Temperance and philanthropy have assumed a classical and artistic form,
and this week the "public drinking fountains" interest has made a demonstration at Willis's Rooms which al- most insures success. Several very influential and public men, with Lord Shaftesbury at their head, combine to endow the Me- tropolis with drinking, fountains at proper intervals. The calcu- lation is twofold,firet, ilia the offer of pure water to the work- ing classes will macuestlhem fuom the thirst which is vial iy the first incentive to drinking of a more injurious hind; and secondly, that the beautifying of central spots even in the hunk. bier quarters of the town will contribute to the elevation of our town folk. And this latter is scarcely a secondary considera- tion ; for after all when we repeat truisms about the humanizing influence of art and beauty, what is it we mean ? It is, that the consciousness of symmetry does but give us a newer and stronger sense of the laws which rule the universe and promote life and health—life-promoting influences being identical with good morals, as what we call bad morals are tested by ending in frustration and death.
