very 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. It is our desire that, when you reach home,
you both enter at once upon the development of your plans, of a
cooperative manufacturing corporation, in accordance with the views
which you have so frequently mentioned. In the execution of these
plans, you may use, if necessary, five millions. With best wishes for
your happiness.

Your father,

Reuben Harris.

The writing of this letter gave Colonel Harris more pleasure than any act
of his life; in fact it was for him the beginning of a new life; a life
for others.

The reading of the letter also gave George and Gertrude much happiness,
for it furnished them abundant means for the execution of their
beneficent plans, which had been thoroughly considered by the Harris
family. This important letter was returned to the blue envelope and given
to Gertrude for safe keeping, and it was agreed to leave for Harrisville
next day at 1 o'clock on the Chicago Special.

Among the personals in the Harrisville Sunday paper appeared the
following:

Arrived from Europe Saturday morning, Mr. and Mrs. George Ingram. It is
needless to say that their many friends will give them cordial welcome.
Colonel and Mrs. Reuben Harris, their son and daughter, Alfonso and
Lucille, will remain in Europe for several weeks.

This notice, though brief, was of much interest to rich and poor in
Harri