The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1906-10-18
A SPLENDID SUBJECT
Development of Public Spirit. 4
Paper Read by Mrs. j. A. Caster
Before Civic Federation.
FIRST STEP.

SsS 0sNsS SNOs uSsVus
FIRST STEP.
The wave of sentiment engulfng our
entire American possessions at the
present time of appealing to the love of
"The Beautiful" in the nature of people
in every class of society, from the finest
Miss to her elderly grandsire, has
brought the study of civics or civic inn
provement by clubs and organizations
of all kinds into very prominent posi-
tion. "a More Beautiful America" is
the watchword of the present genera
tion and we hear it's echo from the small,
undeveloped frontier towns of the great
northwest to the heart of our densely
populated cities; from the far away
coast of Maine to the city of Manila.
The leading periodicals and newspapers
have heralded the cry and are untiring
in their efforts to put zeal and inspira-
tion into the movement and push the
thing along. To them we turn to read
of the wonderful transformations ac-
complished and, by their illustrations,
see the shifting of the scenes. AS one
of the most important elements in the
civilization of the so-called barbarian is
the "clean shirt, SO by the greater
beauty of our surroundings do we pro-
claim our approach to an ideal, ethical
culture. Cleanliness is next to Godli,
ness" The first element Of beauty is
cleanliness; it naturally follows that
anything spotlessly clean is more to be
desired than that which is only clean
enough to be tolerated. The appearance
of cleanliness is not enough. Itmust be
absolutely clean throughout, and then
it's beauty is not veneer but a reality.
The desire to make good out of bad, to
make better that which is good, when
applied to that in which many are in
terested results in benefit to the many.
How then shall we proceed to attain
this standard set for us by idealists.
The first step necessary to begin work
is thorough organization of all the
available forces in community. While
Individual efforts should be encouraged
we must not forget that coordinate
efforts increase in arithmetical progress
sion. The next step and of greater i'm
portance is the enlisting of some COM
petent, enthusiastic person as a leader
who will familiarize himself with the
subject; investigate what others have
accomplished and the methods employ
ed; study the needs of our own locality.
Then intelligently plan and advise with
co-workers as to ways and means for its
Improvement as to streets and alleys
cemeteries, play grounds and even the
backyards. Then appoint numerous and
competent committees and begin work
Every Improvement should be made
with view to making it a permanent
one. The general cleaning up" days
with the carting away of rubbish, are
essential, but the establishment of some
system by which they may be kept clean
and sanitary is more important. AS
work progresses and something is ac-
complished that speaks for itself bring
it to the notice Of the public through
the local press, and keep continually
publishing results and also plans that
every one may know just what we are
trying to accomplish. To help the towr
is fundamental of the newspaper
creed and truly this has been verified
by the attitude of the Leon Reporter
and the Decatur County Journal ir
their courtesies extended to their
"City Federation of Leon. They are
alive to the benefits accruing from a
we'll developed. civic organization, and
their columns have ever been open tC
any items tending towards the promo
tion of such, this being an important
factor in the developement of public
spirit. When the attention is called
to existing conditions or improvements
needed in certain neighborhoods, we
are oftentimes chagrined, and astonish
ed, that such conditions have existed
unnoticed. The civic pride which has
lain dormant is stirred to activity anC
we rise up and join the invading host
all working for coming cause. The
developing process increased as the
fruit of the toll is apparent. 1t is my
believe that the average citizen is il
sympathy with any honest effort tt
promote the appearance and welfare
of his town and is willing to contribute
of his time, strength and means, whel
he is convinced that plans are needed
reasonable and within the means of the
citizens. The trouble is that man is too
busy to find these things out for him
self. The phrase, "Show me- belong
to no especial community, or state
Another step is the working in harmon,
with the City Council; not only il
order to have them endorse your plans
and purposes, but to be able to assis
them in the suppressing of annoying
practices and nuisances. An importan
step is the enrolling of the boys ant
girls and their teachers in the service
. Civic pride begins in the school room
and it may be greatly fostered an6
nourished by lessons taught, example!
set, or tasks given them. The littl'
petty arguments which children have
concerning the superior appearance, o.
advantages of their respective rooms
but show the presence of the germ
They soon notice if their campus look;
cool, clean and shady, and if supplied