WHERE RICHES CANNOT BE SQUANDERED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 75, 24 April 1909, Page 4

WHERE RICHES CANNOT BE SQUANDERED.

For the protection of women anil children there is a French law which I shoul | like to see adopted ill every nation, says Max O'Rell. If a Frenchman—be he jfftther, husband, or brother—shows an inclination to squander a fortune which is one day destined to go to his children, his wife, or his brothers and sisters, the latter have a right to call a family council to examine the case, report on it, and 'obtain a restraint which prevents that man from having the sole and entire control of his fortune. And thus it '.s that French wives and children are protected from the eccentricities and extravagances of gamblers or spendthrifts .who may happen to be at the head of a family, and the lnw makes no difference .between the mail who has simply inherited his fortune or has personally earned it. in his profession or business. He is only allowed to peacefully enjoy the possession of that fortune so long as the interests of his family are safeguarded by his careful management of .it, and by his constant for the ;future of those depending on him. If tlie family council have proved their case, the law appoints guardians or trustees, who pay the interest of the capital to the man in monthly instalments, or to 'his wife if lie is not judged competent to handle that interest, and the capital remains absolutely protected from his 'extravagance. That man is thus declared by Frem-h law intenlit—that is to say, 'prevented from doing any more injury to his wife and children. Even nephews and niece- can call a family council and get a profligate uncle iuterdit.