retired members yet?” “You must not call them retired members. We believe that those who earn freedom by twenty-five years’ work will be among our most useful members. They will still be interested in our work. They will still participate in our elections. They will take a personal interest in maintaining and guarding the Association whence they draw their income. Our Association is now only fifteen years old. In ten years more three hundred of us will be entitled to release from systematic labor. It is possible that the Association will give us earlier release, as our co-operative wealth is so great at present, and is increasing so rapidly, that we are considering the propriety of diminishing the number of hours of labor per day to six and the number of years to twenty. We have many persons who have earned long furloughs. In every such instance the member during his or her furlough is a useful member. If he travels he brings home to us the best of information. If he seeks pleasure he studies that very important pursuit and we learn from him how to make life enjoyable.” “You certainly are able to make pertinent and seemingly complete answers, Mr. Braden. I shall ask my questions now, not to puzzle but to elicit information. Suppose a member becomes sick. Does that stop his income or dividend?” “If a member becomes sick he is turned over to the Health department. As long as he is in the charge of the Health department his income continues.” “Who pays for his treatment by physicians?” “He pays for it himself out of his income from the Association.” “Suppose he should wish to change his climate in order to recover? How shall he make a change?” “If the Health department reports such a remedy for any sick member of the Industrial Army leave of absence is granted and he is permitted to go to such climate as is recommended.” “Suppose a man dies leaving a wife and family after five years’ employment. What does the Association do for the family?” “The funeral expenses are paid and the family receives the deceased member’s income until the youngest child becomes of age, provided the child remains in the Educational department. If the widow is healthy and able to work she is received into the Industrial Army.”