Her husband did not sympathize with the celibacy proposition, left "Mother Ann," as she was then known, and went off with another woman who was unhampered by revelations.

This was the beginning of desertions which have continued ever since, until the men are reduced to a corporal's guard.
The principles of the Shakers, barring celibacy, are sound and practical, and, so far as known, they live up to them quite faithfully.

Like the original Oneida community, they believe in free criticism of one another in open meetings.

They admit no one to the society unless he or she promises to make a full confession before others of every evil that can be recalled,--women confess to women, men to men; these requirements make it difficult to recruit their ranks.

They are opposed to war and violence, do not vote, and do not permit corporal punishment.