The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-29
Carnegie's and GIadstone's Plans.

EDWARD J. Phelps in North American Review.
The discussion of this subject, commenced by
Mr.. Carnegie, and continued in the magazines
on both sides of the Atlantic, has drawn out
some very eminent men, Cardinal Manning and
Mr.. Gladstone among the number. The propo-
sition with which Mr.. Carnegie sets out. that it
is better for rich man to dispense his charities
in his life time than to leave them to be admin
istered under his will, is undeniable. Coming
from one who Is not merely admonishing a
class to which he does not belong concerning
duties that are not his own, but who by gener-
Gus example illustrates what by precept he en-.
joins, his suggestions deserve and will receive
attention. The facilities afforded in many
places, In the administration of what Is called
justice, for the prolonged contest of wills upon
no just grounds whatever, to the waste of
estates, the SANDER of the dead, and often
the distress of surviving relatives, until an
unrighteous compromise is finally extorted,
are constant warning to those who
have wealth TO dispose of, TO do il while thew
still live, and can assert control over their own
1t is only in theory that man has a right to
make his own will. II he has much to leave be-
hind him. And the difficulties which, under
the most favorable circumstances attend
the administration of considerable post-mor,u-
airy charities, tend strongly to support Mr.
Carnegies views. Mr.. Gladstone's proposal, set
forth in an interesting article, for bringing 10
pass what he appears 10 think is needed-a
larger measure OF giving on the part of the rich
does not seem likely TO be acce ptabie to those
whom IL addresses His suggestion is that rich
men should enter into sort OF compact with
each other to give away annually a certain nro
portion Of their respective incomes Even If II
is necessary to devise schemes to stimulate the
generosity OF the wealthy, this one will hardly
commend itself as practicable. 1t is not reason
able to suppose that any considerable number
OF men OF large in come would enter into such a
society, binding themselves, by an honorary
engagement even stronger in its obIi
cation than legal contract, 70 relin-
Quish a material share of their reva,ra
annually. whether satisfactory opportunities or
really worthy objects present themselves or not.
II would be surrcndering, not only their nro,-
erty, but the freedom of volition which men do
not ike to part WITH and which gives charity
all its merit. Were such an obligation assumed.
the life OF the parties TO il would speedily he
come burden. Ii would be impossible m re-
ceiye or answer, much less 20 investigate and
consider. the thousands OF applications of every
conceivable description that would nour in
from all quarters, many OF them dishonest.
many more unwise or impractieahle: and even
those that are both honest and expedieut. onIy
TO be found so through careful examination.
and then 20 be Disseminated from uultituda
OF others. equally meriforious and equally i'm
Fortunate Whoever was induced TO enlist into
such an army of benevolence would soon be
compelled either to obtain his discharge or 10
desert and fy.