Connecticut western news., 1915-05-13
B. N. 4. RALLY
Campaign for Membership of 100 Gets
 Fine Start.

The rally ana SnOker or tlle buS}- ness Mems Association, held in Town Hall, Friday evening, was one of tie most interesting, profitable and inspir. ing meetings ever held by the Associa- ton, and it may be safely said that from that session will date new era in the existence of the organization. The speeches had the proper tone and snap, which warmed the hearers to n responsiveness that was most encourag- ing to the officers and steadfast sup. porters of the B. M. A. and from the sentiments expressed after the formal exercises, even by some who had been lukewarm and indifferent, it is mani fest that the future of the Association is brighter, and its prospects for useful existence and influence more safely assured than ever before.
 The campaign for minimum mem bership of one hundred was begun on the spot, and every person present who adjourned to the refreshment room after the speaking, was enrolled on the new list The Association is to be completely rcorganized and committed to 'no Something" policy.
 The principal speaker was President Charles A. Colley, of the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, the "live wire public spirit of the Brass City, who. being in this section on a fishing trip was persuaded to be present and talk to the meeting. His talk was of the kind that was good for the auditors to hear, and it is pity the hall was not crowded, for there was a message there for every man in the town. NIT. Colley was the last speaker, and in character. istic fashion spoke his sentiments-a rapid-fre of talk that had in it earnest ness, serious admonition, sarcasm, ad- vice, encouragement, all interspersed with wit and snappv stories that kept his listeners on the tip-toe of attention. One Canaanite remarked after adjourn ment that he never heard a man who could say so much in minute. Said he: "Mr. Colley said more in fifteen minutes than an ordinary speaker would say in an hour, and the more he said, the more interesting he got. He said he disliked to hear it even in- timated that the Canaan Business Mems | Association was weakening. He knew Canaan was live town, and had con- 1dence in the public spirit of its citi- zens. He liked the spirit of boosting and boasting in community, and ad- monished those present to keep doing it. Get into the game and stay in it, he said, and there is nothing within reason that you can't accomplish for The town. Develop a sturdy and pa- triotic public sentiment, and no amount of knocking" or opposition can prevent the wholesome results of your influence. Public sentiment is the most powerful force of society, and all other forces must bow to it. If you cannot accomplish big things, busy yourself with smaller things, aud pave the way for greater achievement, which IS sure to come if you persist. Be ready for whatever may develop, and organized effort is the only means of getting into such readiness. Don't be discouraged oy the apparent indiffer- ence or opposition of the reactionnTies. Many things may be accomplished by the Canaan Business Mems Association for the public good. but you've got to get together and act together. Con- cluding, Mir. Collev recited the en- couraging lines of Bill Arp:
 "If you pick a thorny rose
 Keep a'goin'.
 If it halls, or if it snows,
 Keep a'goin'.
 S'pose the fish ain't on your line: Faint no use to sit an whine
 Bait your hook, an keep on tryin'.
 Keep a'goin'.
 eff the weather spells your crop,
 Keep a'goin'.
 If you tumble from the top,
 Keep a'goin'.
 S'pose you're out O every dime; Goin' broke ain't any crime
 Tell tn world you're feelin' prime;
 Keep a'goin'.
 "When it looks like all is up,
 Keep a'go.n'.
 Drain tn sweetness from the cup;
 Keep a'goin'.
 See tn wild bird on tn wing;
 Hear tn bells that sweetly ring;
 When you feel like sighiu', Sing!
 AeSp BOln
 The first speaker introduced by Presi- dent Holsapple was Rev. k. c. Gillette who made a short but meaty talk on the advantage of having a live Busi- ness Mems organization in the town The local Association had accomplished good results, in spite of the sneering inquiry, What does it amount to ?" Not only has it done things, but it stands ready to grapple with larger problems that may come up, and ena- ble the town to take advantage of possi- ble opportunities, which it could not do unless there were organized senti- ment and organized effort ready to meet those opportunities. Aside from the material advantages, there were the social events promoted by the Asso- citation, which should perpetuate the public interest in keeping it alive.
 Rev. L. E. Travis was called on, and spoke briefly. He said some people will