The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-03-19
A FIELD roR rHE HUNDRED.


and objects Of the so-called citizens
committee Of one hundred, but, so far al
we have observed it's work has thus Ia
been limited to criticising municipal
expenditures and to finding more or lest
fault with existing conditions. We dc
not say that such criticism is unneces
sary. and that the committee cannot
thus render a useful service to the CON-
munity. but We would like 10 see the
association add TO its numbers, widen
its scope, and undertake in broad and
liberal spirit the work OF improving,
Identifying and adjoining our city, the
creation Of a civic pride which should
make every iuhabltant Of the town a
committee Of one TO contribute TO its or
namentation and Advancement
Those persons who have travelled over
the New England states al intervals
during the past quarter century have
been greatly struck with tie wonderful
growth in beauty and attractiyeness Of
the smaller cities and towns in that
time. This transformation has been
entirely Que to the town improvement
associations" which now exist in nearly
every New England community.
The objects Of these associations vary
with local needs and possibilities, in
GLIDING public health, especially the
sanitary conditions in homes and sur
roundings, sidewalks, reads, roadsides,
school and church yards, cemeteries,
parks and other public lands, grounds
around railroad stations, removing front
fences and other nuisances, planting
trees, parking streets, and whatever
else may serve 10 promote the growth,
beauty and betterment Of the cOmmun-
ity. Some OF these associations do
the work Of boards OF trade
and briug about cooperation among
business men and contribute 20 the es-
Enlistment Of union and good fellow
ship among the people. Says the Hon.
b. q. Northrop, OF Connecticut, who
has given a lifetime to such work:
Few communities can afford 10 con
tinue without some organized efforts
for public Improvements, for they pay
IN many ways. They help to retain in a
town its wealthy and public spirited
citizens and attract desirable residents
from abroad. A penurious policy is
penny wise and pound foolish. II de-
feats its own aim Of saving and results
in deterioration and loss Men Of Gull
ture shun narrow minded community.
A good name tends to enrich a town. as
well as an individual, while bad repute
may impoverish both. Travelling IN
some forty states, I am astonished az
the marvellous contrast in towns Of equal
size and natural advantages, IN the same
state, and sometimes in the came
county. Thousands OF towns still pre-
sent an aspect Of forlorn negligence and
utter want Of family pride"
-" Each town" says Mr. Northop,
'needs to be distinctly conscious Of
itself, keeping up that Just pride for it's
past which gives inspiration for the
future, Jealous Of it's good name, liberal
in supporting its schools and churches.
adjoining its parks and it's streets. and
IN every way guarding its honor and its
prosperity
Beginning in a small way with trifling
contributions from citizens, such asso-
Citations in the east, and those success.
ful organ cations 10 the California
towns, too have as n rule teen tho re-
cipsnts 10 time Of generous gifts from
wealthy citizens, some OF whom living
elsewhere have been moved by pride in
their old homes long after removal %
other places. II has been tho history
Of all such movements, When we'll man
aged, that ample funds have come 10
them fcr the work.
And what could Re done FOR Helena
Everything Good taste could be- rro.
noted; bad architecture discouraged.
ugly fences removed; uniform sidewalks
fecured; tree and shrub planting helped
on, tdier streets suggested, new rail
way stations ag.fatcd. Why, there BE-
no end 90 the work that such an assoc..
ution could DO. Lot committee or two
visit such cities as New Haven. Conn.
or Pasadena, Cal, and aee what has
been done when local pride and public
spirit have joined hands
10 five years Helena could be made
the most beautiful city 10 the north
west
What "a field for tho comm ttee OF ono
hunlredi