Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-09-14

The Rev. DIR. @. II. Forney, who
for years has been active in all civic
matters. makes the following contri-
button to the Telegraph on improve
ments:
AS I think of the approaching
celebration of the completion of the
public improvements in our beautiful
city, am reminded OF the distinction
between beauty which is intrinsic and
beauty which is relative. The former
requires only an eye to see and taste
to admire; the latter requires the
power of understanding and reflection.
The beauty of utility is proporuoned
to the degree of utility. Our munich
pal improvements need to be sepa-
rately considered. else they pass with
out making any distinct impression
Those who are impressed with the
real value of these achievements are
comparatively few. But recount them'
and their utility and beauty are con-
spicuous. They are our well-paVed,
clean streets: our delightful parks;
our brilliantly lighted avenues; the
city Front Steps and broad walks;
the tempting promenades and smooth
walks with welcome fountains. These
anpeal to the eyes of all. But who
among our four score thousands have
seen old wetzefs Swamp, notorious
only for its want OF all attractions.
since 1t has become the celebrated
wildwood Park with Its incaleula pie
and hidden utilitarian beauty Ine
fltration plant is an object OF sight
worth a walk to the island: but who
sees in 1t vital factor in the conser-
vation OF life and health for our COM
munity? And the vastly improved
sewerage system and garbage disposal
plants with the resulting cleanliness
of our cellars and yards. are most
worthy achievements. bringing health
and comfort and beauty. The true
greatness of a city is not measured
by population. nor wealth, nor trade,
important as these are; but by the
embodiment in institutions of those
adoms and principles which safeguard
and promote the general health, com
fort, prosperity and high moral Ideals
OF its citizens. The civic progress
which Harrisburg has made is the
strongest element in putting the city
in the heart of it's citizens. 1t has
also elevated the citizens morally ana
esthetically. These masterful achieve
ments, il is true, have been condl-
toned by the qualities of our people;
by their courage, their sentiment thelr
industry, their enlightenment; yet IN
Harrisburg's progress may be seen
the lofty ideals worthy of true cit-
zens. and at the same time a fine
and fitting expression of civic pride
and public spirit. The primitive idea
of the town or village was that of
protection and safety; and when to
this was added the element of intrin-
sic and relative beauty II marked a
distinct epoch in civilization. Emer-
son said: The earth laughs in flowers
So to-day Harrisburg rejoices in i'm
provements which promote health
and sanitation; afford comfort and
protection: attract visitors and cap
ital and contribute to the moral ele-
vation and the contentment of her
people. The value of this civic prog
ress will be evidenced in human lives,
in comfort and in well-being. Har-
risburg has an unsurpassed environ
ment: yet with Newman we may say:
HIf nature did much for Athens. it is
fdndeniable that art has done much
more And while Harrisburg is not
vet Venice, the perfection of beauty,
il is betting that we should rejoice
together and be glad over the fact
that so much which looks to that end
has been carried to a successful issue" 3"
George W. Reilly. vice. president of
the Harrisburg Trust Company, said
briefly: This city need have no fear