The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-05-10
roLrrIcs AND pLAycno,,>ns

unless the people enjoy life. They are
like futile machinery grinding away
with no output. Yesterday on the grass
lawns of Byrd Park there was some
really truly happiness when hundreds
of children and grown-ups joined to-
gether in games that brought laughter
bubbllng to the lips and made roses
bloom on many cheek. They were
happy because they were outdoors in
tho sunshine and close to peaceful
Mother Nature. and because they were
engaged in the play that centuries has
taught tho nations. Running, Jumping,
singing. dancing, mimic combats, dis
plays of skill and ingenuity, games and
sports--the very names are wholesome
The sphere Of leather and air was ON
nipresent 1t is the symbol of all play
and it furnishes the best play There
was no age limit, nor sex barrier All
one had TO have was a young heart and
willing body They arc the clements
that make JOY, whether at play or at
work
These old young people were having
good time. They were having an
inexpensive time. There was never
an automobile in sight. Nobody wore
diamonds. and clothes tended TO the
serviceable rather than to the ornate.
Even the music came from n piano
hauled around in a van, and halted
where rhythm was needed to help kim
dergarten limitations. or set the time
I'M nj
OF the prettiest sights ever given to
Richmond.
Why cannot this happen every week
all summer? What is TO hinder our
children from having happiness when
II waits At the door and costs nothing?
What is 10 keep grown-uts from having
games on the green as of old? The
answer is nothing-nothing save iner-
tia. conventionality, and false con-
ception of what pleasure really u.s. Also
one thing else binders. That is poll
tics.
1t would have been refreshing to
have seen city officials watching this
exhibition. Not many OF them would
have understood Richmond city om-
Probably they would have thought this
a silly waste of time and energy. They
care little for the next generation, ne
cause it casts no votes. They do not
see that this is education for brain
and body; that il teaches things never
books They cannot see what use this
stun is. or why it deserves :, large
place in the budget We wonder
whether the mothers and fathers of
these children will ever try to force
the city to give their children little
more happiness? All the people need
do is to demand.
Community happiness depends in
part on community government, and
we call this politics. 1t is politics
that makes the place, whether 1t be
park, playground or auditorium 1t
is politics that provides police pro-
lection IT is politics that controls the
no successful gathering. 1t is politics
that keeps the child healthy. that gives
him right teaching. that offers him
chance for development. II is time
that all citizens, all rcformers and up
lifters realized these facts. The place
to start is with city Council and State
Legislature. Elect the right sort OF
men, and make them furnish the com
munity with right recreation.
II is not the fault Of the politicians
You elect them You nay them You
give them funds to cxpend Every
cent wasted is out of your pocket.
Politics Is nothing but government. and
YOU make the kind OF government that
enables your child TO live a better lifo.
or that neglects him, ana supports
parasites and dcmagogues.