Omaha daily bee., 1902-08-03

parks and other carefully kept places.
And I believe that a careful considera-
ton Of all questions involved shows to us
that too much saving In the care Of. public
grounds is unwise. It hints an attempt
and failure. The influence is not ele-
waiting and instructive. Better leave it
wild than poorly cared for.
Eject of Example.
be a poor mans home, but watch the
neighborhood catch the inspiration. See
what one can do. Consider what many
or all could do. And it isenot necessary
that a man be wealthy that he may make
his home attractive and pleasing to the
eye. Far from 1t. Some OF the prettiest
spots in this city are poor mems houses
set in neatly kept yards and lawns. We
can recall such places. And 1t is sur
prising at how little labor and expense
such places are maintained. Adjust a Will
to habit, and It will be done. II 10 a
fact tina some experts on landscape gar
dening and outdoor home attractiveness
criticize some Of the yards OF some OF our
wealthy citizens on the ground that they
are not natural enough, but are made up
and stIf in appearance and wanting the
freedom Of beauty in nature that they
should possess. Some will say; III !
do improve my premises. its simply added
attractiveness will increase its taxation.
That very objection has been raised by
those living about publicly improved
places in this city, and who but for this
objection would add to the value OF the
city generally and to the happiness OF
it's people. 1t is a fact that by simply
identifying a home increased taxation has
placed a premium on carelessness and
want Of civic pride. That should not be
the rule, else rack and ruin will follow
to avoid taxation, until taxes Will no
longer be needed. cit me suggest a
remedy. Tax him who simply Improves
the outward appearance OF his home ana
property no more. for that simple reason
than his neighbor, who adds nothing to the
value OF his or his neighbors property
nor increases their happiness, but de-
tracts therefrom by growing weed seed
and teaching our children carelessness In
conduct and in work. We have all OBJ
served how attractive to travellers and
citizens the Burlington railway has made
the rough bank near its depot In this city.
How often with pride we speak Of It..
Passing over our city. how we commend
with heartfelt appreciation the house,
holder who has transformed an unattrac-
tive one. You ask him what 1t cost him,
and his answer will be; Nothing but
happiness and health"
II Really PAya.
I recall the incident Of the Urbanite
who read in the paper, Send 81 and /
will send you q remedy 10 cure nervous
ness, headache, etc." The dollar was sent
and the remedy came: go into your gar
den and hoe" He was quite angry at
hrst and threatened dire vengeance. but
later he took the prescription and was
completely cured Of 3 serious ailment that
had roubled him There are many argu-
ments, you see. in favor OF improvement
in home and city. We can call to mind
in the very heart Of the city ugly-looking
banks which in the long run may have
cost this city much In retarding its
growth by suggesting to the homeseekeT
or Investor = lack Of enterprise or culture
or taste On the part OF our citizens.
A Misrepresentation in fact. but results
are the same. And with what small labor
and expense could such SCARED and marred
old walls. veterans Of ofense and defense,
such bulWarks against peace snd progress.
be shaped into sightliness and eomeli-
ness. OF At least covered so as not to
repel. There IL growing on . terrace near
Seventeenth and Douglas. I am informed,
a vine. called the lyceum, pretty in ap-
~pearSnee. and which once planted on such