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have been sufficiently fortunate to supply, or to be mainly instrumental
in supplying, other institutional buildings which cannot be easily
classified with either group before mentioned. |
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They consist
of the Museum, West Ham, which has become the home of the Essex
Field Club; the Settlement, Tavistock Place, with Mrs. Humphry
Ward as founder and hon. secretary; the University Hall, Clare
Market, the habitation of the School of Economics and Political
Science; and the Sailors' Palace, Commercial Road, Limehouse,
for the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. These, with the
other institutions specified, may be regarded as so many links
in the chain of endeavour now being forged by individual, municipal,
and Government activity to raise the social life and improve
the industrial capacities of the nation. |
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forging of links is as interesting as it is necessary; and it is encouraging
to know that experience, without an exception, has testified that
the institutions it has been my privilege to supply are "one
and all" answering their intended purpose and moving in harmony
with other organised agencies for general good. And so, in a way,
I have realised a triple-tinted dream-first by possessing publications
read by many, next by threading such publications with an educating
and elevating purpose, and then by devoting industrial gains so obtained
to building useful institutions. I may add that I have shown no preference
to any creed, party, or connection. I think more of the citizen than
the sectarian; more of the nation than any section it may contain;
and more of mankind than any nation composing it. |
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have tried to look beyond the particular and the passing to the general
and enduring. Individuals die, but nations live; nations and empires
pass away, but humanity is immortal. I entertain an idea that every
sunbeam that kisses the earth enriches the earth, and that every disinterested
act performed by one person for the benefit of another person enriches
the performer or receiver, or both, and survives both. The same theory
is applicable to all qualities of action, whether it be productive
or destructive of good. Like produces like at all times all the world
over. An act performed by an individual or a community becomes then
and there a part of the unalterable past, and at the same time unites
itself with the web of human destiny for ever. If this conception
of things be true, what a spacious and inviting prospect encircles
every human endeavour which aims at "the best for the most" |
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