The Forrest City times., 1891-07-10
THEIR TOWN MEETINGS.
A CHARACTERISTIC NEW EN0-
 LAND INSTITUTION.
All Voters Attcnd-Debate Is General A Schooling for the People of Greatest Importance to
 Good Government.

In New England the body or voters in the town attend the stated March meeting at the call of the selectmen, says a writer in Harper's Magazine. It is as much their duty to remain all day and take part in discussing the af- fair of the town as to cast their ballots for governor or for presidential cleo tors. The warrant for the town meet ing notifies the townsmen of the busi- ness that will come before them. In addition to the articles relating to the regular and routine proceedings of the occasion are special articles which have been inserted in the warrant at the request of private citizens. Each voter has printed copy of the town | report. It contains a minutely item ized account of the expenditures of the past year. These items are criti- cised or defended by the town. The debate is general. Appropriations are voted. Usually there is subject which breeds excitement. It may re- late to a project for a new school house. to the opening of new street. to the building of a new sewer. The work that shall be done for the com- ing year is determined The manner in which roads and bridges shall be repaired is prescribed. All the busi- ness transacted in villages by the board of trustees is done by the towns men themselves. Everyone knows what is to be done and how it is to be done. Everyone has the opportunity to disclose what he knows of the mis- feasanees of town officers. to suggest how work might have been better done, how money might have been saved.
 The results of this method in the fiscal affairs of localities and upon the character of the state governments have been indicated as fully as is possi- ble within a limited space The in- iiuence of the town meeting govern ment upon the physical character of the country, upon the highways and bridges, and upon the appearance of the villages is familiar to all who have travelled through New Eng.and. The excellant roads. the stauncn bridges. the trim tree-shaded streets the uni versal signs of thrift and of tho peo- ple's pride in the outward aspect of their villages, are too we'll known to be dwelt upon.
 The town meeting has also developed an intelligent, active minded alert public spirited people. Participation in public business has induced patri- otic interest in the art of government It is true that the intelligence of the average New England rural voter Is best shown in his opinions and action in town politics, but this simply indicates that the citizen should not unnecessarily undertake the control of matters not affecting his own locality. nor should he give to agents meeting in remote capital large and important iurisdic- tion over the individual The New England townsman knows how to tran sact public business The first task of every town meeting Is the selection of a moderator. In New England town nearly every man of prominence has presided at one time or another over the town meeting. Even they who have not must be familiar with parlamenta- ry law and practice, for the clear and simple rules Of Cushing and Jefferson arc elaborately discussed. not only by the lawyers and clergymen. but by the doctors, the storekeepers. the me- chanics. and the farmers. It would be ditiiculs to find in New England com- muAity man who cannot take charge of public meeting and conduct its proceedings with some regard to the forms that are observed in parliamen- tary bodies. On the other hand. it would be difficult in any other part of tho country to find a citizen who has not held office who has any knowledge of such forms and observances In New Eng sland there is not voter who may not. and very few voters who do not. actively participate in the work of the government.
 In other parts of the country hardly any one takes part in public affairs ex- cept the officeholder. The effect of this is precisely what may be antici- patsd. The man of the New England town is equipped for the larger stage cl the state or nation. The tyro from New York who is sent to congress must learn the lesson which the other acquired in the meeting