Utterly different is the American estimation of merit. Here we have a leisure class, but it is so small as to be negligible, and it is commonly despised. All of our men are expected to work for money, or, as we put it,—to earn their living, though many of our rich men often contribute freely much time and labor to public affairs and to philanthropy. A woman who earns her living over here is quite as likely as not to rank among our most respected citizens.
As a well-known snob once said, "Even in our first circles, you once in a while meet one of these writers or painters, who expects to be treated as if he were one of us."
Thus Public Opinion controls our social as well as our political life.
CHAPTER V
SACRIFICING FOR PATRIOTISM
Look back upon Washington and upon the Savior-like martyrs, who, for our welfare, in lonely dungeons and prison-ships, breathed a noisome air; and when the minions of power came around day after day and offered them life and liberty if they would desert their country's cause, refused and died. The great experiment of republicanism is being tried anew. In Greece and Italy it failed through the incapacity of the people to enjoy liberty without abusing it. Millions of human beings may be happy through our wisdom, but must be miserable through our folly. Religion, the ark of God, is here thrown open to all, and yet is to be guarded from desecration and sacrilege, lest we perish with a deeper perdition than ever befell any other people.—Horace Mann.
A LITTLE boy many years ago was marching down Fourth Avenue in New York, his face bright with interest and his whole air that of one who has important business on hand. A gentleman who met him was curious to know what was in the child's mind and stopped him.
"Where are you going so fast, my little man?" he asked.