Page:Traveler from Altruria, Howells, 1894.djvu/155

Rh "I don't believe," said Mrs. Makely, "that an American would have hinted, as she did."

"No, an American would not have done that, I'm thankful to say. They take fees, but they don't ask charity, yet." We went on to exult in the noble independence of the American character in all classes, at some length. We talked at the Altrurian, but he did not seem to hear us. At last, he asked with a faint sigh, "Then, in your conditions, a kindly impulse to aid one who needs your help, is something to be guarded against as possibly pernicious?"

"Exactly," I said. "And now you see what difficulties beset us in dealing with the problem of poverty. We cannot let people suffer, for that would be cruel; and we cannot relieve their need without pauperizing them."

"I see," he answered. "It is a terrible quandary."

"I wish," said Mrs. Makely, "that you would tell us just how you manage with the poor in Altruria."

"We have none," he replied.

"But the comparatively poor—you have some people who are richer than others?"

"No. We should regard that as the worst incivism."