The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-12-04
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT.
Mrs. c. NJ. Ketcham Writes on the
Benefits of Organization.


Benefits of Organization.
have been asked to offer something
on the subject Of the feasibility of a
village improvement society in Leon.
Feasible means "that which can be
DONE" As others will advance thought
on other lines Of the work | will confine
myself to the question "Can village
Improvement society be so organized
and Its work so done that it may be-
come real potent factor in the pro.
gress of our town." If this question can
be settled in the affirmative | believe
the work is half dore for | have faith
enough in the good citizenship of our
people to feel satisfied that when they
are convinced that forward movement
of any kind can really be accomplished
every man and woman is ready 10
espouse such cause and become it's
friend. | believe in the people and
that when they see the right they would
rather do it than TO do the wrong.
| But there is in every advance step
I one prime factor which all agree is
essential TO its success and that is fear.
lessness in its leaders.
| Men and women must lay aside their
love OF ease and their complacence
sufficiently to be willing to do even a
/ A blo .t,o H. = 4
found necessary to the success of a
righteous cause. This is the cross which
all good works in this life lay upon the
shoulders of the worker. Thus should |
find 1T necessary in the presentation of
| this paper to say some things which
might ordinarily give offense let me first
say that it is without thought or refer.
ence to personality that | do SO, and
only for the good of the cause under
consideration. | no more desile to
offend than does the minister who from
the pulpit first uncovers the sin that he
may rebuke it, even as Christ set him
the example. With this preface will
proceed to deal practically with my
subject to the best of my ability and
understanding.
That our town is dirty and disgrace
+, fully so, think will not be denied by
any. few Of the most glaring abuses
l will call by their right names. The
filthy practice Of splitting on the side.
walks is menace to health and morals.
To one who has ever been in city
where this practice is prohibited by
law, as some # us have been, the enor-
nifty of the otiense is doubly apparent.
Then there is another scarcely less vile
condition to which Leon has been long
subjected and that is the collection of
rotting vegetables and fruits that are
allowed to surround some of the places
OF business for days at time during
the warm season. It is no uncommon
sight to see boxes and barrels of these
standing day after day attracting flies
by their foul odors, to say nothing of
their unsightiness to people of taste
and cleanliness. 1t is also common
sight to see the remains of water.
melon feast on the sidewalks or where
ever the feasters choose to leave it.
Weeds grow in many of the streets and
manure collects in the alleys and streets
to the extent that the owners of prem
ises think they do we'll if they make a
partial clearing up once year.
Chickens are raised in large numbers
by some of our citizens and allowed to
run at large the greater part of the
year and allowed to destroy the flower
gardens, ornamental shrubs and young
trees Of their neighbors, who have spent
mnch time in mulching and caring for
them that they might be protected
from drouth and cold. In some parts
of town horses and cows are turned out
at night and it is no uncommon thing
to zee them running at large during the
day. AS consequence sidewalks are
continually needing repairs and to
those who would keep their premises
clean is left the task of cleaning up
after such stock.
| Perhaps enough abuses have been
mentioned to found an Argument in
favor of reform.
Can it be done? l say yes. How?
By the organization of society of
fearless citizens which shall stand as a
support to the men who ore elected to
look after our city's interests.
We feel sure our councilmen would be
very glad to have the loyal support of a
large body of citizens to help bring
about such reform, for as rule the
members of the town council are men in
business and it is necessary for them to
hold the good will of the people and not
give ofense lest they suffer financial
loss. 1t they could feel that a sentiment
for better things prevailed and then
there was combination back of them