Connecticut western news., 1899-01-26
Whats the Matter With COrnwalls

That's what the people who know the town best are asking. It used to be a town where there was something going on, where the young people got togeth- CT for good time. It had its reading circles and debating clubs. It had it's Farmers Club of which it was justly proud, that met once in two weeks for 8 discussion on farming topics for an hour while the women "gossiped" in an adjoining room, and then all had visit together. It had it's singing schools where the boys and girls meet for song and "small conversation" Then there was an occasional social visit made, or an afternoon tea, would attract some. But alas! all is changed, and "what's the matter with CornwaIl' is asked when these topics are talked about. Why this great change?
 Well; in the first place it's got to be selfish town. Everybody is for him. self and not willing to spend a little time to make life pleasant for neigh bor. The sun rises and sets only on each side of mans premises, and and that's the size of his world. The young people grow up and find no so. cial life here and s'skin out" to where it is more lively. If one goes to the viii lage he hears usually 8 discussion on this or that neighbor, in which very little of good, but all his weak points are brought out; nothing said to encour- age man in his occupation, or make life pleasant for him, The personal diff ferenccs of each faction in "the party y'' are argued. and none are willing to drop their personal quarrels for the public good; so all inducements to social life are killed.
 Then too, Cornwall is dying town; not that the soil is exhausted nor as good crops raised as ever. but because the young men refuse to take wives and build up homes. They are so selfish that unless they can have what they want they will not sacrifice themselves for the public good. Instead of creat- ing home in which all that is best in a man is brought out, they are satisfied to grow up "crooked sticks" and allow the family names to die out. How can ta .a looking for "his own" and not that of another? Why, there isn't even interest enough to keep up an annual picnic in town, because it makes work for 8 com- nittee that isn't willing to do anything for the public good. Even the Grange, which was going to put new life in the town. is "dead as smelt" and the last condition of things is worse than the first. We are among the sshas beens"- 6 "back number" and all our old men do. is to talk of memories of the past and see 70 good in the present.
 We'll; what are you going to do about it? The possibilities of the town are just as good as they ever were. Our hills are as lovely; our farms generally as fertile; and our means of communities tion better than ever. Why can't we have little more public spirit and make our life here broader and not be limited to 8 and cts. view of things. Let's get together and do something for social life. Have Farmers and Busi- ness Mems club or something of that kind. Instead of cultivating hard feelings, try and cultivate good im- pulses and see what we can do for the general good. Instead of raising h-l if we can't have our way, be raised above personal feelings and let the other fellow "'slide on your cellar door," thus making Cornwall what it should be; place where life is worth living and one where people will be at tracted to us. Some of us have to stay here. We can't pack up and leave in a day, and we have got to sink social prejudices and differences if we have social life; to make an effort, get &C., quainted and promote good feeling.
 Will you, Reader, do your part for the public good?
 PRO BoNo PUBLIco.
 Cornwall, Conn.