The Idaho scimitar. [volume] (Boise, Idaho) 1907-1908, 1908-01-25
Civic improvement.


Boise, by Mrs E. Van Note:
The theoretical aim of civic Improvement is
model city; model in site, construction and environ
nent; model in government inhabitants and enter
prises; model in occupations, education and pleas
ures; model in health, society and morals
Some may challenge the right of civic improvement
societies to so broad field but there is not sphere
mentioned but what society in some city has
taken up some work in these lines.
OF course, to cover all lines work must begin
with the very inception of city. In one already
established, civic Improvement must content itself
with solving the problems that already exist-im-
proving or eradicating the DID, imp1anting the new,
accommodating itself to people and conditions not
too sternly intruding itself the public but ever
seeking its sympathy and champoning those methods
that divide damage, or advantage fairly as pos
sble
The limiting OF Civic Improvement to few lines,
as is done by some authorities Excluding govern
ment regulation of licensed evils morals etc. J. does
not logically construe the scope of its work. 1t
does not few parks, some statuary, libraries
paving and street cleaning but the installation of the
united ideals and expressions of the whole people
on questions for public good
In its field there will be found the widest scope
tor the ldeal the aesthetic, the experimental the
theoretical and the practical; where the dreamer the
poet the artist, the scientist the philanthropst the
hnancier, and the fault fnder may and should
have, part in the work.
The influences which actuate activity may be per-
sona pride, local patriotism philanthropy or purely
mercenary motives. If pride is the incentive, it
needs little more than encouragement; patriotism
responds when it finds that the impulse is general;
philanthropy always supplies willing helper; but
profit, either near or remote, must be shown the
mercenary. Happily, convincing evidence in this
FAST instance is not difficult to produce for if one
will but study the experience of other cities it can
be clearly shown that every dollar expended brings
return of increased valuation, greater than the ex-
pendture for the Improvement
Of things which retard activity the ultra-com-
mercial spirit which has seized the American peo-
ple is the greatest; though the added wealth which
it brings makes it possible to do great things when
once that wealth is opened to civic uses But this
S offset again to great extent by the greater cost
If delay, which waited for the wealth TO secure
benefits cheaply city must foresee its future and
commerce early, not being blinded by simple indi-
rdual requirement of wealth.
Insolent industriasm, at the hands of individuals
corporations which limit its liberties only by the
ounds of law, to acquire that which properly be-
ongs to the public destroy or mar the natural
ropery of a community, under the binding plea +
benefit to the people, but which ends in private
ain and public loss, only be met by civic or
anizations possessed of watchfulness and prompt f.
,tion. "
A mild example is when man is allowed to c.
lid a little unsghtly shack, shop, right out to
property line in the residence district and be- O.
lie beautiful home, where thousands of dollars ef
We been expended by the individual in civic i'm R
to the beauties of a whole block OF
lere tens of thousands have been expended for