The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-05-18
THE DANGER OF WEALTH.

1t is not wealth, but the Capitalization
OF wealth that furnishes ammunition for
social disturbers. In this connection.
the policy Of the Astor family in hand
ing down the bulk Of a famous fortune
to a single heir is not without its equip
ment of argument for the teachings OF
those men who preach the equalization
Of good things.
Not many years ago the original John
Jacob Aston, a shrewd merchant OF
Dutch blood, foresaw magnificent re-
turns from the fur trade. In a small
way he started a trade that fifty years
ago was considered a wonderful COM
merclal enterprise. He founded q post
in Washington, which bears his name,
and the anniversary of which was cole
bratsd only the other day, and in Mon
tana he had his agents. This was the
beginning of a fabulous fortune which
has only been held together by the
spirit of thrift and the pride that ami
mated the founder. At his death he
left the bulk of a fortune, which would
not be considered very great nowadays,
to his eldest son William B. Astor.
When this son, who attained no higher
degree Of distinction than is given by
the inheritance Of q great fortune, died,
he, in turn. gave the greater portion Of
his wealth to his son, William Astor, the
father Of the rather notorious Mrs.
Drayton. Following the same policy,
the founders grandson leaves the for
tune, except small portions, to Ills son
John Jacob Astor. This young man,
but twenty-six years old, will in the next
four years be as rich as his grandfather
when he died. Should he live to the age
of his ancestors and follow their rules Of
accumulation, his fortune will be almost
beyond the exaggeration Of figures. AS
the fortune came to him through acoi-
dent Of birth and not through his indi-
vidual efforts, he is not to be held re-
sponsible for the "evil Of wealth."
But think for a moment what IN
enormous power the inheritance OF this
great wealth carries! And think again OF
the possibilities that might result If
several heirs like this young nan placed
their fortunes together for any purpose.
If all the wealthy men in America fol
lowed this policy Of increasing fortunes
long after their death, it could easily be
understood how the rich people are not
only becoming richer but fewer, and the
poor poorer and more numerous. Tt is a
subject that demands respect not for
the teachings Of the cowardly anarchists,
but for those intellectual students Of
social life like Henry George. 1t is easy
enough to scoff at radical social changes;
it Is not so easy for for the unlearned to
pick flaws in the doctrines of mon who
are giving their life work to the solution
OF a problem before its worst features
are realized. Perhaps it is too early to
inaugurate changes which will prevent
evil following the Capitalization of the
worlds wealth; but it is not too early to
discuss conditions and possible results.
Neither is it too early to predict the
time when the laws Of the country will
be SO arranged as to bring the division
of an estate of more than a certain value
in the courts. If that were the case
now the Aston fortune would be divided
into several magnificent fortunes and
while none of the heirs would suffer, the
money would be divided in such a way
as to preclude all prophesies of danger
from the power Of wealth accumulated
by a single family. That wealth can be
used for the danger of individuals and
society is obvious everywhere. Will
not a future generation wisely decide te
place the danger within limits?