The morning journal-courier., 1907-12-17
coco CITIZEN BUREA


 of politics in the State of Con-
 4cut, not,as we understand it, from
 'estless reforming spirit but from profound confidence that in this Ay men who are in earnest in their ltizenship may find an opportunity to count for more than is now the case. It is not a sudden undertaking. Unless we are mistaken it's originator, the Rev Walter E, Lanphear of Mansfield Center, has been for long time in correspondence with men all over the State with regard to it's ad visibility and tineliness That the movement has been launched proves that MT Lanphear's ideas were suf- hciently approved to warrant him in undertaking the marshalling of the hitherto interested but undemonstra- tive forces which make for better things
 It is now nearly three weeks since 3 communication was sent to those believed to be interested in the move melt asking them to attends a confer ence at the city of Hartford The communication stated that it might be advisable to form a league or a bureau, as the case might be, which should aid in the preservation and promotion of the highest ideals Of good citizenship in the State of Connecticut. It was decided at the conference that for the present at least the work of inspiration should be carried on among the small towns of the State, IL is not proposed to form a new political party nor to at tempt in any organized manner to compete with the older political or ganizations It is proposed if possi- ble to create a power which may be thrown on the side of any party which is actually and avowedly con cerned with better government MT. 4-rsnphear in his letter to the citizens whom 1e hssG reason to believe would be concerned in such an undertaking thus described the method of proce- dure: Educational and inspirationai N work by means of meetings for popu- lar addresses; a practical procedure for purifying political parties (not destroying them even were that pos sible) by means of encouragement; and making effective on occasion irl- dependent voting Later on in the same letter this statement is made, which throws more light upon the objects and purposes of this move ment; This league is only to create 9 sentiment, according to which principle shall be put before party; and on occasion to coordinate that sentiment So as to make it effective .
 Tn other words the conclusion ap- pears to have been reached by a con siderable number of men residing in the small centers of population that a more assertive temperament is need ed on their part if things political in the State are to be brought nearer tc the plumb. To what an extent they have been moved to cooperate by virtue of the influence exerted last winter by MT Tafts publication Publicity" we cannot undertake tc say, but there is every reason to be. !ieve that the currency it gave to cer- tain definite and carefully discussed matters of reform had the effect oi awakening many of the dwellers 1T the small towns and making then realize that having the exercise O. power in the halls of legislation it i, in public affairs. Good goterninen is very broad term and it may ,-y4HCdH iiubll UT It may HlGdl llIlle It all depends upon the point of view If by it is meant satisfactory govern ment much depends upon whethe, the small town view prevails or tn, large town view Small townsmen il Connecticut have for years been sat isfled with government in the State while large townsmen have frequent ly expressed their dissatisfaction witt the government provided. If this ney political movement, which is declare, to be educational and inspirational succeeds in convincing the dweller in the small towns of the State tha the only kind of government whicl the State of Connecticut can tolerat is that which comprehends the rule Q the majority, regardless of all loca considerations, it will live to great an nCake purposes That the establish ,, xtl9nt of that principle might appea to deprive the small towns of politi cal advantages which are purely ac cidental in their nature, though the are falsely accepted as traditional i their purity, should not be though of There can be no such thing a good government in the real neanin of that term which denies in practic 
 the free exercise of the right of tn