The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-01-07
Good Citizenship Meeting.

Sunday evening in the interests of good
citizenship drew one of the largest congrega-
tons ever assembled there, and many were
obliged to go away, not finding even stand
ing room. All the other churches in the
city were closed, and the pastors were on the
platform, together with Messrs. A. G. Sibley
and F. s. Brick. The number present is es-
timated at 900 and perfect order prevailed
throughout the meeting, which was in ses-
sion more than two hours. The music was
by the Baptist Chorus choir.
The exercises opened with Coronation"
by the chorus, followed by invocation by
Rev. c. Fl. Wells of the Universalist church.
Miss Sally Durham sang "Jesus, Lover of
My Soul Scripture was read by Rev. j. NJ.
Leighton of the Unitarian church, and
prayer was offered by Rev. Geo. S. Mills of
the Congregational church. The chorus
then sang selection, after which Rev. G. G.
Winsow of the Methodist church, who pre-
sided, made brief Introductory remarks and
called upon the first speaker of the evening,
Rev. John F. Tilton of the Baptist church.
Mr. Tilton spoke on the Elements of
Good citizenship" We are living, he said.
in a remarkable time. Varied conditions
exist to-day which point to marked changes
in the future. Responsibilities rest upon US
for that future. If the country and State are
to be what they should be, the citizen must
be what he should be. He mentioned as the
principal elements of good citizenship, pa
triotsm, intelligence, respect for law and
high moral and religious sentiment. An en-
thusiastic love of country must be born in
the home and nurtured in the public school.
No man can be a good citizen unless he
possesses love of country. This is not alone
to be shown in coming to the country's aid
in time of war, but is manifested in the ap-
parently trivial duties of every day life
The good citizen must take an interest in the
affairs of the nation, State and municipality,
and act and vote for their best interests.
The next element is intelligence Milton
compared ignorance with the blind Sampson,
likely at any time to pull down the whole
structure, and Gen. Grant said the dividing
line in our politics in the future is not to be
Mason & Dixon's line, but line having in
telligence and patriotism on one side and ig
norance and ambition on the other. A
healthy respect for law is essential to good
citizenship. Officers must be chosen to en-
force not only such laws as they approve or
such as policy dictates, but all laws. Some
laws are openly and tagrantly violated one
of the most conspicuous of which is the pro-
hibitory liquor law. Officers elected to en-
force the laws make no effort to enforce
this, but even aid ard abet the law breakers.
We need healthy public sentiment against
any discrimination in favor of any class of
law breakers. These elements of good cit-
zenship must be supplemented by high
moral and religious sentiment. Greece had
intelligence and Rome had patriotism and
regard for law, but these alone do not con-
stitute good citizenship. 81 do not say"
said Mr. Tilton, ''that a man cannot be a
good citizen and not be Christian, but he
must be governed by the principles of
Christanity.'
The second speaker was Mr.. A. c. Sibey,
who spoke from the standpoint Of business
man on "The Application of Good citizen
ship" The subject has two sides and he
would speak from the business side. Mr..
Tilton has we'll defined the elements of
good citizenship. 1t is hoped the business
men will take hold of the question. The
ladies are Interested in this question and
their help is essential. They can exert great
influence for good citizenship. He then
spoke of the beauties of Belfast and its sur
roundings, and suggested the formation of
"Vlllage Improvement Society," with a
viau tn f1 rthnr innroyemant in thesa n.rtic
ulars. Education in the line of apprecia-
ton of the beautiful is work for good citi-
zenship. We should be loyal to our city,
and ever be ready to speak good word in
its behalf, especially before strangers. Edu-
cation is d great help to good citizenship,
and in the matter of education our city
stands well abreast of the sister cities of the
State. Our schools are crowded, and the
course of study is equal to that of any place
of our size in the State, although our school
buildings are not what we would like to
have them. There should be a general
meeting in the interests of education The
schools should be in the hands of the best
and most intelligent citizens, and it is the
duty of every citizen to attend the primaries
and see that none but good, intelligent men
are nominated for members of the School
Committee. The speaker appealed to all to
uphold the hands of those who are trying to
forward the good work. There are passive,
active citizens. Hustlers are needed for
good citizenship. We should form society
not especially to forward any one line, but
in the interests of good citizenship general
ly-an all around society.
Francis S. Brick, Superintendent of
Schools, spoke on "The Parent and Child"
He referred first to the influence of every
action, however small. Nothing can happen
without leaving its stamp. The country's
condition to-day bears the stamp of the past
and the events of to-day will have their effect
on the future. The new education is the re-
suit of the work of the past. The world
needs sympathy. We should extend SYM
pathy to those who are struggling to rise or
are going down. The school has certain
duties to perform in training and develop
ing, but the school is powerless against ad-
verse home influences. The home should
be pure and then by proper school training,
good citizenship will result. The literature
of the children has tremendous force.
Liquor has slain its thousands, but impurity
its ten thousands The efforts of the libra