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Russel Wallace : Alfred Russell Wallace (sic) (S492a: 1894)
Sir,--The adherents and friends of the Freeland movement, who now amount to thousands, and are to be found in all parts of the civilised world, consider that the time has arrived to make a practical attempt at the solution of the social problem, on the lines laid down in Theodor Hertzka's book, "Freeland: A Social Anticipation" (Chatto and Windus), and in the sequel, "A visit to Freeland," by the same author. It is proposed to establish a community on the basis of perfect economic freedom and justice, a community which shall preserve the independence of its members, and shall secure to every worker the full and undiminished enjoyment of that which he produces. By placing the means of production at the disposal of the workers, we shall enable them, without exception, to work in the most advantageous manner. For the site of the new community a suitable area will be selected on the recently discovered and still unoccupied highlands surrounding Mount Kenia, in the interior of Equatorial Africa. According to the unanimous accounts of trustworthy explorers, these highlands are remarkably well adapted for colonisation by Europeans; the climate is excellent, the temperature throughout the year being very much like of that of spring time in Europe, and the land is extraordinarily fertile and rich in mineral products. Great Britain, within whose sphere of influence the district lies, has promised her protection, as well as complete freedom in the matter of internal economic arrangements. The Freelanders are already sufficiently numerous, and command the necessary capital, to commence operations, and their preparations are now complete. Certain members have been actively engaged in our interests for a month past at Zanzibar and Lamu; and a first party of selected pioneers will start at the end of this month to be followed by the remainder a few weeks later. In a shallow-draught steamer, purchased expressly for the expedition, they will ascend the River Tana as far as the Falls--some 350 miles up stream. Thence, after forming a well-provided camp, some of their number will push on into the Kenia district, and make preparations for the later comers. The pioneers will be equipped with all necessaries both for reporting, from a scientific point of view, upon the districts traversed, and for commencing the actual work of cultivation. The larger the means, and the more numerous the personnel with which our enterprise is begun, the more sure and speedy will be its success, and the sooner will it begin to re-act upon the condition of the whole civilised world, which, step by step, has become untenable. We have therefore good reason for believing that few words are necessary to gain for our undertaking, which speaks aloud for itself, the moral and material support of all friends of humanity, of all who understand their own best interests, and of all who believe in a brighter future and desire to aid its realization. Enquiries or offers of assistance may be addressed to the Central Executive Committee, 53 Langegasse, Vienna VIII. The following bankers have kindly undertaken to receive subscriptions or donations:--Messrs. A. Rueffer & Sons, 39, Lombard-street, London; Mr. Henry Hohenemser, 69, Neue Mainzerstrasse, Frankfort-am-Main, III. As soon as our enterprise is fairly started in British East Africa, an International Congress of all friends and supporters will be convened. (Signed on behalf of the Executive Committee) ALFRED R. WALLACE, F.R.S.,
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