Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-12-07
Beggars.
CThe Observations OF a Philosophical
Friendly

CThe Observations OF a Philosophical
Friend)
without doubt. beggars are nuisance,
and ought to be abated; and 1t Is study
OF sociology how to get rid Of them. But
Il is a pretty delicate one. because they
are like some diseases. not only disagree
able themselves, but indications and warn
ings OF some inner and general disorder.
Heroic treatment, quackery and plasters.
and lotions and potions will afford only
temporary and apparent relief; while rank
corruption undermines all within, and in
sidiously infects Get rid oil them and
they'll come again. 1t Is not little In
teresting to study beggars and parasites
as a consequence of abnormalism In the
general system. the body polite; just as
govt. dropsy, carbuncles, and cancers are
in the human body. They both follow
imperfect and unequal distribution and
circulation. In the physical system all
the organs and m ambers and. all the
arteries and veins work In accord, enectu-
ally in every part each doing its full
duty In its place. and being fed and kept
Ill NlSOE ny NCfy ORNidbOISs ~
study Of physiology would be Of very
great value TO the student OF political
economy Man physically, ac we'll as
morally, Is the primal crystal and baby
figure of the government Of which he Is
an integer. Dropsies represent trusts
and monopolies. and commissions are revo-
lutioLs; AMI gargrenes are organic rob-
ttries, and death comes where duty
everywhere gives place to corruption.
Health, vigor, and happiness are per-
fected where distribution Is free, active.
just, and life-giying. 10 the edifying of
the whole body in mutual recognition.
There Is no law OF physical health that
is not equally law of virtue, good citi-
zenship. and good government, and Of the
highest and largest religion.
Beggars and parasites, drones and gam
blers, render no service to the body OF
the State. They are unproductive con-
sumers. wens and fungi; they demoralize
society and exhaust its wealth. Its con-
seriousness of manhood. self-respect, and
a sense OF duty. a kindling of the light
OF conscience. and essential honor in the
soul make the remedy that, on their part.
is to effect the cure. Society and govern
ment helps the general and special health
by discouraging, hindering, and resisting
greed, monopoly. and selfishness In every
shape and form.
IL Is not industry. skill. and character
that have made most OF the great for
tunes In our land. In very many cases
IL has been unconsclenceable greed. in
tense and utter selfishness. that has de-
liberateiy and eagerly devoured all within
its reach, utterly regardless OF the rights
and interests Of others, adding field TO
field, till there II no place, and glorying
IN the impoverishment OF Its fellow-be-
ings, and In It's cold and heartless isola-
ton, owning no law but might, and per-
yerting the social system to the destruc-
ton OF the weak and the enrichlng Of the
powerful and crafty.
The glory Of society is not mere obedi-
ence to law: but the adjustment of all
law for the welfare and happiness OF
all; that the work OF righteousness may
be peace and the effect OF II quietness
and assurance forever. Mere obedience
TO law il nothing. Murderers and thieves
and drunkards operate and obey natural
laws. A murderer kills by physiology,
and a drunkard falls by gravity. Causes
and effects manifest laws. And laws
have their highest dignity and honor.
when to effect good results sure causes
are operated. When the laws OF supply
and demand. Of trade. OF finance, OF gov
eminent, are worked so as to grind UP
the many and bless and protect the few.
then they are like the law OF gravity that
brings down my house over my head, or
the law Of hydraulics that floods the
town. The problem Of society and gov
eminent Is TO adjust and operate natural.
social and moral laws so as to effect the
ends OF justice. equity. and human i'm
provement and general good. machine
may be IN perfect order. all its wheels,
rests. pistons, and adjustments IN good
working trim. but II II Is intended for
one purpose and applied to another Il
will do only harm instecd OF good. And
50 the machinery Of government and po-
lice may be made 20 work foe special
instead Of general good. And tho mere
working Of hadiy-ad5usted system OF
laws may work general disorder; II may
legged monopoiists; and beggars OF those