New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-01
CONDOLENCES OF
A CRATER
BY RICHARD BLACKSTONE

Enough to say that, while it doesn't figure in any list
of the leading burgs of the United States had side
walk Job in view that looked good to me. So put in
a bid and lust before it time for the contract to be
let jumped on a train and hikcd out to see what |
could do in the way of cinching things.
soon discovered that only two other bids had been
entered, that Of the bidders hadn't come to town
at all and that the other was a local man who would
most likely win if | didn't get busy.
| had brought good-sizcd roll along-checks, you
know, worse than useless in matters OF this sort
and perfectly willing 10 shed the whole Of it If had
But At first couldn't my way clear to getting
rid OF a single dollar any advantage The men who
had the say-so weren't good mixers. Two or three OF
them didn't even smoke and all gave me very decided
impression that any ordinary handout play would only
make trouble Still, felt certain that there some
way Of getting them if only could find out what it
The closest approach to a human being in the whole
lot the Mayor and you may be sure cottoned TO
him right away. The third day after my arrival he
lunched with me, and after lunch invited me TO take
drive about town.
AS far as have Observed, he said, the only place
you've visited since you came among us IS the City
Hall That isn't right. | want you to see for your.
self what beautiful town ours is, and then you will
understand why We take such pride in 1t.
Frankly it wasn't beautiful at all. 1t was horribly
laid out the streets were dirty, the houses common
place and the business buildings years behind date II
ever q town had gone TO seed, this the identical
town But as We drove around the Mayor cnthuscd
ovcrit in way that struck most absurd, until all
n
back Of his enthusiasm. began 20 see light when ne
remarked:
The reason our town has done well is that its
people hang together Every scheme that makes for
civic bettcrncnt commands their united support And
they are So public spirited that they constantly
dcyising measures that will be helpful TO the com
munitv In fact they will vote no one into office who
is not active IN this respect
You see that vacant lot yondcr?' he went
well If things 60 as hope, there will be handsome
building on il year, devoted 70 the interests OF
medical research. ! believe that every city and town.
no matter how small, should have an institute for
medical research. Don't say anything about this, though,
because ! haven't made my plans public yet; but IN
week or two hope 70 announce 1t and call for sub
scupuons.' ,
lie said it smoothly, plausibly, though he really
meant il; but | saw what he aiming at.
Il wonder said, If YOU would care to accept
subscription from IN outsider? | am intensely inter
escl IN medical research myself II YOU would allow
me
NV dear Sir" he exclaimed this is very good Of
YOU Oi course | should be only too glad. How much
Shall put YOU down for?'
Well / replied modcstly, % can't afford to give
so much as | should like; but if two hundred dollars
will be any help
Most munihccnt! Most munifccnt' was his re-
spon-c as he slipped the two hundred into his pocket
And added, IF, as | infer from what you say,
some Of your colleagues at the City Hall have SINH
in be