The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-09-24
POLITICS AND MORALS.

POLITICS AND MORALS.
Two letters published on this page
furnish a convincing text ON the nee
esstty for organized political action
by social uphft forces if these forces
expect to better the moral life of the
you,h of Richmond. The Times
Dispatch does not underestimate the
fundamental duty of parents and teach
ers TO train the individual, to fortify
him with character and willpower Ia
the home and at school, TO INSPIRE III
him noble ideals and the strength Oh
self-eontrel TO pursue them. But Inc
Times. DISPATCH also believes 'ha'
there are many social methods OF ae-
veleuins higher moral standards IN
the next generation. These oppos-
tunities should be seized and used 10
,hsir fun advantage The young boy
AZ girl cannot be forced to remain
inert in the seclusion of the nome
with no active outlet for energies
,ha, are vitality necessary for fuii de-
y.,onment. 1t becomes proo!eh'
.h.refore. how to provide and resu-
late these social means of amusement
.nd education that they may PefioiH III
,,ei- true function in character ouiio-
ing.
since these institutions are sociai
IN nature and must be supported os
the whole people for their own sooo
nor., agencies must take an aeu'e
part in politics. These sntiemen men
t,on the need Of a public library ai'1
Fairgrounds. To secure these
~. .d,uncts of our community h1e'
., =. Fundamentally necessary to eject
men to office who are aware OF Inc
need for such things. and VINO VIII
labor for their establishment WIN
=. Intention of rejecting upon the
A.,..tv or good intentions Of the
crescent city authorities, we desire 10
no,nt out thow political action mas
,a,,ed in these directions.
w,,h,n the year an offer of $lS'oo'
for the ground on which to build
,,brary was suffered to lapse because
eourc,l committee did not see NJ
to act upon the gift.
Within the year a tono "
-. raised and an expert oious'
"a Richmond to make q survey OF '"'
educational situation. HIS reeoh-
e,sation was dismissed without ae-
ton, and the money appropriated 1o'
backgrounds dissipated In severa! III
enacsent and pointless Play una
nothing save to give EN-
n,o,us,t To a few unframed persons.
wi,h,n the year a prolonged ana
futile investigation by Counc''
eommitte. endeavored to prove that
manual training and physical culture
were nonessential parts Of the pub
lie school curriculum. Yet these are
the very methods best adapted to
give youth benehcial training and &C.
tive employment for the body
Within the year the sum appropriat-
ed for band concerts in the parks
was cut ffour 5000 to $1,000. and the
whole plan almost failed OF accom-
pu.hment because OF lack OF inter
est on the part Of the Council.
within the year an offer Of hos
initial valued at nearly 100000 was re-
fused At the price of $4,000, although
now there is a plan to reconstruct
and old and inadequate building for
this purpose At a cost Of $4,000.
Within the year a proposed ordi-
nance to license automobile drivers
and so increase the police control over
irresponsible and incompetent drivers
vas tabled an6 defeated on techni-
caIity.
Each Of these measures would have
helped 20 better living conditions and
40 morals, in Richmond. The ordi-
nance and money necessary Cor their
achievement mus; be granted by the
Council. Therefore. 20 these coT-e-
eponden,s and all others fighting fo-
the common good The TiEnes-Dispatch
declares tina, the hes; way TO labor
for a cleaner and finer Richmond is
70 help elect mea 20 Office who VII!
view modern problems with iEte!ii-
renee and give the people what they