|
|
| There is a time
for everything; a time to sow, and a time to reap; a time to gather,
and a time to distribute. Having gathered, I determined to put into
act what I had long nurtured in thought, and use certain means at
my disposal for the general good. The chief question was: How could
this be best done to produce the best result? Should I, in imitation
of others, send exploring expeditions to the North or the South Pole?
That appeared too speculative, and the derivable gains too uncertain.
Should I call into existence new propagandist organisations to promote
legislation on liberal lines? That might evoke counteraction on the
part of wealthy Conservatism, now enthroned in privileged possession,
and only to be met and modified by organic action. Should I provide
improved dwellings for the people in London, or in the form of garden
cities? Either scheme was fascinating, but abandoned, as many others,
in different ways, were providing such accommodation. Should I bequeath
funds for public use to be administered by others? They might not
use them as economically as I should. Or should I swim in a sea of
luxury like "the helots of Park Lane," as Sir William Harcourt
described them? That might assist to demoralise others, and probably
leave me morally bankrupt. |
| In all such questionings
one idea was uppermost. As I had accumulated mainly by the labour
of others, I thought, and think, it was only reasonable and just that
others should share in the garnered result; and to act accordingly
was a duty and a privilege-a duty as a citizen and a privilege as
a man. I also thought, and think, that the great working class-the
foundation and bulwark of national existence and the chief producers
of national necessities-are entitled to primary consideration in such
matters 8 I consequently decided
to do what I could for their welfare, and thought the best thing to
do was to help them to help each other; and that this could be most
productively done by promoting institutional activity. We have hospitals
for the sick and wounded, homes for convalescents, orphanages for
the fatherless, shelters for the aged, clubs for workers, and public
libraries for the many. But all districts have not been supplied,
or all pressing wants met. After the best survey I could make of the
general situation, I endeavoured to respond to circumstances as they
presented themselves, and provide, according to my means, the agency,
building, or institution most wanted, and where it was certain or
likely to be maintained. Thomas Carlyle says: "Do the duty which
is nearest thee, which thou knowest to be a duty. Thy second duty
will already become clearer." Yes, a philanthropic spirit is
good; a dutiful spirit is better. Duty is a beneficent mistress. Her
teachings and claims are prior to and mightier than the teachings
and claims of philanthropy. While a prevailing purpose of philanthropy
is to mitigate human ills, a prevailing purpose of duty is to prevent
them. There would be little necessity for the exercise of mercy or
benevolence if right and justice ruled and regulated human affairs. |
|
