The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-03-10
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ton often enough Is not more liberal
than that of men whose capital is no
greater than their income. In the
building of churches alone do a, STEW of
them make show Of rivaling their fore
fathers munifcence. But those sub
scriptions acknowledge the obligation.
A millionaire who fatty refused 70 do
anything for his feilow-creatures could
not be charged with Inconsistency at
least But he who gives a hundred
guineas or SO. when piling up hundreds
of thousands for probate. admits in eff.
feet that he ought to do what he can.
But il he chose, what could he not do?
Our hospitals, for instance, make des.
pairing appeals year BY year. Their
emissaries beg in the streets They
work through the directory, and write
to each householder. Their boxes stand
in every public place. OF late they
have addressed workingmen. But all
the while there are hundreds Of capital
ists-not less kind-hearfed nor less in
telligent than other people-who could
set the largest of them on its legs for
good and never feel the sacrifice. thou.
sands who could do the like without re-
ducing an item of expenditure. Tho
action would be pleasant one might
think, and certainly it would honor.
Why do none of them perform it? Be-
cause, we apprehend, their perception
is dulled by the strange malady which
attends great wealth.
The diagnosis becomes moro reason
able yet if we look beyond the calls of
philanthropy to personal interests Du-
ties which are shared by all, such as
that of relieving distress, may be over
looked by busy men-and all million
aires are busy somehow. But it may be
said that each of them cherishes some
private fancy-art or archaeology, sci-
ence in one or other form, horticult-
ure, or sport at least But very few
are they who use their opportunity
even here. Many work hard-but only
in the same groove with men who labor
at the identical task for their liveli-
hood. Take the easiest and commonest
of such tastes The millionaire who
devoted hundred thousand pounds to
horse-breeding, consulting men of Sci
ence as well as experts, might do end
less good, with continual delight for
himself, and found at least a new strain
of thoroughbreds. But millionaires do
not snow enthusiasm for sport COM
monty. Some, as IS known to the Sc
lect, apply themselves to science, and
spend money which would represent a
fabulous sum to the bulk of savants,
Int 10, ho,, t,,a
ments and researches. We have heard,
indeed, of a bold and costly undertake
ing which an eminent parsonage, still
living, projected in his youth He
caused magnet to be built OF such
size and power as had not yet been i'm
agined. 1t was his intention to charge
this gigantic object without witnesses,
SO as TO enjoy the unparalleled result
in selfish solitude. Happily, a great
authority called at the moment, and
received an invitation to assist
When he saw the preparations, his
face paled. Neither he nor any
one else could foretelf what would
happen if that twenty-foot magnet
were set to work; but it was proba bic,
at least, that the house would fall.
The thing still remains uncharged-or
did few years ago But it is not re-
corded that this gentleman has devised
any such scheme since he came into his |
patrimony.
Millionaires of culture must be inter
ested in antiquarian researches which
throw light upon the past They COM
monty subscribe, indeed. when an en- |
terprise of the side is launched. But |
how much does English archaeology |
owe to them? We believe that twenty |
pounds was the largest contribution /
Thomas Wright could persuade any |
rich patron to advance towards uncoy- /
ering Uriconium Poor men did what /
was done mostly, and now that WON |
derful city is reburied Silchester Is |
another instance of our own day. But, /
after all, British archaeology is zone /
horse pursuit The remains of Italy I
and Greece appeal to the imagination I
in very different degree; and not TO /
our English millionaires alone, but 10 4
those of the civilized world. Which of 1
them at any time has responded TO that I
appeal beyond here or there offering 4
little check, such as poor authors and /
professors rival?-London Saturday Re- /
riaw