, 1876-05-20


which subtle dcspotism was only the more
surely working its will; when Roman so
ciety was growing so debased at heart as to
I've preparing TO take its fashion from Nero
when Nero came, all that men noticed was
that city ile was growing more magnificent
the humble structures of brick were being
replaced by splendid editices of marble, and
: busy citizens and luxurious partizans, il
they thought about 1t at all, counted it only
gain that it went on without any trouble.
some demands upon their time or service
hope indeed that we are yet far enough
of such charges. But they lie right
upon that road OF cngrossment in personal
gain toward which society seems more and
more setting its face. And so, while put to
you the incalcuhblc value of all these insttu'
tions of municipal selt:goycrnment that
have grown up out OF free and noble past,
I put it to you, Also that only ly the whole
community taking an active interest and
share in them can they be kept living and
strong, and be handed on TO those who come
alter us, to he the means Of u still nobler
future.
Thus, in conclusion, am led to speak of
the spirit in which each one should look
upon this personal part and strive to do it.
And to put it merely on its poorest ground,
| say every man is bound to take his part, as
a simple matter OF fair play. All share in
the benefit ot whatever order, cleanliness, Sc.
curity, and health there is in city life, and
all are bound to help on the work for these.
1t is miserable sort OF shiitlcss Indifference
in which so many will not stir n step for all
this-wltha u sort of easy going feeling that
il will yet attended to somehow. As Lowell
pitInly snys;
God hates your sneaking creatures that believe
He'll settle things they run away ana leave.
So, set yourselves to do your part as II
simple matter Of fait.s may Understand
what is going forward, take an intelligent
interest in it, and il all the part you can do
is to 90 and give a silent vote on the right
side, do that willingly and readily, Even
in such a simple thing as the giving OF vote
there may be all the difference between it
being given in the spirit Of a free man doing
n ireeman's part or given in the spirit OF
servilty or faction. Never wait to be asked
and pressed Some can do more than vote
1t is not for me to discuss what each mans
true part should be. No rule can be laid
down, But one high principle about such
hmattcrs seems to mc,-oiIer yourself will
ing to do what share in the work you can,
wait for Others to call you to its offices or
Its hoEors. Only wish to do something to
help on what you think the right side
Only feel that it is right you should, only
try and scheme how you might manage it
instead of shaking your head at it AS some
thing you'd only he too glad to be out Of
and you will generally find some way. And
what you do, do nobly. Scorn all tricks
and dodgrs. Ii il no shame to be beaten
but be beaten with clean hands, and still
keep on. Such earnest work may bring odi
um, and ill.will, andingrutitude, though not
often much if men tnke their part bmvoly
and as if they gloriod in it; but ii it does,
what of that AS u London artisan said
one day to friend of mine, |
thought it good pithy saying, 60 Bless your
heart, ifyou cant do your best for n thing
and then stand little abuse Tor it, you're
poor sort of fellow"
And a word in passing about the part of
women in this part ofpubic duty. At pres
cnt they have no open part, though the day
seems likely to come when that also may be
theirs. There is many question in the
school and in the city, as in the home, in
which women have special interest, and
might have m interest peculiarly their own.
That influence, at any rate is theirs already
their own if they will only make it inteli-
gently their own and Use it. One thing at
any rate, there is which they all may do /.
Encourage men to take part A woman
said to me while ago: "A great many
men Rrc kept from taking their fair share of
public duty hy the sclishnGss Of their wives,
by the way in which they treat every even
ings absence from home upon such public
questions a5 grievance" am afraid there
is n good deal Of truth in that. There are
many wives whose only feeling about the
duties Of citizenship is expressed in the dis.
content with which they greet the mention
of what they call " another OF those tiresomc
meetings" All, but women might do bet
ter than that ! In great emergencies they
would In the terrible crisis of our country
! there WAS many II noble hearted matron who
girdcd the sword on to husband and sons
and gave them her blessing to go forth and
do their duty, even though it were to death.
Why cannot women make as cheerfulIy the
labor sacrifice, and set the tone in her home
for everyone doing an earnest part in that
nearer and continual conflict by which alone
our cities can be made what such vast aggre.
gatious Of life ought to bel
cannot close without taking yet higher
grodnd for all this, press this taking the
{ best part one is able in the duties Of citizen
t ship as 4 Christian duty, as, in these days,