“I have secured,” replied that gentleman, “all the land for a hundred blocks in and about the locality known as ‘the Hook,’ and I propose the erection of buildings there that will accommodate forty thousand families of mechanics and laborers. There will, of course, be less room for each occupant than in the blocks just completed, and less expensive arrangements in many particulars, but the rent and cost of living will be less, and the premises will be rented and conducted substantially on the same plan, with only such difference in rules as may be necessary.” “What will be the cost of these latter buildings, Mr. Morning?” said our reporter. “With the land, about $30,000,000,” was the reply. “It is a pity,” commented our reporter, “that every city in the land cannot count a David Morning among its citizens, with a gold mine at his command.” “The mine is not necessary,” said Morning. “There are a dozen men in every large city of our land who, without any gold mine, could do what I have done. I hope,” continued the speaker, “not to be alone in the work of helping the people both to employment and homes.” “None of our millionaires,” said the reporter, “have thus used their money.” “It must be remembered,” rejoined Morning, “that the very, great fortunes of this country have mainly been created during the last twenty-five years, and in the eager and necessarily selfish strife incident to their acquisition, their owners have not always considered that their possession is a great trust which brings with it duties as well as rights.” “But I see the dawn of a better day and a better feeling,” continued Mr. Morning. “I hear of many gentlemen in different parts of the country who are proposing to use millions for the erection of homes, and the secure establishment of co-operative industries for the benefit of the workers of the land. My idea is that no man should be accorded an unearned dinner who has refused a chance to earn it, but that it is the duty of society to provide every man with an opportunity of earning. Of what value at last is wealth unless one can use it for the benefit of his fellow-men? Charon will not transport gold across the Styx at any rate of ferriage. Of what use is money here except in one form and another to give it away? No man can expend on his own legitimate and proper comforts and pleasures the interest on $1,000,000 at five per cent per annum.” “There are many men, Mr. Morning, who expend a good deal more than $50,000 a year.” “Not in the sense of personal expenditures. Mansions, laces, diamonds, furniture, horses, carriages, and the like are investments rather than expenditures. Receptions and banquets may be classed with gifts. He must be an industrious man who can, with his family, eat, drink, and wear out $50,000 worth each year.” “But is there not the pleasure of accumulation itself, Mr. Morning?”