244 THE UTOPIAN COMMUNISTpayments that might be made into the central treasury of the Bund
from whatever source. When the colonists signed the agreement,
Weitling commented joyfully on the unanimity that existed
among "communists of the old school" who had learned the true
significance of "faith and sacrifice," and he predicted a day not
too far distant when all the property of the colony and all the
contributions to the Bund would become the common property
of the Arbeiterbund.
Colonists, like other members of the Bund, were expected to
pay a $10 initiation fee but they were assured that such funds
would be spent entirely for the development of the colony. A
three months' probationary period was required for membership
in Communia, and individuals were guaranteed the return of their
investments if they should withdraw. Though entitled to all its
rights and privileges, residents in the colony were exempted from
the regular dues of the Arbeiterbund. The colony was guaranteed
a large measure of local autonomy; its affairs were placed under
the supervision of a committee chosen by the Central Commission
of the Arbeiterbund in New York; and this body was given the
right to send workers to the colony and to act as a court of appeal
in case of disagreements.
A glowing description of the colony promptly was printed in
Die Republik der Arbeiter. The 1,240 acres lying between the
Turkey and Volga rivers were valued at $2,500. Three thousand
acres of public land in the immediate neighborhood seemed to
provide ample room for expansion. The countryside was hilly
and beautiful and so healthful, according to Weitling's report,
that it was free of cholera and fever or snakes, dreaded enemies
of the pioneer. One of the existing houses, sixty by thirty-five feet
and two stories high, containing a dining hall with a kitchen in the
basement, two cellars and an attic, easily could accommodate five
families. It was appraised at $1,000, and four smaller houses adapt
able for lodgings and auxiliary purposes were valued at $500.
Fruit and livestock were inventoried at $1,900, and the latter in
cluded 100 pigs, 30 oxen, 15 sheep, 7 horses, and many chickens,