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Paris, and another (the “London phalanx” ) by Hugh Doherty, in London, sach ably edited.
Early in 1842, a number of gentlemen associated themselves together for the purpose of bringing the schemes of
Fourier fully and prominently before the public; and to this end, they purchased the right to occupy one column daily on the first page of the Tribune with an article, or articles, on the subject, from the pen of
Mr. Brisbane.
The first of these articles appeared on the first of March, 1842, and continued, with some interruptions, at first daily, afterwards three times a week, till about the middle of 1844; when
Mr. Brisbane went again to
Europe.
The articles were signed with the letter B, and were known to be communicated.
They were calm in tone, clear in exposition.
At first, they seem to have attracted little attention, and less opposition.
They were regarded (as far as my youthful recollection serves) in the light of articles to be skipped, and by most of the city readers of the Tribune, I presume, they were skipped with the utmost regularity, and quite as a matter of course.
Occasionally, however, the subject was alluded to editorially, and every such allusion was of a nature to be read.
Gradually, Fourierism became one of the topics of the time.
Gradually certain editors discovered that Fourierism was unchristian.
Gradually, the cry of Mad Dog arose.
Meanwhile, the articles of
Mr. Brisbane were having their effect upon the People.
In May, 1843,
Mr. Greeley wrote, and with perfect truth:
The Doctrine of Association is spreading throughout the country with a rapidity which we did not anticipate, and of which we had but little hope.
We receive papers from nearly all parts of the Northern and Western States, and some from the South, containing articles upon Association, in which general views and outlines of the System are given.
They speak of the subject as one “which is calling public attention,” or, “about which so much is now said,” or, “which is a good deal spoken of in this part of the country,” &c., showing that our Principles are becoming a topic of public discussion.
From the rapid progress of our Doctrines during the past year, we look forward with hope to their rapid continued dissemination.
We feel perfectly confident that never, in the history of the world, has a philosophical doctrine, or the plan of a great reform, spread with the rapidity which the Doctrine of Association has spread in the United States for the last year or two.
There are now a large number of papers, and quite a number of lecturers in various parts of
