Page:Indian Journal of Economics Volume 2.djvu/376

 G. MEHA surely, in the sphere of village economy ? The co-operative movement has doubtless made great strides during recent years, but do the statistical returns in the question is: How far the appendices of annual reports indicate the progress of co-operative principles of self-help and enterprise, honesty and mutual trust ? In a word, is the moral value of co-operation better reallaud than before ? The answer to that must be sought largely in personal impressions, and I put them down for what they are worth. The touching stories of enthusiasm for agricultural improvements, enterpr!se in using purer cultures and better implements, of self-abnegation and generous interest in education, which often adorned the page of earlier contributions on co-operation, will be found illustrative more of the large-hearted endeavors of conscientious officials' and non-official enthusiasts than of elevated morality spontaneously welling ut of the rural societies. Primary societies have in fact hardly begun to understand co-operation as anything more than a beneficent institution meant by the Sarkar to make them cheap advances. Unlimited liability is but dimly understood, if st all, by n av6rage soety, and is yet hardly felt as an obligation. Every member is concerned to get as much as possible for himself, and so long as he succeeds in his objects, he does not care a bit, unless his jealousy or pique is touched, whether his neighbor mensurate with his has secured'-an advance corn- resources or requirements, and whether the advance is profitably spent or not. The panches fully realise the value of their digy and help themselves generously out of the money advanced to the society. These high dignitaries do not in practice regard themselves bound as the rank and file, by petty rules such as those of punctual repayment of. loans, and utilising them for the objects for wkie