The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-04-08
syndicated PbiIantbropy

Mr.. Murp11y's argument for a char
ter absolutely without limitations up
on the future management of the
foundation undoubtedly has force in
so far as the desire is to eliminate the
power of the dead hand in the CEN
turtles to come. Leaving each gener-
alton of trustees entirely free to ex-
pend the income as they choose would
seem to insure q benevolent rap
prochement between each new gem
GRAFTON and the disbursing power. But
this very elasticity and freedom from
restraint opens the door to all the
possible evils of a monopolization of
charitable agencies which the great
modern foundations of syndicated
philanthropy are developing. 1t has
hitherto been shown how such
fund as the Carnegie foundation
tends to exercise control of institu-
tons which accept its financial aid.
This far-reaching regulating, super
vising function is probably bound to
be a distinguishing characteristic of
humanitarianiSm. In his remarks be-
fore the senate committee, Mr.. Muir
ply revealed precisely this charac-
teristic in the great foundation now
ton, it is clear, is to have the power
to make all of its gifts to particular
institutions, charities and causes
floating endowments,'' if the wisdom
of the trustees so dictates. Wherever
a floating endowment may be en-
joyed, the recipient will be wholly at
the mercy of the foundation, since
that agency will possess an absolute
power, from which there can be no
appeal, to declare the work thus SUBJ
sidized to be "obsolte." It is evident
that. in effect, the Carnegie Founda-
ton for the pensioning of college
teachers is a floating endowment"
Mr.. Rockefeller's plans embrace it,
also. Is it not serious question how
far the floating endowment" idea
should be allowed to faSten upon the
philanthropy of future generations in
this country? Consider it in connec-
ton with the character of the men
who are likely to be chosen, in gen.
Grafton after generation, as their sue
cessOrs by a Self-perpetuating body of
trustees under the Rockefeller foun-
dation- To use a colloquialism, pos
terity seems to be up against syndi-
Gated philanthropy with a string to
it, And therein turks vast power
of dictation in the hands of those
who may control the funds.
Mr.. Murphy disposed of the point
that the life of the proposed founda-
ton should be limited to fixed per-
iod of years by simply urging that the
federal government could always be
depended upon to protect the public
interest against any abuse of trust.
Future congresses could be safely
left to deal with such a question. The
editor of the survey had suggested
that at the end of 100 years the prin-
cipal of the endowment should be
entirely expended, under the terms
of the charter. The Republican, has
suggested so years as adequate. Mr.
Murphy, however, is clearly asking
for charter that will not limit the
life of the fund. His argument about
future congresses is not satisfactory,
it seems. The abuses in the admin
istration of such an endowment would
need to be very fragrant to persuade
in spite of the influence that would
surely be brought to bear from the
many beneficiaries of the foundation.
Springfield Republican.
Engine Kills Fireman's Pet.
Brownsville fremen are mourning
the death of Able a dog friend and
mascot. When running in front of the
horses of engine No. 131 yesterday al
ternoon when they were galloping tow
ard a fire in 423 Osborn street, Brook
Iyn the shortlegged, black-and-tan
cross between a beagle and dachshund.
was knocked down by hoof or one
of the horses. Before the dog could
regain its feet the wheels of the fire
engine passed over it. 1t was dying
when a fireman. who was in the tender
which followed, lifted it and placed II
in the arms of a sympathetic little glrl
on the sidewalk. Three minutes after
ward Able was dead. It's place as a
mascot will be taken by puppy Wmch
Able rescued from a burning mouse IN
New Jersey avenue. East New york.
several months ago.
The rescue t,v Able endeared the pet
to all the fremen in the district. a
fire was raging that day in tenement
house, and several women and children
W ere trapped. Firemcn fought their
way into the house at the peril of their
lives Able followed at their heels. Eacn
fireman picked UP a woman or a chllo
and started out. Able looked tor some
thing to rescue F1nally the oog oi rs
covered a puppy. It scarcely had It's
eyes open, and had been abandoned by
it's mother. The mascot picked the
PUPPY up by the scruff of the neck, car
ried it out of the building, staggered
to the battalion chief. and laid 1t at
his feet. Then Able dropped uncon-
scious, overcome by smoke. The sur
geons worked on the dog 20 minutes
Before they could revive it.
The dog was a homeless yagrant
when it drifted into the engine house
two years ago. 1t seemed so forlorn
and yet so friendly that the fremen
adopted it forthwith They never BOAST
ed of Abie's beauty or pedigree, but
they could say truthfully that it never
missed a run and that the horses al
ways seemed to go better when the
cog was setting the pace and barking
encouragement. Prince. the horse,
which knocked Able down yesterday
and indirectly caused the pets death.
feels so badly about it that it refuses
to eat.-New York Press.
IIustIing in Japan.
The struggle for business carries the
salesman of the business house in
launches and rickety sampans clear
out to the very door of the harbor in
an effort to reach the visitor before
the foreigner or the tagging country
man in town gets a chance at his
pocket Seemingly the quarantine Of
ficials connive to see that the mer-
oh re TaIa " of OnnnTtUQitV TO |
sell.
All the time the ship lies at anchor |