The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-12-02
HELEN GOULD WRITES ON RICHES
Tells How to Make the Most of Wealth The
Opportunities Of the Opulent

Miss Helen Miller Gould, daughter Of
the late Jay Gould, has written for publ
cation an autograph letter in which she
sets forth the opportunities of the rich,
declaring wealth to be stewardship and
not a means of personal qualification.
AS one Of the richest American heir
esses, and as one who herself is making
the most of her wealth in a philanthropic
way, her letter is of peculiar interest.
The world is familiar with her many
good works and with those sterling quail
tiles of character that have made hers
the leading and best-beoved name among
American women. In all that has to do
with benevolence, philanthropy and hui
man kindness. she has for a number of
years borne an active and prominent
part and her gentlenesS, no less than
her modesty and the excellent discrimina
ton she exercises IN the uses to which
she puts her great wealth, have won her
the admiration of the nation. Cur soldiers
and sailors well-nigh worship her. Her
generosity to the children of the poor and
to inval:ds has made her name a house.
hold word in the humble homes OF the
land.
Her written opinion of the uses to
which wealth should be put cannot fail
TO interest everyone who has given even
a passing thought TO the subject Of the
responsibilities that attach to the posses
sion of great riches. Is wealth a stew
ardship, and are we responsible for the
use we make of it? In her letter. Miss
Gould clearly takes this view. She dis
cusses the various methods in which
wealth may be made a blessing; how it
may be applied to the highest advantage
and to the noblest purposes. Her whole
life is a beautiful illustration of the
practical application of the great princi
pies she advocates. This is her letter
to the proprietor of The Christian Her.
cid:
Lvndhurst, Irvington- on the Hudson.
DR.. Louis Klopsch: Dear Sir-Your
letter Of recent date is at hand. asking
my opinion on the subject, "How to Make
the Most of Wealth" 1t is a topic on
which l am not well qualified to speak, and
l would suggest that you make this same
inquiry of some of our leading elergymen
whose views on the subject would be a
great inspira ton to us all
The Christian idea that wealth is a
stewardship, or trust. and. not to be used
the welfare of others. certainly seems
the noblest: and those who have more
money or broader culture owe a debt TO
those who have had fewer opportunities.
And there are so many ways one can
help!
Children, the sick and the aged espe
cially have claims on our attention. and
the forms of work for them are numerous;
from kindergartens, day-nurseries and
industrial schools, to homes" and hos
pitfalls. Our institutions for higher edu
cation require gifts in order to do their
best work, for tn etuition fees do not cover
the expense of the advantages offered;
and certainly such societies as those in
our churches. and the Young Woman s
Christian Association and the Young
Mems Christian Association, deserve our
hearty cooperation. The earnest work
ers who so nobly and lovingly give their
lives to promote the welfare of others,
give far more than though they had SIM
ply made gifts of money, so those who
cannot afford to give largely need not
feel discouraged on that account. After
all, sympathy and goodwill may be
greater force than wealth. and we can
all extend to others a kindly feeling and
courteous consideration, that will make
life sweeter and better.
Sometimes it seems to me we do not
sufficiently realize the good that is done
by money that is used in the different in
dustries in giving employment to great
numbers of people under the direction of
clever men and women; and surely it
takes more ability, perseverance and time
to successfully manage such an enterprise
than to merely make gifts.
You will, l am sure, be sorry you have
made the inquiry of me. since l have
given you so little information, but think
you can easily obtain opinions that will
probably be far more helpful than mine.
Believe ne, very truly,
HELEN MILLER GOULD.