It is a matter of sufficient notoriety to have
become a commonplace jest that extraneous motives are commonly
present among the incentives to this class of work -- motives of
a self-regarding kind, and especially the motive of an invidious
distinction. To such an extent is this true, that many ostensible
works of disinterested public spirit are no doubt initiated and
carried on with a view primarily to the enhance repute or even to
the pecuniary gain, of their promoters. In the case of some
considerable groups of organizations or establishments of this
kind the invidious motive is apparently the dominant motive both
with the initiators of the work and with their supporters. This
last remark would hold true especially with respect to such works
as lend distinction to their doer through large and conspicuous
expenditure; as, for example, the foundation of a university or
of a public library or museum; but it is also, and perhaps
equally, true of the more commonplace work of participation in
such organizations. These serve to authenticate the pecuniary
reputability of their members, as well as gratefully to keep them
in mind of their superior status by pointing the contrast between
themselves and the lower-lying humanity in whom the work of
amelioration is to be wrought; as, for example, the university
settlement, which now has some vogue.
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