THE CO-OPERATIVE CONGRESS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR,"] SIR,-Will you allow me, as having been a delegate in attendance at the Co-operative Congress, to point out that, in consequence obviously of misleading newspaper reports of its proceedings, you have incorrectly interpreted the resolution which was their final outcome ? The compromise for which that resolution was substituted ran thus :—" That whenever the profits of either productive or distributive Societies can be divided with equity, they be divided so as to give a share to capital. labour, and trade; and that it be referred to the United Board to consider, in connection with the wholesale Societies, and to report to the next Congress on, the best plan for giving effect to this principle."
The amending resolution, which was carried by 213 to 160, not, as you stated, by 213 to 200 votes, was worded as follows : —" That this Congress recommends that by whomsoever pro- ductive enterprises are established, whether by wholesale or distributive Societies, or by organisations of workpeople them- selves, an alliance be formed on equitable conditions of profits and risks between the worker, the capitalist, and the consumer; and that this Congress invites the wholesale Societies of England and Scotland, and all distributive Societies who carry on production on their own account, to adopt in the conduct of their works the principle formulated above, and to assist the United Board by suggesting plans for perfecting it."
It will be observed that these proposals are in substantial agreement, though the latter is the more explicit and deter- mined in tone of the two. So far, therefore, from the pro- ceedings of the Congress having, as you were led to apprehend, caused any necessity for a separation in the co-operative movement, they afford ground for anticipating good practical results as the outcome of continued united deliberations among those who are working in its ranks.—I am, Sir, &c.,
SEDLEY TAYLOR.
Trinity College, Cambridge, May 29th.
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