The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1903-09-24
LOYALTY TO YOUR TOWN.
1t is Every rlan's Duty as Wei: as His
Interest to STAND by the Town in
Which He Lives and Give Loya! Sup=
port and Encouragem TO its In
stitutiOHS.
Exchange.

Exchange.
The best service the citizen of a town
can do is to talk its interests and act con-
sstently Herewith. The most enter
prising towns of the whole country are
towns whose citizens are most loyal to
it, everywhere and all the time, and
most public spirited.
When the people are proud of their
town, enthusiastic over it's achievements
and advantages and hopeful of its future
the stranger at once puts that down as
live town. If he is seeking a place to
invest or locate it is such a town that he
will stop and investigate. If the inhabi-
tants of a town have an unshakable
faith in its desirability as place of resi-
dence, and it's future growth and deyel-
Opment, they impress the stranger fOrci-
bly,. He likes to see them acting harmo-
niously, getting all the public enterprises
located there possible, and all the men Of
prominence and official position to make
it their homes. These add influence and
character to place.
The beautifying OF homes and grounds,
the encouragement of building houses for
entertainment and amusement, which
will be attractive and arrest the atten-
ton of many people All should be i'm
bued with a spirit of civil pride. Minds
run in different channels. Some like di-
version, others business and educa ational
advantages.
When a visitor or intending settler
hears men running down their own town
! finding fault with it, and continually
criticising or apologizing for it the stran-
| gers faith finds no inspiration. He likes
to see people patronize their own busi-
ness houses, professional men and mar
/ kets.
Every citizen should be an optimist so
| far as his own town is concerned and be
| lieve in and practice cooperation and
good will.
4 pessimist is but a croaher. a prophet
of evil who casts a shadow wherever he
goes and, to the extent OF his ability,
chills the enthusiasm Of Others. H.
| probably hopes to get a reputation for
superior wisdom by abusing his own
town and people, when as matter OF
| fact he merely arouses the contempt OF
| strangers.
| \ mans own town may not be the
| largest in the State, and it is unreasona-
BILE to expect it to contain all that the
greater towns and cities offer Of comfort
and entertainments and public institu-
| expects to live and raise his family. and
| should command his commendation and
not his condemnation. 1t is true he gets
his living and centers future prospects,
and it is his duty as well as his own in
terest to do all he can to promote its
prosperity
| When the people of Il town are united
in their pride and enthusiasm and in
their loyalty to it. that town is lively
and prosperous. The enthusiasm is of
tener the cause than the effect of the
prosperity. Individual and corporate
acts for advancement should go togeth-
| er and work smoothly.
| Let US look more for the merits and ad-
vantages OF the town and less to its de
fects and disadvantages. This town is
now on the eve of great prosperity
and growth All it needs is more enthu
siasm, men working together and more
public spirit and faith in our abilities and
opportunities. Enthusiasm is the main
spring OF successful action in all impor
tant enterprises. There is an inviting
future ahead OF us and all indication,
point in that direction.