The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-04-04

method of conducting our street clean
ing department is another live and
profitable topic. The question OF per
sonal property taxation could also be
made very instructive is properly
handled by the one chosen to treat 1t.
Does anybody here have any adequ-
ate idea of the amount OF money lost
to the Richmond City treasury by the
failure to collect the personal prop
erty taxes according to law? The
proper attitude of our people toward
the municipal light plant is another
subject for a most interesting and
profitable discussion, regardless of the
merits or dement's Of the abstract
question Of municipal ownership, and
also regardless of the charges Of ex-
travagance and graft that have been
connected with that enterprise. 1t is
our property. We have it to pay for
willy nilly. and the practical question
u.s.. what is the best course to pursue
under the circumstances. The cor
duit question is connected with the
two telephone companies, might also
be mentioned as practical problem
that needs discussion and popular
education thereon.
Many other important topics will
arise on which our members may
differ widely and hoHeAjHy, but one
thing is sure, a free and fair discus
sion of these important local subjects
will prove one of the best educative
forces that can possibly be brought to
bear on our civic life; for in this
way our views become enlightened
and broadened and our value as citi-
zens become enhanced.
"All this does not mean the neg
lect of any practical plans for the
material benefit of the Club or the
community. l call attention to this
line of work, not to belittle any other
line, but because it is rather a new
program in our organization. One of
the most important factors in the
success of such a club as ours, is to
make the members feel that there is
something for each and every one of
us to do; that is up to us as indivi-
dual members to make the Club a
success. The very fact of placing the
responsibility for success or failure
where it. belongs, on the membership,
has much to do with the way the re-
sponsibility is met. Being faced with
the duty, they make a virtue Of neces-
sity and perform it.
THE truth is, this is exactly the
way the world has advanced, under
the law of necessity, which is another
name for the more scientific term
1.-The law of natural selection" Gen
erals do not win battles; at best, they
can but inspire and lead the common
soldier, the fighting man. Politicians
rarely make for progress. Reforms
do not often come from the top, or
with malice aforethought." They
come under this same law of 5neces-
sity, as it is sooner or later recogniz--
ed by the common people. 1t is then
that the voice of the people becomes
the voice of God. 49,
Il cannot close this address without
voicing the personal confidence and
regard we all feel for those officers of
this Club who are just retiring from
it's services. No more loyal or dis
interested man ever signed the Club
roll than our late and longtime pres
ident, Mr.. Strattan. l only. share in
the general regret that he is not at
least member of our board of direc:
tors; and l am sure l speak the gen.
eral thought when l say that we only
wait an opportunity to re-write his
name in the directorate.
Appoints Committees.
Without asking the secretary to
read in detail the various meetings
Of the directors since the last Club
meeting, will briefly summarize this
work. They have authorized the APP
pointment of three committees, one
to audit the secretary's books, for the
past year, composed of Mr.. Dill, Mr..
Shera and Mr.. Beall; one to prepare
pamphlet covering facts showing
not only the desirability of Richmond
for the industries seeking a location,
but the desirability of Richmond in
dustries as an investment for both
local and foreign capital. This COM
mittee Is composed of ]. B. Gordon,
Nettleton Neff and Chas. P. Holton.
The third and most important COM
mittee was for the purpose Of solicit
ing new members for the Club, and
this committee is composed of five
members, as follows: Lewis Tiff, Ray
Shiveley, Theo. Hill, Cash Beall and
E. w. Craighead.
Mr.. Scott, the old Secretary, was
reelected at the former salary of
5000 per year, and arrangements were
made to renew the lease on the
Clubs present quarters for one year
more. 1t is the hope and expecta-
ton that before that time expires, the
four front rooms on the same floor
in this building may be secured at
reasonable rental.
In conclusion, desire to repeat this
thought: The door to our success can
only be opened by the golden Key of
Altruism; but with this in our posses
sion, the Commercial Club of Rich
mond can become a mighty power for
good in all the country round
about" He that would be greatest
among you, let him be least. He
that would save his life shall lose it,
but he that would lose his life for
my sake. shall find find it, Bear
We one another's burdens" You are
your brothers keeper and he is yours.