THE SOCIAL FUNCTION OF WEALTH. 833 



they will not have rendered good service in the meantime. It 

 only proves that nothing is lasting, and that types and methods 

 will have to be modified, every half century, for example. These 

 establishments foster a taste for neatness and hygienic conditions 

 in the house, and provide models which private builders may 

 imitate. What has thus been done in reference to the house 

 may also be done with relation to food. In this, Lyons again has 

 given an instructive example, in the provision that has been made 

 there of popular restaurants with low-priced dishes, which yet 

 pay a very convenient interest of from three to four per cent. In 

 association with enterprises of this kind wealth performs its 

 social function without suffering depreciation. 



A third social function of wealth lies in the gratuitous pat- 

 ronage of unremunerative works, a sympathetic way of giv- 

 ing help where it will be worthily bestowed and thankfully 

 received. 



Next are great foundations of general interest, such as a few 

 millionaires, whose names are honored and perpetuated by their 

 deeds, have taken pleasure in making. The finest examples of 

 this kind of benevolence have been found among the Americans 

 and in the little states of ancient Greece ; museums, schools, ob- 

 servatories, public parks, churches, orphanages, hospitals insti- 

 tutions with which every man possessing a fortune of the first 

 class might deem it a privilege to have his name associated. 

 No considerable curtailment of the amount to be transmitted to 

 heirs or gradual transformation after death of private fortunes 

 into collective fortunes need be contemplated in these founda- 

 tions. Such transformation would be of mischievous economical 

 effect ; for money, except in a few rare exceptions, is better ad- 

 ministered by individuals who possess it than by collective organi- 

 zations of any kind. Many fortunes, however, are large enough 

 to afford considerable sums for these foundations. There are 

 many other beneficent works that might tempt millionaires. 

 Among objects worthy of attention are African and Asian ex- 

 ploration, experiments in acclimatization of animals and plants, 

 subventions of scientific and medical investigation, and others. 

 Under the triple form we have pointed out, the social function 

 of wealth, as distinguished from its economical function, is to be 

 initiative and auxiliary. This function can not be imposed by 

 law, but must be promoted by tradition, conscience, and a taste 

 for useful and sympathetic activity. It would be well if it were 

 supported by a compliant public opinion, but the absence of that 

 condition affords no reason for ignoring it. Translated for the 

 Popular Science Monthly from the Revue des Deux Mondes. 







VOL. XLVIII. 60 



