become merely an extension of the cruel and logical process of the
survival of the fittest. The fellow with the best hand wins, instead
of the one with the best head. Nobody draws four cards any more or
stands for a raise on an inside straight. The thing is just cut-throat
and scientific and wholly mercenary.

The kitty is gone. Nobody cares to come in to a common fund for the
purchase of mineral water and cheese sandwiches. And with the passing
of the kitty the most promising development of co-operation and
communism in America has gone. It was prophetic of a more perfectly
organized society. In the days of the kitty the fine Socialistic ideal
of, "From each according to his abilities; to each according to his
needs," was made specific and workable. And the inspiring romantic
tradition of Robin Hood was also carried over into modern life. The
kitty robbed only the rich and left the poor alone.

But now none of us will contribute unquestionably to the material
comfort of others. Each must keep his money for the savings bank.

Perhaps, something of the old friendly rivalry may be revived. In a
hundred years it may be that men will meet around a table and that one
will say to the other, "What have you got?"

"I've got $9,876.32 in first mortgages and gilt-edged securities."

"That's good. You win."

But somehow or other we doubt it.

Another mistake which was made in the policy of compromising with the