As we were entering New York harbour one of the wealthiest Americans came out on his fine steam yacht and carried off his returning son. This young man had been such a genial and unpretending comrade on our voyage that it was only when we were approaching the figure of Liberty that her torch enlightened us as to her remoteness from Equality, the lesson being further impressed upon us — the million-less and yacht-less — by our slow progress through the Customs. But the inequality created by pecuniary conditions is not all to the advantage of the millionaire. The comparatively impecunious are sure to invest him, without respect to his merits or demerits, with an unpleasing reputation. I never met this millionaire, but was told by honourable and well-informed businessmen that he was an irreproachable domestic character, not luxurious or self-indulgent, forbearing and generous towards those with whom he had dealings, and that like Dives in the parable be was popularly consigned to a bad place simply because he was rich.
Download My Pilgrimage To The Wise Men Of The East-Moncure Daniel Conway-1906