To the question about motives of philanthropy from the end XIX to the beginning of XX century (on materials of the Penza, Samara and Simbirsk regions)

In article the historiography of charity in Russia from the end of XIX century to the beginnings of XX century and rational motives of philanthropists are analyzed. The author does attempt to prove that not only the compassion and faith moved people to relieve distress. And mechanisms which philanthropists of the past chose depend on these motives.