In republics, neither the government nor the rich private citizen is much given to propagating art.
 Mark Twain, Following the Equator (1897). copy citation

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Author Mark Twain
Source Following the Equator
Topic government art
Date 1897
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2895/2895-h/2895-h.htm

Context

“I mean an absolute monarchy, where it isn’t necessary to vote money, but take it. Then art flourishes. But these colonies are republics—republics with a wide suffrage; voters of both sexes, this one of New Zealand. In republics, neither the government nor the rich private citizen is much given to propagating art. All over Australasia pictures by famous European artists are bought for the public galleries by the State and by societies of citizens. Living citizens—not dead ones. They rob themselves to give, not their heirs.” source