The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-22
Poverty and Wealth.

IF il were true that idleness is source OF
poverty, the capitastic class would not be
possessed of any property, for they have been
idle for generations Or is 1t not fact that
those who work nowadays acquire nothing,
while those acquiring untold wealth do not
workY
The above paragraph Is at present making
the rounds Of certain class Of papers and,
though generally published without comment,
the fact that it is published at all Is proof
that the peculiar ideas contained IN 1t are
popular with at least "A portion of the people.
This popularity, however, has its origin IN a
cursory reading and an minimizing accep-
lance Of its propositions. Ii does not contain
a single statement made as such, but Is skill
fully composed of a supposltiOn and ques-
ton, and while the former Is in a measure
true, the latter is unqualifedly false.
Idleness is a source of poverty, but as IL o
ness need be only temporary for a man who
is willing TO work it has but n small infu-
ence on the financial condition of the human
race. There Is almost always work for those
willing TO labor, though every man may not
be able to secure perfectly cOngcnial en-
plOyment: and the man who refuses 10 ac-
cept a situation because he does not like the
particular business has no one but himself 10
blame for empty pockets. The law of labor
is as old rs the race upon which II IS SUP
posed TO rest as a punishment, and 1t is law
that carries its own penalties. These penal
ties do not. or rather need not. fall on any
but those who break the law, all statements
10 the contrary notwithstanding. He who
will not work should not eat. and If his rela-
tives or friends are satisfied to support him
IN idleness, any suilerings which they may
endure are nothing more than they have Il
right to expect. This may appear to be a sell
fish doctrine but il is not SO much selfish ~
II u sensible.
That the capitaistic class is idle can be de-
8 g..
OF the capitalist, at present, seems To be one
Of unremitting activity, and So long as his
activity is confined 10 the legitimate promo
ton of business enterprises he will be more
of a public benefactOr than is the man who
attacks him merely because he has wealth.
OF course. II he uses his capital for the pur-
pose Of crushing competition and securing the
passage of laws favorable 10 himself alone.
his action will properly become the subject Of
public censure. But 1t s the function and
within the power of citizenship to correct
tendencies i'll these latter directions.
With regard 10 the question about those who
work nowadays acquiring nothing, It Is prOba-
bly, no more than truth 10 state that oppOr-
tunitles for acquiring q competence. If not
wealth, were never better than they are at
present, Labor rs compared with years past,
Is relatively better paid. and comforts are in
greater variety. and probably on the whole
cheaper. With moderate economy nothing
short of sickness or like misfortune should
prevent most people from putting By some
thing for the rainy day. There are also
various safe and profitable methods of invest
ment for savings. and many workers be-
come in greater or less degree capitalists them
selves.
People who do not work cannot acquire I'M
told wealth. They may inherit it. but if they
do not use care and judgment in its manage
ment they will die poorer than theywere born,
and so with their descendants until the wealth
has vanished. The exercise of proper care in
handling business or managing accumulatlons
of money is work. though probably not so
trying As some other forms of labor: and while
every man cannot have inherited wealth sufi-
Client TO occupy his whole time in caring for
1t, he can have the satisfaction of earning his
own living and. if he wishes of owing a dollar
to no one.-Pittsburg DISPATCH.