The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-31
PHILADELPHIA'S CHARM.
Agnes ReppIier Defines 1t in Rather
CauStic Words.
Philadelphia Press.

Philadelphia Press.
The Philadelphia, asked to explain to
skepticaI public why he finds Philadelphia
the most charming of American cities, might
reasonably reply In the words of Aucassin,
when that astute and famous lover sets
forth in alluring phrases the general desira-
bility Of Hell.
Aucassin does not pretend that He'll will
be comfortable, nor beautiful, nor clean,
that it's numerous residents will find
their welfare a matter of tender considera-
tion 10 their rulers; but he is willing to
overlook these DEFICIENCIES for the sake Of the
company he covets. For, TO He'll fare
goodfy clerks and noble knights. stout men
at arms. MINISTRIES and ladies sweet and
courteous" Well it is he thinks, to put
up with few Inconvenience rather than
lose the friends in whom his soul de-
lights.
So, too, the Philadelphia comes gladly
back to his dear old sooty city. which grows
grimier and grimier every year.
He rests his suffering eyes upon that won
derfuI and fearful pile which Judge Sulzber-
ger proudly calls "the greatest municipal
building in the world
He stands patiently on street corners.
waiting for a chance to board an over
crowded trolley car.
He takes his mud bath every morning.
and. if he be wise. forbears to quaf the
sewerage which Philadelphia offers him TO
drink
He wonders why the gas has no iIluminat-
ing quality. and wether the street cleaners
are taking holiday in Europe.
He is given a handsome choice between
typhoid fever and smallpox
He rejoices with Mr.. Woodruff that he is
not seeking mere wealth." inasmuch as he
Is certain not 10 find IL.
He tries to cultivate the civic pride which
ex-Mayor Warwick so feelingly recon-
mends: and if. on the whole. he fails some
times TO dilate with the correct emotions
he may. under the circumstances. win par
don from generous souls
But in Philadelphia live the Philadel-
phians, and here lies the secret of its charm
A city is not mass OF bricks and mortar
asphalt and dirt; 1t is a body OF men and
women living in close proximity to one an
other, and exhibiting certain distinctive
traits of character which stand for the
tradition OF their home
IL We love our fellow-townsmen. or at
least reasonable portion OF them, we love
our town-not Is streets and its dust-heaps,
not its discomforts and iniquities, but the
daily life spent in an accustomed and con-
genial atmosphere.
Where our friends are. there is our haven;
and the familiar faces make dear the famil-
lar surroundings, which are in themselves
go destitute OF grace. IL is not reasona BILE
70 censure the unfortunate natives of New
York and Chicago because they are not
Philadelphians. Through no fault of theirs
We're they denied this privilege. But II we
strive 10 be modest. We are no less aware
or our advantage, and no less unwilling 10
fOreRO them.
a worldwide traveller once said that il the
people OF Vienna could be put into the civ
or Edinburgh, there would be a paradise
on earth. II the people OF PHILADELPHIA
could De transplanted elsewhere. perhaps We
should be nearer perfection: but as this
may not be, the Philadelphian. like Aucas-
sin. makes choice OF company rather than
locality.
stout men at arms, minstrels and ladies
sweet and courteous. With these would
rather co.