The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-01-29

The future development OF any town
depends largely on its civic organiza
tons, the nature of their function
and the success or failure with which
their aims and objects are carried i'll
to execution.
Caldwell has some of the best civic
organizations to be found i'll towns
many times its size and population
while others are very mediocre. Oul
school board is perfect piece OF or
gained machinery, is manned by
some of our best citizens and bust.
ness men, and is credit and COM
pliment both to the members of the
board and the city they serve. We
boast of the best schools in Idaho
and the credit is largely due to the
efficiency of our splendid school board
The same deserved compliment
could be httingy lapplied to the For
ward Club, The Carnegie Library
Board, the Board of Associated Char
tiles, The Parent-Te achers Associa-
ton and other organizations, while
the Commercial Club, which should
be the most efficient factor of all city
organizations for the upbuilding Of the
community, and the one organiza-
ton that can and should reach out,
and do something tangible and prac-
teal, does not seem alive to its OPP
portunties, and is not taking advant-
age of the many possibilities now pre-
senting themselves to it.
Now don't all holler at once This
criticism isn't to Start anything"
m tl,a enlanI;I
spirit now existing in the city, but
to add to that spirit and offer few
suggestions that | believe will put
the club in the class with our other
organizations.
1t is not our desire to knock the
club, or the men and officers compos-
ing it. They have performed some
good service and the club has been
OF some benefit. These suggestions
are given to try and create sentiment
to inspire thought and action that
will lead to more practical use be-
ing made of this lethargic but inn
portant organization.
Some will say the writer has no
right to criticise as he is not now
member of the club. We will admit
the latter accusation, and could pub
llsh chapters telling the reason why.
Suthce to say however, myself and
many Others have dropped out of the
club, believing it was of no practical
use to the city or the individual men,
bers, and feeling the time and money
expended in it could be used to much |
better advantage along other lines. |
We are satisfied that our action has
been justified by the splendid results !
of our advertising and individual eff |
fort, but we believe the individual
way is not the best way for the COM
munity at large and we are anxious
to cooperate. While we do not want
to misrepresent or magnify the fraili-
ties of the club ! am sure most of the |
members will agree with the follow
ing statement of facts.
Has the Commercial Club been d.
rectiy instrumental in bringing Ito |
Caldwell a single family during the
past two or three years?
Has the Club been instrumental in
establishing a single industry. factory.
shop or payroll in Caldwell during
that time?
Has the Club co-operated with the
farmer to the end of The good fell
lowship spirit" that exist between
the farmer and the city if the best in
tercst of all are to be promoted?
tias the club with all its revenue
and members, spent as much money
advertising Caldwell and its resources
as has been spent by a single indiyid-
ual firm in the town?
One OF the principal offices of
commercial Club is to collect and
furnish data and general infouna-
ZION to the public, and special in
formation to inquirers and home -,
seekers. We know from personal ex- :
perience that our club is woefulk de- =
hcient IN this department. =;
Gan any civic club, commercial or :
otherwise, attain any marked degree +
OF success as long as the manage.
nent or persons directly in charge :
are non-property owners and have on. :
y Saiaried interest III the town? Can +
.hey be vitality in touch with the city's .
leed and problems from the taxpayers :
standpoint, with no special FIRST hand :
interest IN the same? They NAV he :,
men OF high ideals and good inten- .
ions but doesn't their lack of prop
,rty interests disqualify them for ef-
lelency in the same manner an old 7
naid Is incapable of advising how to
aiSe children, having had no first
and experience Too much theory .
nd not enough practice.
Something is radically wrong with u
organization when its members {,
pologize for its officers, and others i
cruise to act as officers because such
istinctlon would injurc their bust :,
eSS. Others apologize for being G
TENDERS and score the club for it's K
as was done the last Il