The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-09-05

rarely went to the establishment Oh
educational, humanitarian, religious
or charitable institutions, but were
more generally for such things as we
look to the government to institute
and support. He says:
These contributions not only help
ed to meet the cost of building tenn
pies, collonades and other structures,
but they were often intended to cover
a part OF the running expenses of the
city. This is one of the novel features
of Roman municipal lie. We can un-
derstand the motives which lead cit
izen of New York or Boston to build
a museum or arch in his native city.
Such a structure would serve as a
monument to him; it would give dis
tinction to the city, and it would give
him and his fellow citizens esthetic
satisfaction. But if rich New York
er should give a large sum to mend
the pavement in Union Square or ex-
tend the sewer system on Canal
street, Judicial inquiry into his SAN
ity would not be thought out of place.
But the inscriptions show US that rich
citizens throughout the Roman En-
pire frequently made large contribu-
tons for just such unromantic pur-
poses" He names many things IN
which ancient and modern quits for
purposes were common; and then
adds, THE ancient objects OF ex-
penditure which find no place in the
budget of an American town are the
repair of town walls, the maintenance
of public worship, the support OF
baths, the sale of grain at low prices,
and the giving of games and theatre
cal performances" And he says it is
quite evident from the number Of pub
lie gifts to public baths that the an
cient Roman did not say Cleanliness
is next to goodness" but instead
might say Cleanliness is next above
godlinessw Among other interesting
things is the queer fact that probably
Rome in the time of Augustus was the
only Roman city that had any decent
police or FIRE protection. All this re-
minds me of an interesting fact. Hen
ry H. Rogers, the Standard Oil mag
nate, was native of Fairhaven.
Massachusetts, just across the harbor
from New Bedford. and there he built
an expensive summer home, and built
a very fine town hall, public library
and very costly and snowy stone
church with accompanying parsonage
for the Unitarian people. But all that
region was formely covered with very
sandy roads; beautiful water views
everywhere, but no comfort in driving
almost forbidding bicycling or auto
ing. Mr.. Rogers came to the town
meetings and asked for better roads;
but the amount the town could raise
by usual taxation was of little help;
when the whaling industry was at its
hight, the town owned So vessels IN
that trade, but the losses by Confed-
crate cruisers and by the natural de-
cline of whaling left the town with
lot of old families with noble tradi-
tons, grand old houses and furnish
ings, but no ability to pay taxes for
public improvements. AS Rogers
grew richer his desires expanded and
one was better roads in Fairhaven;
at last he offered the town money
gift for road purposes, and no way
could be found to accept it. Then ne
hit on the happy expedient OF being
chosen town road surveyor, took the
modest sum the town annually appro-
priated for such purposes and expend-
ed many more thousands, no one COM
planning if he paid the bills, till today
that old town has net work OF Won
derful streets and country by-roads.
1t was one of the best things l ever
heard of Mr.. Rogers. And Fairhaven
is in contrast to the experiences of
many of the coast towns OF New En-
gland. Summer residents hocked into
them after the War of '6l-65 and calls
for public Improvements raised the
taxes to such an extent that 1t was
very hard on many poor people who
owned small homes in the town CEN
tiers
What our author has to say about
Offices and election to them
is amusing and Illuminating. He says
there is a stronger likeness and un-
likeness between the ancient ad mod
ern politician. "The modern politi-
clan makes his contribution before
election, the ancient politician after
it." He asks what we should think of
a candidate for mayor of some good
city who in appealing for votes should
offer to give a gala performance in
the local theater to his fellow citizens
or pay for free exhibition of a cir
Gus troupe" But that is just what
many did in Roman cities, as the pos
tiers on the walls of Pompeii show.
The book is as full of delicious plums
in the shape of curious customs and
facts as Christmas pudding.
The herd of ambitious self-seeking
men with low views of honor is ap-
parent in all ages; we have them even
as did old Rome. In the olden time
society was permeated with debasing
ideas, and the civilization decayed
and collapsed; there seemed no watch
dog spirit among the common peo-
pie with warnings, reforms and pun
ishments for evil doors; he who care
fully compares the two periods, then
and now, will be struck with many
resemblances; but then there seemed
no public conscience; and for one, l
believe that Christianity is now sup
plying just such public conscience,
and although some evils live long they
are eventually grappled, and society
purihes itself and better things come
in society and government.
OBSERVER.
1t is evidently against the law to