The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-20
SUNDAY. MAY 20. 1900.
THE POWER OF AN IDEA.

Far above the physical AID ma ter1ai
advances that Richmond has made with
IN the last few years is the growth in
this city of that idea Of public spirit and
civic pride that makes a city great, no
matter what its natural advantages or
disadvantages may be. 1t was the pride
of the Atheniars in their city that made
Athens, for the time, the mistress of the
world 1t was the alterations of the Ro-
mans for their city that made Rome. And
during the past week we have seen what
marvellous achievements can be wrought
by the power of faith that certain ciu-
zens of Richmond had in the future and
in the present of their city.
Nothing is more difficult to analyze
than the growth and ramifcations Of an
idea such as the one we are discussing
This much at least is certain, that about
four years ago a body Of young men,
feeling The fundamental truth Of the
proposition that 1.-TWO one-man
powers are greater than two-men
power banded themselves together for
the relief of the suffering poor of this
city. From their success in this field
these two young men went on to the fur
Their venture of helping the city at large
work that had for its end and aim per-
sonal advancement in honor or in wealth.
The SUCCESS of this organization Of young
men working for Richmond's welfare is
TOO we'll known to need any comments
now. But We can point out with proprie-
~ how their efforts to make their city
great have fostered a spirit of civic pride
and altruism that has given Richmond a
week of festivities never before equaiiec
in her history. There may, on single
days. have been larger crowds, but il
there was such day il was only on
that rare occasion when the grand statue
TO the immortal Lee was unveiled. Such
occasions as that occur but once in the
life of a nation. The floral parade. which
was the most beautiful spectacle ever
seen in this city. was conceived and exc
cuted in a desire to help Richmond. So
Of the military parade, SO of the work
done by the various committees on music
and other entertainments. All these are
but concrete examples Of what it means
10 city 10 have its citizens filled to over
flowing with desire 10 help the city, be-
cause il is their city and because it will
help their fellow-citizens.
Nothing has struck the men who re-
member Richmond as she was twenty
years ago more than the change of SEN
timent which now actuates those who feel
themselves responsible for the citys des-
TIMES. There was "a time when Richmond
WAC ruled by an ohsarchy, brave, honest
earnest and loyal, but still an oligarchy.
No one who has been through the period
eliminated in the Street-Fair can fail &c
see and understand that Richmond is to.
day under the leadership OF a democracy
whose guiding principle is 'Richmond's
welfare and it is the power that comes
from the united efforts OF many persons
who may be. and, perhaps, are in them.
selves weak, that distinguishes a demo.
crary from the efforts of body com.
posed Of a few strong men, and the CHIEF
way in which this difference is mani
Vested is in the diffusion throughout th'
community at large Of feeling tha
every one is vitality interested in the sue
cess of his city or community. This /:
a sentiment and an active principle whic,
can never be acquired by estraneou
helps, 40 matter how beneticent in them
selves. when such helps are achieved b.
the energies OF few individuals actin!
apart from the people
No one can estimate the public bench
which comes from having all of the mem
bers fee, that they are personally AM
yitaliy interested IN the welfare and sue
cess OF their community. be they indiyid
ualiy great or small. It is this princi
pie which the late George E. Warinl
utilized TO keep the streets of New Yorl
clean, by making The little children fee
thai they xere citizens upon whose be