The poor enjoy
to-day what yesterday even the rich could not afford. Mankind always
has exhibited great irregularities. In every race some are born with an
energy and ability to produce wealth, others not. Invention and
discovery have replaced scarcity and dearness with abundance and
cheapness. The law of competition seems to cheapen comforts and
luxuries.
Both labor and capital are organizing, concentrating, competing. The
idealist may dream of what is attainable in the future, but our duty is
plainly with what is practicable now. My prayer is for wisdom and
ability to administer wisely our wealth, during my life-time. I am
therefore resolved to act as follows:--
1st. To retain for my family only what will provide modestly for them
all. I do not wish to leave much property for my relatives to use
prodigally, or to quarrel over.
2nd. I plan not to wait till I die and then leave behind for public
purposes money which I cannot take with me. I shall consider myself as
an agent, or trustee, in charge of certain surplus funds to be expended
in behalf of my poorer brethren.
On our return to America, Mrs. Harris and I will make our wills in
accordance with the above.
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