Holbrook argus., 1912-08-20

them, are concerned in the project. If the people create the social inviron- ment, only they can alter it.
 The main problem, then, becomes one of developing acooperative ''get-t to- gether" spirit among the body of citi- zens-a consensus on the part of all to go ahead and do something. At the beginning of the movement more care should be devoted to conjuring up this spirit than to any other factor. With an esprit de corps once aroused, things will go almost themselves. The great problem is to move the inertia of the mass; once started it will not stop un- til great issues have been accomplish ed.
 How will the enlightened few go about winning the cooperation of the mass? This is problem in itself and bears about the Same relation to community development that breaking and plow- ing the ground bears to the raising of crops. It is the indispensable prelimin- ary, and the skill and care with which it is done will govern the success of the whole movement
 Merely announcing the community development enterprise and arguing its advantages from an abstract stand point will not be sufficient to win the cooperation of the mass. Subtler ap- peala rnt,ef t,o m , 1a .fba onDaaIs +o oale interest and pride and such other sus- ceptible sides of human nature as may be manipulated to induce action. In many ways the public must be led like child, and the enlightened leader who has community development at heart must not hesitate to play the role of demagog, when successful, is called a statesman. Manipulating the public will for its own good may be done with all honesty and honor.
 The object to be kept in view is the | development of a live, ardent public spirit. In order to get the people in- terested in common plan it may be necessary first to get them interested in each other. All the forces of sym pathy, altruism and mutual under standing must be brought into play Public entertainments, street fairs, in- dustrisl competitions, clubs, church societies. fraternal org anizations. news f papers, school entertainments-aH are useful ia bringing the people together I
 and develop mutual understanding and common desires. Such institutions, particularly the newspapers, are excl lent hot-beds for the growth of local patriotism and the holding of opinion. These and all other organized social influences should be enlisted in the movement for community development
 When public spirit has been aroused and nodded into shape for action, the I battle is more than half won. Then specific plans for community develop. ment may be suggested, and the army of citizens will march forward to achiev e ment under the impetus of commo or motives and desires. The social en vironment then lies within the power of the citizens to do with it what they will Having created the monster, il IS theirs to control it. Intelligence anG cooperation are the magic want whicf transforms hard times and social stag nation into progress and prosperity
 The booster" spirit is like a fsiti that moves mountains; it is the grea
 wonder-working genie of modern times and may be aroused in any communit!
 by few wise leaders. When prosperit! beglns to shower it's favors the leader
 will have their reward.