The Paducah sun., 1906-05-14
Not Carping Criticism, But Ac-
tive Cooperation Demanded.
The Rev. ID. G. Wright Talks On
Civic Responsibility and Civic
Improvement Sunday.
MUNICIPAL OFFICERS PRESENT.

sponsibillty and Civic Improvement
and declaring he had no other object
in view than doing his part to make
Paducah better, the Rev. ID. C.
Wright delivered a strong address
Sunday morning at Grace Episcopal
church. DR.. Wright was especially
gratifled at the presence of a large
number of city officials. Acting May
or Starks. Chief of Police Collins
Alderman Bell. Councllmen Kat
terjohn, McBroom, Hill, Kolb
Williamson; Police Commits
sioner Clark. George Walters
Edwin ]. Paxton and Charles Reed
of the board of park commissioners;
Ed p. Noble, president of the board
Of public works, and City Clerk Bal
ley were present.
DR.. Wright put health first, and
said Paducah needs sewers and ade-
quate surface drainage. He also ask
ed for a city park and paved streets,
ending by declaring that, although
the people delegate their power to
their officers they can not delegate
their responsibility. and 1t is up to
the people of Paducah to petition for
and insist on public Improvements.
DR.. Wright took the text from
Johns vision of the city beautiful
the New Jerusalem-on the island OF
Patmos.
"It was the ideallzation of his ma
tive CITY," said DR.. Wright, "and the
first thought that comes to us is tina!
his ideal city had pavtd Streets"
DR.. Wright then discussed the DIFF
ferent elements that entered in to
make the celestial city. and said that
scientists have been striving for
years to realize this condition
through the adoption of the improve
ments advocated by the modern au.
thorities.
81 do not intend to stand outside
and criticize" he said. 81 fear that
this is the position too often taken
by the press and pulpit. l do not
favor criticizing the municipality for
things 1t has failed to do. but rather
to point out what can be accomplish
ed. because we already have accomp-
lished so much.
81 am proud when away from home
to tell people that | live in Paducah.
felt confidence in the city the first
time | ever saw 1t, and | feel more
confident of its future every day
live here. But 1t Is not simply be-
cause the city has grown more in the
last decade than any other city south
of the Ohio river but because ii will
grow still greater. Paducah is en-
erging from village state into that
of a large city. If thought il never
would advance wouldn't spend an
other day here.
"The physical condition of q city
comes first. And the health of the
Inhabitants must be considered
above all other things. If you are
going to live in an atmosphere that
will cut you on before your time.
other things are little worth your
while.
"Paducah is much maligned town
from the inside. When / first came
here | was warned that II was un-
healthy, and | am afraid the inhab-
itants of Paducah have become so
thoroughly convinced that It is un-
healthy and that the condition is un-
alterable. that they do more to dam
age its reputation than do outsiders.
"But mistakes can be done away
with. Havana, considered the most
unhealthy city In the world. by the
adoption of proper sanitary meas
ures. has been made one of the most
pleasant and healthful places Of res
idenee Memphis had practically the
same experience.
Need Is for Sewers.
"Paducah has great deal OF sick
ness. More than she ought to have.
But this condition can be obviated
First of all we must have adequate
sewerage. We should build sewers,
build them right away and not couns
the cost. How many of you stop to
count the cost when your child Is
sick and needs the attention of a
specialist. Why should you count
the cost when your child is sick sim
ply because the city has not proper
sanitary accommodation? After we
have provided drainage under ground
we must construct granitoid cutters.