The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1909-02-16
THE OBSERVER.


Though quiescent for a seoson, it
does not follow that the Observerf1as
ceased to observe.
If the physical conditions Of Norris
town during the summer months we're
unsavory and discreditabe, its winter
status is all these and more, for they
are so dangerous in another direction
that the Observer is moved again to
enter protest. Having suffered him
self. in common with his neighbofs, if
there is any redress he is anxious to
obtain it.
The condition Of the sidewalks and
cross streets this winter, have been
such as to render them almost inn
passable, and the wonder is that not
so many people have fallen prone, but
that so few have escaped. IL is no.
ticed that some of the more well-to-do
people occupying corner lots, where
one side faces the public highway, and
the other narrower street, will have
the front walks cleaned, leaving the
other entirely to the mercy of the
elements. Thus they melt and freeze
again repeatedly, being frequently a
CLASSY surface, which is never sanded
or provided with other protective
measures. OF course peril turks in
every football tothe unwary pedestrian
In the use of these side streets, and
used they must be, in order TO reach
the thoroughfares they connect.
Again, long stretches of walks are
entirely neglected before an unten-
anted house. These places must sure
ly have owners, and it is equally prob
able that, as in other towns, there are
ordinances forbidding dangerous side
walks. Then why are not these laws
enforced? Is long suffering COM
munity to go on indefinitely the VIC
tim of objectionable negligence on the
part of property owners, and the town
authorities whose sworn duty it is to
execute the laws?
1t has been said that in town of
this size. where large number Of the
men are commuters, and therefore
away from home every day, it is too
much to expect vigorous measures in
the matter of keeping the home town
immaculate. Yet those who enter
tain this idea must surely be aware
that other suburban towns, with a
like proportion OF commuters, even in
this very state, do accomplish this,
and in consequence have gained the
enviable reputation of being whole
some, and enterprising places of resi-
dence. 1t is strange too, that these
commuters do not attach any signifi-
canoe to the fact that here their wives
and families live, spending but COM
parat;vely little of their time else
where, and that for their sake, If for
no other, every effort should be MADE
and sustained to render the place
healthful and safe as care can make it.
1t is time, however, that in most Of
these model towns, the men who keep
them so are assisted, and indeed often
led, by the women of the community,
who organize themselves into civic
leagues, improvement societies, ETC.,
for this purpose. There is wide field
for this movement, and, as expressed
before. it still remains amazing to the
Observer, that the Morristown ladies,
so persistently refrain from assuming
the duties of municipal housekeeping.
Responsive and unseltish as they are
to every call of charity, both in the
church and the hospital field, they
display an astonishing amount Of
apathy toward the crying needs OF the
sanity and esthetic matters OF their
own town.
In other places the women take
upon themselves The duty of having
the school children instructed as to
keeping their school surroundings, and
the streets they walk on free from lit
ter, they devote their energies to the
construction and maintenance of pub
lie Fairgrounds, they Investigate and
report to the proper authorities, VIC
lations of the laws regulating the well
fare of the town, and are the inspira-
tion and promotion of public spirit,
and the guardian of all matters per-
tanning to civic betterment.
The new mayor of Morristown has
bravely put his hand to the plough in
The matter of improving the public
streets. All honor to him for this
step, but unaided he can do but little.
Will not the citizens, and especially
The feminine portion of it hold up his