The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1900-12-26
ct-ap Giving of tile Rich.

Abraham 5. Hewitt, formerly mayor
OF New York and member Of Congress,
has long been man of wealth and
distinction. He has been successful
IN busir ass and honored in society.
No one could speak severely of the
shortcomings Of the rich with less
risk of being written down an envious
or misohievous persou, seeking any
unworthy end.
Therefore when Mr.. Hewitt told the
Educational Alliance, at meeting
held in his own splendid and fabu-
lously wealthy city, that tho rich
were very far from doing their duty to
the poor, and asserted that their Civ
ing, even the frcest and the greatest,
is relatively small and inadequate, he
was listened to as one speaking with
authority He is out of politics. For
TWO national campaigns he has stood
with the organization against which
ne used to struggle in the more con-
scrvativc days of Democracy He has
nothing to gain by sensationalism.
And tDc rich manufacturer and civic
leader is right. The giving of the
rich, even the most imposing and
famous Of the bcnefactions of the
very wealthy, is small and niggardly
by contrast with the offerings of the
poor. Itis vast in amount. In figures
1T is the most notable giving ever
known, but weighed against the wealth
out OF which it is taken it amounts to
little. Measured by the personal sac
rifico involved, by the narrowed op-
portuuities for enjoyment, the pinch
ing and care required to get along
without what is given, all the gifts of
oil the mi'iionaircs combined cannot
stand against the relief that very poor
people give those still poorer when
simple tragedy Of death or terrible
illness blackens some dark fireside in
the slums Of great city.
Can man who retains SIC, ,OOO, 900.
or one-tcnth of chat sum, out of his
yearly income be said to make any
personal sacrifice if he devotes all the
rest OF his annual gains to benevolence
or philanthropy? Does his generosity
entail any lack? Does it make the
least difference to him except in the
accumulation Of money beyond his
utmost possible wants {?
But the unnoticed giving of the poor
and much Of that which is done by
the middle classes must always mean
self denial. It's price is paid in less
enjoyable food, less satisfactory cloth
ing, fewer books and pictures, mar
rover advantages for children, restrict
ed travel and sightseeing. 1t means
less provision for the chances of ad-
versity, more danger of want in old
age or long illness. It is real giving
Of the very heart and spirit Of the
giver. Who shall presume to measure
in the same balance such gifts and
the great sums set apart by the very
wealthy for purposes Of charity or any
other public object 80 long as such use
Of riches implies no privation and
costs no self-denial2
Mr.. Hewitt emphasized another
phase of the meager giving of the rich
when he pointed out that by letting
the poor jack ample means of educa-
tion in youth and reasonable opportu.
nities for self-improvement all through
life possessors Of wealth were neglect
ing the best possible precautions
against social disorder and excesses.
He laid great stress on the need os
schools, libraries, museums, and like
institutions as safeguards against dan
gerous forms OF vice and ignorance.
He asserted that from purely selfish
point Of view every rich man must do
more giving than he has done here
tofore if he is to be guided by pru.
denoe.
The obligations Of great wealth are
much discussed at present, but thore
is still more to be said onathat great
subject. 1t is matter of the utmost
Importance in country where great
fortunes are rolling up to prodigious
size with the rapidly witnessed in the
United States. Cleveland Leader.
You Know What Won Are Taking
VVboc rou %,La H.oro,, n...I ~ ~,