The bee., 1883-11-10
Two Kinds of Citizens.

The fact that so many favorabiy-situated
towns and small cities continue 1T a stand
still. year in and year out, while other
places less favorably situated grow and
prosper, has long been source of coniec-
ture. The same measures will not remedy
the evils in all such cases any more than
one particular mode of treatment will cure
all the ills of humanity; but as there are
some diseases more common to the human
family than others, SO also there are some
causes which hinder industrial growth
more than others. While it is not neces-
5aTy 10 enumerate the numerous causes
which effectually check advancement in
this direction, there is one cause in partie-
ular which, more than any other, brings
about this state of affairs.
There generally live in every small city
a few wealthy individuals who own all, or
nearly all, the desirable property within a
mile or two of the place. These men usu-
ally either compose the local government
or exert great influence over it's mem
bers. Like the rest of the race, they arc
either greatly interested in public affairs,
or are entirely disinterested, as the ease
may be. The former is ever ready and
willing to do all in their power for the
featuring concern seeks suitable location
for factory or mill buildings. they endeavor
by all honest means to induce it to STAY
with them, in many instances donating
either money or lands, and securing other
inducements like low taxes, etc. Other
places are unfortunately handicapped with
leading citizens who seem opposed to any
thing like industrial advancement, who
make no exertions for their city welfare,
but, possessing plenty of the world Goods
for themselves and families, settle down to
dreamy, mOnotonous existence, caring for
nothing, and thinking of nothing, appar-
emily, but themselves. The following in
| stance may illustrate the latter: The pro-
| prietors of large nail mandatory sought
a suitable location for a new establish
ment, and asked certain reasonable conces-
| sionS from the owners of suitable lands
adjoining pretty little city now unknown
| to industrial fame. Not only were the con-
cessions refused, but, under a mistaken
idea that they were determined to buy 1T
any rate, price far above the real value
of the land was demanded. Disguised,
they located in neighboring city, wher ,
they now employ scores of wOrkmen, be-
| sides adding greatly to the city's interest.
The place whose citizens for the sake of
gain frightened them away, will probably
remain just what it now is-"a nice place
| to live for man who can afford to be idle,
but no place for business; > at least, so
long as the present generation shall live.
The mistake of placing fictitious values
on desirable sites for manufactures is q
common one, owners seeming to lose sight
| of the fact that the enhanced value of their
remaining lands would amply compensate
for selling the few acres wanted at reduced
rates or even donating it. While useless
extravaganza is always to be condemned,
wise outlays for the good of your fellows is
always to be commended. OF course, every
man has a perfect right to do just as he
pleases about such matters but the city
which is thus borne down by these human
dead-weights is indeed deserving of sym
pathy.