THE DOCTRINE OF THRIFT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15482, 13 December 1913, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE DOCTRINE OF THRIFT.

NEW AMERICAN . CAMPAIGN. A new society, upon whose advisory committee are the governors of seven states, recently appeared in Chicago, and under the guidance of its creator, Mr. S. W. Straus, a retired banker, is spreading its influence over the country. This organisation—the American Society for Thrift— to preach its gospel to the nation through schools and educational bodies in every city and town. Thrift, as Mr. Straus describes it, is "not niggardness, but wisdom; not so much a matter of money as an attitude of mind." Through letters, bulletins and telegrams the society is telling its story to municipal officials, educators and philanthropists, who aro passing it along. Already tnere are many. schools in which thrift is taught. Communities are reached through bulletins telling what thrift means, its advantages and practice. The' intention j of the society is to have its propaganda | preached from the pulpits and .spread broadcast in every possible way. "Wo want," said Mr. Straus, "to encourage the teaching of' thrift in public schools, colleges and universities. Wo, want to encourage the discussion of thrift by community organisations from its economic standpoint, and tho preaching of thrift in the churches for its moral aspect. We aro now making a national campaign, and - hope to enlist the dominant forces in New York. Wo want to enlist the cooperation of organisations .of farmers, mechanics' and women in a national effort to arouse the American people to greater individual thrift. Wo invite inquiry through which wo shall educate." Mr. Straus defined thrift as " creative economy," and believes there can be no national thrift without community thrift, which, of course, soon simmers down to individual thrift; with happiness and health. By way of encouraging national thrift Mr. Straus suggests that the Federal Government iesuo small bonds, winch the people, might buy. He urges that this is done in France, and that the plan was effective in America during the SpanishAmerican War. _ Mr. Straus, who retired from his banking business last year,'has tirelessly dovoted his . time since then to tho now work. Ho has crossed the country, twice from coast to coast, interviewing governors, statesmen, principals of schools, college presidents and heads vof leading educational socitios. Mr. Straus, who is chairman of tho sdeiety, expects soon to have branch offices in every city of size in tho country.