40 THE UTOPIAN COMMUNIST
oath and received "the kiss of brotherhood." Henceforth he was
addressed with the familiar "du."
The order of business in these societies was fairly standardized.
The reception of new members was usually the first item on the
agenda, and the newcomers were thoroughly examined, impressed
with the need for secrecy, instructed in the principles of the move
ment, and urged to secure at least one new member each month.
Thereupon, each member reported on his propaganda activities
since the last meeting. If he had been derelict, he was admonished
to be more zealous. There usually followed a report on the propa
ganda in other areas, gleaned from foreign journals. Members
were given an opportunity to ask questions, dues and contribu
tions for propaganda purposes were collected, committees chosen,
and announcements made about the travel plans of members.
Finally, a substantial amount of time was reserved for reading, de
bate, and discussion, for all such organizations had a distinctly
educational objective.
Weitling hated the prevailing Kneipenleben of the workers
which made them the slaves of the taverns, where they drank too
much, wasted their time and money in card games, quarreled with
each other about inconsequential matters, and talked about noth
ing but wages. Violent feuds between members of various trades
and crafts sometimes ended in drunken brawls and pitched battles.
Weitling had higher ideals for his fellow craftsmen, and in his
communist clubs he saw the cure for many of their vices. In these
Vereine workers could get cheap and wholesome recreation and
be educated for the responsibilities of citizenship and, eventually,
public office. Weitling was eager to demonstrate what workers
could accomplish, without police or judges, through the principle
of free association. Like a Methodist revivalist he preached tem
perance and the virtues of self-effacement, brotherly love, and for
giveness, as he appealed earnestly to "the people of blouses,
jackets, smocks and caps... the most numerous, useful and
powerful group on God's earth," to live up to their possibilities.
In eighteen months, Weitling organized at least ten societies,