Page:The Poems and Prose remains of Arthur Hugh Clough, volume 1 (1869).djvu/289

 A CONSIDERATION OF OBJECTIONS

RETRENCHMENT ASSOCIATION AT OXFORD

DURING THE IRISH FAMINE IN 1847.

first obvious, and, if sound, obviously fatal, objection to this Association, is directed not against the intention, but against the means employed. Why associate? Cannot we be temperate without joining a temperance society? cannot we give alms without printing our names?

To those who think and speak thus, may it not be said, If you think thus, and speak thus, then do thus. It is by no means the object to form a great  monopoly: the more numerous and the more active those are whose names do not appear, the better satisfied, I am sure, will be those whose names do appear. If you do not like charity by association, see that private charity is energetic; and those you complain of, will not complain of you.

But I think they will flatter themselves that at the same time your private efforts will be powerfully seconded by the organisation you dislike. Will it not be easier for you to retrench now that retrenchment is not likely to be mistaken? Breakfast parties, and wine parties, &c., &c., are as it were the currency of hospitality: you cannot alter this 'coin of the realm' of entertainments without coming to some common understanding. Rh