The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-12-21

mdue, gives US ulOst eACoiiohe ithiiAo o-u
facilities. Hartford, socially, is de-
lightful place to live in. There is no
healthier spot in the country. We care
all right except-some people call it
conservativeuess, but the right name
for it is sluggishness. We are not up
and doing. Almost every day sees
some settler going else where, while we
have splendid farms going to pieces
because people do not know that there
is any such land within our borders.
No soil responds more readily to
kind treatment than our fertile hills
and valleys. Proofs of this can be
daily seen by visit to any of our pro-
gressive farmers. What we should do
is to let the outside world know about
it.
Their els probably no more desirable
class OF residents than those seeking
a summer home in our midst. As a
rule they are people of good circum,
stances, who have money and are will
ing to spend it in the way of purchas-
ing what the local market aft ords. 1t
means thousands of dollars in our
pockets to have these people spend a
few months in the year with us, and
besides that the county gets q most
excellent advertisement.
The people of Hartford are all right,
but we are little slow. This orgaui-
cation is step in the right direction,
and should receive the cordial endorse
ment of everyone. 1t is not a LEGAL
affair, but is intended to extend from
one end of the county to another. 1t
is not intended to help any individual
or section, but for the general pros
perity of all. So give it all the sup
port you can. If you have no money
to put into the enterprise you can, at
least, say u good word for it. And a
little encouragement right at this time
is all that is needed. The time is ripe
for action and something viii! be done.
1t is every mans duty to see that he
performs his individual part and does
all in his power to bring every person
and industry to the county that can be
induced to come.
DO NOT RETARD THE MARCH OF
PROGRESS.
While we are waking up from our
lethargy, so to speak, and commenc-
ing to realize that if we wish to main.
tain our position among the foremost
towns Of the State it is well for the
citizens of Bel Air, who believe in en-
couraging every new enterprise that
seeks place among US, to read what
Mr.. Phelps, the progressive Mayor Of
Laurel has to say:
Speaking of the building of electric
roads he says:
II believe firmly, that there should
be closer unity between Baltimore
and Laurel. The former city is the
metropolis of the State and should be
more IN sympathy with Laurel and
its progress than Washington, which
is not part Of the State of Mary land,
and from which Laurel can expect
nothing in the way of reciprocity.
Not only should Laurel be brought in
closer touch with Baltimore. but all
the cities of Maryland should be made
to feel that Baltimore is willing and
anxious to help them whenever size
can"
Can any one read his stirring words
and not be impressed with the get up
and vim possessed by the officials of
that progressive place. Not long ago
Laurel was not as large town rs our
own county seat. Now she far out
strips US. Why is this? Because she
has officials who did all in their power
to encourage enterprises. We have
not the slightest doubt but what the
Bel Air and Havre de Grace Electric
Railway company could have obtain
ed charter from Mr.. Phelps and bad
the road running in the same time
that they have been splitting hairs
and technica!ities with our own
officials and at last be compelled to go
outside OF the limits.
If Bel Air ever expects to be any
thing she will have 10 be up with the
times. Baltimore city freely gave
every right of way that the rapid
transit demanded and today has the
finest system of any city in the ccun
try. OF course it Was money in
somebody's pocket to build these
lines. Philantbropists no doubt exist
today as in all ages but they are not
going to try to help any city or town
that does not nave enough progress
siveness to take advantage of it's op-
portuoities.
In one respect it does seem as if W.
possess some of the same traditional
ideas of the Chinese. AS long as every
thing goes along in the old rut we are
perfectly satisfied to let we'll enough
alone and go ON piodding in the same
old tracks pursued by our forefat theirs.
If any one, not of the native horn,
however should step in and try to
bring some new enterprise with him u
call of distrust aud alarm is sounded
from border to border. No matter
what is done and how fair the offer is
we are fearful that some dreadful
calamity is about to befali us and the
supposed snake is scotched in short
order.
How different III the western cities.
Every stranger is welcomed. He is
made to feel at home and if he has
some new ideas or advance business
propositions to make, he is encouraged
in every legitimate manner. If the
plan is feasible one, local capital is
easily obtainable and in this manner
small towns soon become large cities.
And now look at progressive Laurel.
She is not bit better situated than
Bel Air but we are not in the same
class with her. 1t is because her peo-
pie are being permeated with
modern ideas. They are up and do
ing and take advantage of every op-
portunity which comes their way.
They do not even wait for that but 20
out and seek strangers to come and
locate amongst them.
We have a splendid town, well sit
uated and possessing many natural
which some of our more
prosperous neighbors lack. If we