The herald., 1896-05-02
THE FRIDAY MORNING CLUB
An Able Paper on the Neglect Of Citi-
zenship
Read by Mrs. r. N. Bulia, Followed by m
Animated Discussion Usual Attend
ance at the Interesting Session

One Of the most able and forcible pa
pers that has been presented before the
Friday morning club for some time was
the article read yesterday by Mrs. r. N.
Bulla. the subject chosen being, The
Neglect OF Citizenship. Although the
paper was lengthy there was no lack Of
interest manifested by the listeners.
The subject was put before the club in
most intelligent manner.
Mrs. Bul1a said: One of the most sur
prising phases Of our modern life is the
apathy of otherwise reasonably good
people to the public welfare. AS civiliz-
alton has advanced the individual has
become of ever increasing Importance.
Each man Is invested with dignity
once the Inheritance only of those of the
most exalted rank. This should create
in him feeling of responsibility, a
moral obligation toward his native land
which would compel him to give some
intelligent attention to details of polit-
ical economy and IL generally fit him
self to perform at least a reasonable
share of duties of citizenship.
Not enough Importance is attached to
citizenship, yet it embodies and runs
through all phases of life. The respon-
sibility is not felt except to limited ex-
tent. Statistics show that less than
one-third of the voters cast their votes,
80 per cent show unusual interest and 70
per cent intense excitement. The speak
er referred to a meeting held here last
fall in regard to conditions of county
roads, when only fifty men were present.
In view of this fact, public service should
not be complained of, as there is a woful
lack Of individual interest. And consid-
ering the manifold opportunities for
wrong doing, and the ignorance and in
difference of citizens. it is rather to be
wondered at that more rascals are not
in Office.
The speaker elaborated extensively
on the class Of citizens who held politi-
cal matters in contempt. In no other
walk Of life, she thought, could the race
be more benefited One of the greatest
dangers to our nation was the unre-
stricted immigration. The greatest por-
ton of the crime and pauperism came
through this channel, and the solving
of the problem will be of vital import
ance to every individual in the United
States.
The daily papers have too forcible
sway, and in giving us views on current
events. and when the editors cry havoc
we let slip the dogs Of war.
Mrs. Bulla spoke very strongly on the
responsibility of women in the nations
affairs not in any connection with the
ballot but the instilling of truth and
virtue into the child given into her keep
ing. Ruskin and John Quincy Adams
were both quoted on this point. Parents
SHOulu VlSlC SCHOOIS lItQueHtly
and see that the work of citizenship be
done by formation, not reformation.
Mothers. teachers and philanthropic
women should realize that much Of the
country's success rests upon them.
The speaker suggested a wise meas
ure would be to form clubs for the study
of citizenship, to teach men and women
the duties they may not think of other
wise. In conclusion Mrs. Eulla said, let
us recognize more the responsibility and
lofty principles inaugurated in the very
foundations Of our government, the
principle of liberty, equality, fraternity,
of justice, truth and loyalty. Let the
brave men and true women of America
join hands and hearts in the perform
ance of the duties which rest equally
upon us all, fighting every evil with good
works, loving our country. respecting its
laws and giving our best service to its
maintenance.
Following the paper was an animated
discussion, opened by Mrs Severance.
in which Mines Graham, Christian and
Larkin took part.
Mr.. Bulla, who was present, was
called upon and said briefly that what
we needed was better men for voters,
the best men for office, and indiscrimi-
nate criticism should be avoided by
office holders, and that his experience
as Representative led him to believe
that the majority Of the eighty at Sac
ramento were honest but incompetent.