minster, Tyson, and others. When I had concluded, he simply inquired if there was any poverty in the countries where those men lived? I replied in the affirmative, and was compelled to admit that many persons every year died from starvation alone.
He then went on to say that he considered the amassing of enormous wealth by a few individuals a curse to any country.
Thereupon I inquired if there were no millionaires in Atazatlan. His answer was “No. It would be almost impossible” (that is, if by millionaires I meant exceedingly wealthy persons). “I suppose you are aware,” he continued, “that land with us is not private property. If, however, through trading or other means, a man should accumulate great wealth,—that is, what we should term great—the maximum fraction he can bequeath to any person at death, or give away during life, is defined by our laws. The State claims nearly the whole, so that with us no young person can begin life wealthy. With you, if I understand the matter correctly. Governments as a rule are poor, and individuals enormously wealthy. With us, the general Government is very wealthy, and every one has enough and to spare.”
