The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-29

teous and faithful, and they deserve such
recognition as is due all who honestly and
sSillfully serve the great public. 1t is
pleasure at any time to pass half day in the
large, well-kept, quiet and orderly reading
rooms. DAVID WALK.
n Let Us BE Conservative in Everything.
10 the Editor of the Indianapolis Journ&f
1t is legendary that there was not always
harmony OF opinion in the household of the
second father of The race. Even on the mo-
mentous occasion of preparation for the
deluge diversity of views prevailed One of the
sons, reckless of expense, urged larger and
more commodious construction-such an ark
ae would forever defy comparison; a second
advocated an ark apiece, while the third, with
sharp eye to monetary results, boldly com
bated the necessity of an ark at ala little
swimming would save expense and be good,
healthy exercise, too. Fortunately for those
of us who trace descent that far back, the
old gentleman who otficiated as chief archi-
tect and navigator was an inbred conserva-
tive, following instructions to the letter, and
by the exercise OF parental authority, more
of a reality in those days than now, corral
ing and saving from the wet his growing
family.
THIS tradition of ancient days comes to
mind as typical illustration while reflect
ing on some questions of recent public dis
-1ussion and bordering the deep philosophy
of that provision of the social economy which
insures that with "many men" there shall
also be "many minds" For, though union
is strength, no less true is it that from the
tendency to question diversity of opinion
opposition, conflict come the incentive, the
courage, the elIdeavor, the force, that secure
success. 1t is doubtful if in matters admit
ting controversy at all, majority of any
number of men ever think alike, but q GER
tain self-protecting sentiment, which may be
called conservatism, leading to the modera-
ton of individual views in subservience to
the public good, fortunately unites the ma
jorty in all well-ordered communities. 1t is
this that makes them well-ordered.
Conservatism, rock-ribhed and time-hon-
ored, is so Characteristic of our people in pri-
vate affairs that naturally those who repre-
sent us collectively have been relied ON as
educated to oppose the calm front of I'M
shakable negation to any schemes threaten
ing to interfere with our settled processes
And the reliance has been justified. 1t
seems scarcely necessary to illustrate, but We
all easily remember. when some of our CT IL
zsns suffering with the pangs of @stheticisln
bewaied the unsightliness OF the public
Astquare fences, how promptly and satisfacto-
rily the city authorities presented the ire
fragible argument against the expense of re-
moval; that in the course of time, by the
law of decay the fences would remove them
selves. Similarly in the matter of Pogues
run. So many schemes have been suggested
for curbing the propensity of that ordinarily
contemplate brook to get on a periodical
tear with so much doubt as to which is the
most practical that obviously it is true sa-
WI Du
to hydrostatic studies and developing the
engineering genius of our people, shall
evolve plan about which there shall be no
question. Until then, wait-this is con-
seIvatism. Our Legislature, too-the last
batch say-how they have commended them
selves by their conservatism! Finding such
difference of opinion as to what they should
10. they wisely decided to do nothing.
This strong, silent force now happily DOM
mates our city and State. But it won't do to
rest too assured of its continuance. The age is
fast insidious MISREPRESENTATION to emu
late other communities, the restless desire for
money making, the spirit of so-called enter
prise-are at work and there is danger that
win time even our firm foundation of conServ-
y atism may be sapped | confess that appre-
ciating the energy of the apostles of innova-
ton was among those who feared for the
in the recent question of admitting a new
streetcar company. Happily, they have
again demonstrated their possession of the
antique virtues. The annihiiation OF the
scheme ON account of its immorality-on
moral grounds l should SAYS glorious
yindication of conservatism. OF course, we
all understand the Journals reference to this
as screaming farce" to be an editorial joke.
The reason given is entirely Sufficient. but
mother equally as potent and conservative
exists. as mentioned by one of your CORE
,spondents-also bearing on the line of the
moral duty of our city fathers. We should
not have more cars-so many, in fact--so as
to promote walking, and thereby benefit the
public healthy the cars we have, or any kind,
are mice" enough for those who will ride.
True, some grumpy fellow suddenly called
'on to travel and compelled to decide between
waiting half an hour and then missing his
train. and Juggling heavy valise along for
miles walk, or one who, after tramping
around for five or six hours, has his choice
between further two miles constitutional
and standing on corner for an hour or so,
perhaps in the rain, awaiting car or a wo-
man who can't whistle or in other ways
distract the drivers attention from the
mules ears and sees the vehicle glide along
without her, or a traveller arriving by late
train and entering car redolent with the
fumes of halfdozen cigars of all shades of
bad smell-either or all of them might be dis
posed to prefix to the word mice" that en-
ohatic adjective forbidden by the telephone
vi not by the decalogue. Still, all these APP