The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-09-06
PROFESSOR ANDERSON
ISSUES STATEMENT
Tells of the Reasons Actuating Him
In Taking ONCE OF Executive
Secretary of Civic Association.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE
Declares There Should Be No Cessa-
ton OF Effort Until a Modern Char
ter Shall Have Been Provided For
the City of Richmond.

Professor d. r. Anderson, who &C
lively assumed the Office OF executive
secretary Of the Civic Association on
September l, has furnished the Vir-
gtnian the following interesting state
msnt: ---------..-.
In response to many inquiries In
reference to my connection with the
Civic Associatio and my plans for the
coming year. I take pleasure in hand
ing you a statement for the benefit
Of my friends, the membership of the
Civic Association. and the public at
large.
The present incumbent took Of
nca as executivo-secretaTy on Septem-
Der /. He was In no sense a candi-
date for the position. but when 1t
was understood that the position would
be vacant and difficulty was found in
securing suitable man, l was pre-
vailed upon to accept by the argu-
mont that here was opportunity for
public service. Although l was re-
luctant to take up the responsibilit
which the present work means. it
seemed to me that it was my duty
to accept and do my best. 1t is de-
sirable to state that acceptance of
the position brings about no change in
the relations which / sustain to the
college. ] will continue to organize
and direct the work of the depart
mont OF history and political science
at Richmond College, and will do the
same amount of teaching as Is done
by the professors in the law school
who have Offices in town. The col
lege Is affording me greater oppor-
tunity for public work. which 1t has
always encouraged. takes the same
point OF view an myself-that what a
large number OF prominent men in
the city present as a public duty
should not be thrust aside except I'M
der peculiar circumstances. Rich
mond College has been a wholesome
influence In training servants and Is
willing whenever possible to practice
the gospel which 1t breaches.
Tie Task.
Tho present secretary has no illus
sions about the task which he is un-
dertaking or any exaggerated ideas
Of his own qualifications for the work.
An effective director of the office Of
great civic body needs information.
enthusiasm, personality. organizing
ability, and an indefinite amount OF
energy. OF the necessary Qualifica-
tons, I am sure OF only two-one is
enthusiasm for good government in
Richmond and willingness to work to
the limit OF my body and mind for
this great purpose With an able
president executive committee, and
board Of directors. I see no reason
why great good may not be accom-
plished. For the present year, the
| work OF the Civic Association will be
even more difficult and require even
moro energy and skill than last year
The active interest incident to the in
auguration of the movement In 1915
must be revived and increased to the
end that practical results may be ac-
complished.
THE policies>of the association are
established by the board OF directors
and the annual meeting of tho
membership. The point OF view of
the secretary may be OF interest, how
ever.
The following are some Of the OBJ
1ects which the present secretary has
set before himself and IN which he
no doubt will have the most able and
cordial assistance of the officers and
committees Of the association. 1t Is
not thought that all of these things
can be accomplished at once; but
earnest and continued efforts will be
made to bring them about In due
time
SPECIFIC Objects.
II. To bring about a sense OF CO.
hesion among the large membership
Of the Observation-Disclosures hun
dred people animated with our pur-
purpose and working together with
enthusiasm can make Richmond the
best governed city IN the world.
q. To increase the size of that
membership, which should include ev-
cry right-thinking man in Richmond.
-. To invite the most cordial re-
lations OF the various excellent local
associations with the Civic Associa-
OF the city at large.
In connection with the res4stra-
ton committee: to labor for Increased
registration of citizens, and to CO.
operate with all proper authorities In
bringing out the vote; to make our
contribution to the labor OF breaking
up the shameful condition of indif-
ference to the primary duty Of citi-
zenship.
IS. To keep in touch with progres-
sive ideas and movements in city gov
eminent and to inform our citizens
about them.
IS. To work unswervingly for a
modern charter for Richmond. which
In due time must be and will be So
cured. There must be no evasion Of
this duty modern charter for Rich
mond 10 needed as much now as be-
fore the Council committee undertook