Evening star., 1914-06-28
FRENCH ECONOMY
WORLD EXAMPLE
Intelligent Thrift Contributes to
the Entire FamiIy's
Happiness.
so SAYS SIMON W. STRAUS
AFTER AN INVESTIGATION
Paris to Try New Departure in
Street Lighting-English Derby
Winner Claimed.

Foreign Correspondence Of The Star.
PARIS, June 12.-simon W. Straus Of
Chicago. the president Of the American
Society for Thrift. has just finished sew
eral months of inquiry on the continent
into the origins of economy among
European peoples.
Il should say that a French family
can live off of what an American family
wastes said Mr.. Straus. THE principal
reason, of course, is in a habit of mind.
in way of looking upon the relative
values of efficient living as. compared
with inefficient and wasteful living. One
may be as extravagant with dollar as
with million.
Now, the self-denial of the French in
food and in other necessities of living
often Is carried into what I should con-
slider excess, but there is nevertheless,
thoughtful. intelligent thrift in the
French household which contributes to
the happiness and well-being of every
member. It is that sort of thrift which
l should like to see cultivated in Amerl-
can families-a careful adjustment, ac-
cording to a thought-out plan of the do
mestic budget, so much for rent, food,
clothing, education. the dowry OF the
daughter, the amusements of every mem-
ber of the family, the provision for emer-
gencieS and old age.
When a scheme of expenditure is
adopted in the French home-and every
French home 1t is said, is a parliament
and carried out, every item of expend-
iture can be made with certain oonteut-
ment or even joy. because 1t Is known
to be in harmonious relation with the
whole. This makes French amusements
so thoroughly enjoyed, because there is
no feeling Of extravaganza Oh the part
of those amusing themselves.
Wrought Out Nationally.
They take their amusenehts and. what
might be to the observer, irdu'gences
happily and without inward sense of dis
comfort and wrongdoing, because these
expenses fit into the rational scale Of liv-
ing, which has been wrought out ear
nestly and nationally.
The French people are wonderful
hoarders. They seem tofkeep their saw
ings hidden at home more than on de-
posit at banks. A bond issue OF the
government or one Of the great credit
Institutions is usually taken up without
posits in the great banks. Persons
evidently Of the middle and lower class
es will often stay all night in front OF
the office Of issue in line for an early
opportunity to buy a $40 bond; Often
several members of family viii unite
TO buy q low denomination bond.
= @Tho holders OF Sucn securities Grange
their point of view-they look upon ME
differently, upon social institutions diff
ferently-when they have even a small
interest in the government or one OF
panies 1 think we in America ought to
insist on states and cities issuing their
bonds for public subscription In small
denominations instead Of selling them
in great blocks to persons who resell
them to the public at profit
French Millions in Mexico.
Events in Mexico are followed with
an almost painful interest by French
Investors because hundreds of millions
of dollars in French money have been
sent to Mexico. Some indication Of
the enormous losses suffered by French
finance on account OF the troubles in
Mexico may be found in comparing the
present values of shares In Mexican
banks. which are largely held in France.
Thus:
May. 1910. May, 1914.
Francs. Francs.
National Bank of Mexfco.-..- l,245 400
Bank Of London and Mexico. 707 261
Central Mexican Bsni.--..... 517 $3.50
The principal cause for the criticisms
by the French press OF the policy fol-
lowed by the American government to-
losses which French investors have had
on account Of the disorder in Mexico.
The idea was accepted more than a year
ago that II the United States should
pacify the country. The United States
is therefore. held responsible indirectly
for the disappearance. from the French
point of view, of some hundreds Of mil
lions of dollars in values belonging to
tho French people.
MuniAcent Gifts Astonish All.
n..t, zobaroy who racepflv pave x1Oo
600 to organize worthy French repre-
sentation at the Olympic games in Ber-
lin, Is one Of the most remarkable per-
sonalities in Paris. He gives away his
enorm0us wealth in a way quite un-
known outside America
Born Of Q French father and Greek
mother. he has always had the greatest
veneration for the Hellenic race. Some
years ago he had occasion to seek infor-
nation at the Greek legation in
Berlin. He found the offices small and
inconvenient. quite unworthy of the coun-
try to which he owed his mother, and
being q man of prompt decisions, he at
once asked the Greek government to per-
init him to provide suitable premises
and installations for all the Greek lega-
ttons in Europe. During the last war,
as a mark of respect and affection for
his mothers country, he paid 5000
month to the Greek war chest as long
as the cOnlict lasted.
1t Is to him that the Sorbonne owes its
chair Of aeronautics. One day he pre-
sented himself at the Sorbonne and told
the tanitor that he desired to found a
chair of aeronautics. to whom should he
address himself? That official thought
he was lunatic and offered little en-
couragement.
However. by persisting NJ Zaharoff
finally got to see NJ. Laird, the rector
who listened to him with establishment
and incredulity. He remarked that the
cost would be very great. How much?
Bit by bit the millionaire dragged from
him a number OF figures. Added up they
amounted to $4,000. Was that ali?
Without adding a word, M. Zaharoff
pulled out q check book, wrote a check
for the amount stated. handed it with
bow to the rector and quietly withdrew
Takes Up Painting In Prison.
Among the more unpretentious pictures
at the salon of the Society Of French
Artists is one that has escaped much no.
tics. although its author is an imperial
highness- The work is "Lecon d'His-
toire." 1t was painted by Prince Abdul
Medtid. son Of the Sultan Abdul Aziz of
Turkey, cousin of the reigning one and
fourth In succession to the throne. Prince
Abdul Medtid was kept in confinement
during twenty-eight years by the Sultan
Abdul Hamid. obtaining his release only
whsn the latter was dethroned. It was