Lord Samuel's advocacy of the institution of a Common Good
fund, to be raised through voluntary subscriptions and administered for "the common good" by wisely chosen; experienced and able trustees ought to set something moving. The idea is not completely new. I fancy that Mr. Edward Cadbury, who died last Sunday after a life marked by the public spirit characteristic of his family, either projected or actually instituted something of the kind in the Birmingham area. Certainly the Community Chests which exist, or did a few years ago, in most large American cities were inspired by the same principle. Lazy giving is not to be encouraged. It is no doubt best to decide what causes most deserve support and then support them. But many people with a little money (or much money) to give or bequeath do in fact not possess the necessary knowledge. It would be a great satisfaction to them to be able to make their gift knowing that it would be turned to the best purpose in relation to the needs of the moment by persons combining broad sympathies with proved wisdom. Lord Samuel, with youth growing on him daily, may do something
more about this. But he will need, and abundantly deserves, support.
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