The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-06-06
DENIsoN IOWA. June S, 1899.
What is the Matter With
Denison?

0O0xSOlks
1t seems almost paradOxical to ask
such question concerning such q busy,
prosperous and liberal community as is
Denison; nevertheless there seems to
be decided lack Of public spiritedness
among our people. This arises not
from stinginess, for no city is more lib
eral, not from lack of enterprise, for
our people are pushing and progressive,
not from laziness, for there never was
buster place, it arises largely from the
fact that every one is SO busy with their
private affairs and seem to have no
time to attend to things of a public
nature.
There seems to be general opinion
that someone else" will take charge
of things and simple acquiesence is all
that is necessary on the part of the
people. Now someone else" is very
uncertain parsonage and is apt to be
found a minus quantity altogether.
There have been several instances
this spring of letting things go. Some
time ago an effort was made to form
business mems association. Nearly
every merchant said it would be good
thing but when meeting was called
not more than twenty business men re-
sponded. A committee was appointed
to draft constitution, but when the
committee was ready to report not
more than five business men were pres
emit and the movement was abandoned.
This same feeling was again mani
tested when matters relative to the new
High School were under discussion.
But a very small percentage attended
the meeting and in the last election out
of inearly 600 possible voters but So
found their way to the polls.
On Friday evening meeting was
called to consider the matter of a
Fourth of July celebration and that
meeting was forced to adjourn on ac-
count of the small attendance.
The inevitable conclusion is that
something is the matter with Denison.
What is it? Are not our business men
interested enough in Denison projects
to give an occasional hour to the dis
cussion of questions affecting the city's
welfare? Have we not spunk enough to
get together to at least decide the ques-
ton of a celebration? The next two
years are to be decisive ones for Deni-
son. They will decide whether our
city becomes a sleepy, negotiating vii
lage or an up-to-date enterprising bust
ness place. What is the matter with
Denison? Is the town torn by faction?
There are political differences, personal
likes and dislikes, but these should not
prevent united action for the public
good. The REVIEW knows of no man
with whom it will not cheerfully work
for anything which will benefit Deni-
son. What is the matter with Denison?
Are our merchants in such poor finan-
cial condition that they cannot afford
the time and money necessary to pro-
mote public enterprise? We all know
that this is not the case. Our business
houses are as rule prosperous and
fore-handed. What then is the matter
with Denison? Let each man commune
with himself and ask himself whether
he is doing his share, whether he is put
ting his own shoulder to the wheel and
doing all he can. Let each man ask
himself if he can afford to neglect the
affairs of his city? Answer these ques-
tions honestly, then do your share, and
nothing will be the matter with Den